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car wash problems
Several years ago I took my much-cared-for car to a 'hand wash'. The steam pressure washer was held very close to the paintwork, but the damage was not apparent until I had driven the short way home and the car had dried completely.
I returned and reported the problem, then wrote a letter. I called to follow up but no reply. I also sent a letter recorded delivery, but for a number of reasons did not follow this up. I also took pictures.
I had agreed the sale of the car a few days before this, but sadly the sale of the car fell through because of the damage. I have a letter from the purchaser explaining why they pulled out of the agreement. The laquer was removed in a considerable number of places and the original excellent condition was no longer true.
The car's condition has deteriorated with time as the laquer peels away and I feel so upset that I would like to take the car wash firm to the small claims court. I would be interested in any advice!
I returned and reported the problem, then wrote a letter. I called to follow up but no reply. I also sent a letter recorded delivery, but for a number of reasons did not follow this up. I also took pictures.
I had agreed the sale of the car a few days before this, but sadly the sale of the car fell through because of the damage. I have a letter from the purchaser explaining why they pulled out of the agreement. The laquer was removed in a considerable number of places and the original excellent condition was no longer true.
The car's condition has deteriorated with time as the laquer peels away and I feel so upset that I would like to take the car wash firm to the small claims court. I would be interested in any advice!
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Comments
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the fact that you have waited several years will not go in your favour, what proof do you have that it was the car wash place that damaged your car car, it will be your word against theirs
had you questioned the damage at the time the car was washed then you may have had a claim but several years later I dont think you will have any joy at all0 -
Several years ago I took my much-cared-for car to a 'hand wash'. The steam pressure washer was held very close to the paintwork, but the damage was not apparent until I had driven the short way home and the car had dried completely.
I returned and reported the problem, then wrote a letter. I called to follow up but no reply. I also sent a letter recorded delivery, but for a number of reasons did not follow this up. I also took pictures.
I had agreed the sale of the car a few days before this, but sadly the sale of the car fell through because of the damage. I have a letter from the purchaser explaining why they pulled out of the agreement. The laquer was removed in a considerable number of places and the original excellent condition was no longer true.
The car's condition has deteriorated with time as the laquer peels away and I feel so upset that I would like to take the car wash firm to the small claims court. I would be interested in any advice!
How was the car cared for before the visit?
I have used a power washer on cars for years and the only way the laquer is going to come of, is if it was substandard in the 1st place.0 -
the fact that you have waited several years will not go in your favour, what proof do you have that it was the car wash place that damaged your car car, it will be your word against theirs
had you questioned the damage at the time the car was washed then you may have had a claim but several years later I dont think you will have any joy at all
As above. Don't waste your time.
Instead look at the cost of getting it smartened up to sell, assuming that's what you want to do. After several years, does it have any residual value now anyway?I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the In My Home MoneySaving, Energy and Techie Stuff boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
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How was the car cared for before the visit?
I have used a power washer on cars for years and the only way the laquer is going to come of, is if it was substandard in the 1st place.
I normally wash my car by hand on my front drive but earlier this year wanted a quick freshen up so to it to the local jet wash, as i was blasting the bugs off the front bumper i noticed a small blister where the water had found a stone chip and got under the clear-cote
it was only a very small area of damage but soon peeled badly, the result was a £225 repair bill for the bumper to be resprayed0 -
Not the fault of the jet wash though.I normally wash my car by hand on my front drive but earlier this year wanted a quick freshen up so to it to the local jet wash, as i was blasting the bugs off the front bumper i noticed a small blister where the water had found a stone chip and got under the clear-cote
it was only a very small area of damage but soon peeled badly, the result was a £225 repair bill for the bumper to be resprayed0 -
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I'm not sure that these are the answers I was hoping for but probably it's sound advice and will save heartache.
The car was in really top condition and the buyer thought he had a good, original, undamaged car. He backed off when the car was damaged. He did write a nice letter explaining.
The paintwark was excellent... and it was the first thing the body shop said that the car had had a pressure washer used too close.0 -
What car is this? Some paint is harder than others - VAG for example is very hard.
But as already said, there must have been a defect already for the water to penetrate.
Someone like chipsaway could do a smart repair on the areas.0 -
I did try chipsaway (or similar) but repair is not feasible.
The car is a Merc SLK0
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