Ford - Financed Car Damaged

stevebaldwin21

Hi there,

looking to get some advice regard my car who is financed through Ford. A few days ago I noticed that my car had been slightly damaged at my work (no camera's at the back of the building) - dent in my quarter panel.

It states in my Ford Options agreement;

'Any repairs must be completed to a professional standard by an authorised Ford workshop or body-shop'.

One of my family members runs a accident repair shop (not Ford approved) and can do the work on my car. The dent will need to be filled and the rear quarter panel will have to be resprayed. Ford approved will charge a fortune for this repair; £350 up.

This may seems like a stupid question but if I was to go non Ford, if I want to return the car towards the end of my agreement, can I expect costs on return of the vehicle. Are they able to tell if the car has been repaired by a non-approved?

What would be best to do in this situation thats affordable?

Thank you in advance for your help!

jbainbridge

If you're confident the repair will be top notch ... how will they know.

I know what I'd do!

LondonGal

If they're good, you won't be able to see the repair. Only you know how good they are, if you're happy, I'd go for it as long as it's not being done through your insurance. If an insurance job, you're better going to an approved garage.

stevebaldwin21

Thanks for the replies!

I wasn't sure if when the vehicle is returned they test or do a very thorough inspection of the bodywork to check for filler.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

This is the risk everyone is willing to take with a contract term like this.
Only you know how good this body shop is, so if the work is excellent go for it they wont know.


but to the trained eye if the work is not that good, its will stand out.
If your car is say repo'd for whatever reason and the repair is sub standard, then you broke your terms of contract so be conscious to that fact.

colino

As said, if you have someone who can repair it properly (and that doesn't mean just putty n'paint) get it done. Your car will be examined, but if your guy is good his work should be comparable to the guy with the approved logo on his overall.
There's an old saying, "they've all seen paint".