Paint Showdown with Warranty Man

Conrad'67 · 6th May 2008, 15:56

I've got to see the Honda warranty man in an hour about the 100+ stonechips on the front of my car. I gave it a proper wash at the weekend and on close inspection the bonnet is severely peppered making the front of the car look 'wack'. Has anyone else on here had the front end of the car resprayed under warranty? What are my chances of success?

Conrad'67 · 6th May 2008, 18:46

To answer myself and anyone else wondering, the chances of success are approximately zero. Not thier fault, not thier problem. I've got to contact the main Honda UK customer support to see if they will take action. My bonnet looks bloody awful

ghowarth · 6th May 2008, 19:43

seems to be their answer for everything, good luck with it,
I must be very lucky, just washed mine now and only got about half a dozen chips, is it certain colours that chip worse than others?

cylon2007 · 6th May 2008, 21:36

The only way is to fill the chips as soon as they appear, pain in the *rse but there you go. All vehicles get stone chips and there's nowt the manufacturers can do about it. The soft paint is because they now have to use waterbased paints as the old solvent based ones aren't good for the planet.

Wasser098 · 6th May 2008, 21:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conrad'67

I've got to contact the main Honda UK customer support to see if they will take action.

Let us know how you get on.

civicfan · 6th May 2008, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by cylon2007

The only way is to fill the chips as soon as they appear, pain in the *rse but there you go. All vehicles get stone chips and there's nowt the manufacturers can do about it. The soft paint is because they now have to use waterbased paints as the old solvent based ones aren't good for the planet.

And if you have to repaint your car after 3 years because of this lousyecological paint it's good for the planet, sure

Woette · 7th May 2008, 09:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by civicfan

And if you have to repaint your car after 3 years because of this lousyecological paint it's good for the planet, sure

aha good point

i also have some stone chips, one of em happened because someone reaaaaally wanted to go fatser then me, so he overtook me and swapped in front of me waaaaaay to close throwing a big stone on my bonnet.
AH joy, this happened in my second week of ownership, DOH

Conrad'67 · 8th May 2008, 20:11

The main Honda customer support centre finally got back to me today after I hassled them into taking action. Their stance on the matter is that they can do nothing about a customer damaging the paintwork through use and that they would not be taking the matter further. That's what they think. I don't like getting treated like a muppet. I have sent a nasty letter to them. What total and utter scumbags. Even if they rectified the problem immediately I cannot see me buying another Honda product in future. This is my 3rd brand new Honda, the first being an EP3 Type-R and the second being a motorbike. I burn 40 grand on vehicles from these crooks and they won't give me a 5 minute hearing regarding the paint falling off my car! F them. I knew I should have got a TT!

NEEMSTAR · 8th May 2008, 20:15

sorry to hear that
they know they have fooked up big time
but if they admit it, it will be a very big mistake - they don't want the floodgates to open
does not take away from the fact that the paint is SHOCKING
hope your quest to take it further is successful mate

Dimplyred · 8th May 2008, 20:30

I'm sorry this is spoiling your enjoyment of the car, I take it like the rest of us, you love to drive it.

Don't let it drop, give them hell, and I hope you get it sorted sooner rather than later if at all.

civicfan · 8th May 2008, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woette

aha good point

i also have some stone chips, one of em happened because someone reaaaaally wanted to go fatser then me, so he overtook me and swapped in front of me waaaaaay to close throwing a big stone on my bonnet.
AH joy, this happened in my second week of ownership, DOH

Good I wasn't at your place, I would probably now be in jail for assault and battery

adamcivic · 8th May 2008, 21:13

Out of interest is the paint worse than the ep3? My previous car was an EP2 and the paint was terrible - one of the main reasons I got so fed up with it.

If the new model paint is worse, Honda learn nothing........

Kremmen · 9th May 2008, 06:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by cylon2007

The only way is to fill the chips as soon as they appear, pain in the *rse but there you go. All vehicles get stone chips and there's nowt the manufacturers can do about it. The soft paint is because they now have to use waterbased paints as the old solvent based ones aren't good for the planet.

I disagree:

I understand that B*W use powder based paints and they don't have anywhere near the same problem.
They could also put extra laquer on the front areas.
I reckon there's lots they could do if they put their mind to it.

Conrad'67 · 9th May 2008, 09:10

My boss got a Volvo at the same time as I got the civic. He has done twice the amount of miles I have. There is no major stone chips on his car. My old Type-R I sold after 2.5 years with just a few minor stone-chips. Barely noticable. The paintwork on the new car is very poor in comparison.

Typo · 9th May 2008, 13:53

Would there be any "mileage"

in trying Trading Standards, on the basis that the finish is not of merchantable quality?

Unknownsoldier · 9th May 2008, 14:10

Honda's Bodyshop in Canterbury, told me the stonechips were my fault, in that I was obviously driving too cloase to other vehicles..... I pointed out that I have driven 4 other vehicles a total of 150,000++++ miles and never had as many stonechips with them all added together as I have on this car.

Tom

angie4m · 9th May 2008, 14:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unknownsoldier

Honda's Bodyshop in Canterbury, told me the stonechips were my fault, in that I was obviously driving too cloase to other vehicles..... I pointed out that I have driven 4 other vehicles a total of 150,000++++ miles and never had as many stonechips with them all added together as I have on this car.

Tom

Wonder what they would say to the chips on the doors, wings and mirrors? Did I decide to drive sideways too close to the vehical in front??? Hmmm don't think so. Guys in the parts dept at my dealer know the issues with the paint and told me that it was thinner on the CTR and even thinner on the wings!

carlwi · 9th May 2008, 15:32

I've had exactly the same issue with my Milano FN2 since the first week. The bonnet and front wings now look like someone has thrown a bottle of tippex over them.

Anyway after nearly 12 months of trying to get Honda to respond to me I finally blew my top and emailed the head of Honda UK customer relations (after not getting promised callbacks and being ignored for months). Within about 30 minutes I had someone call me and arrange an independent paint inspection and I also had a call from the dealer that same day about some other issues I'd had.

The paint inspection was carried out (I'm not convinced it was that independent as HUK arranged it), but the report came back that the stone chips were a road hazzard and not Honda's problem.

HUK have now offered to pay for 50% of a bonnet and front wing respray as a goodwill gesture.

Be tenacious, you might eventually get somewhere with them if you keep trying....The paint is clearly carp on the Civics, My other half bought a Megane at the same time, same mileage as my car now and not a single chip on it, says it all really.

angie4m · 9th May 2008, 15:37

Unfortunatley the bonnet is at a very steep gradient and its always going to attact the stray, bouncing stones. Hard paint causes stone chips, soft paint cases scratches. You can't get a happy medium. I think i'm going to post some pics of a convertible I have been given.........the bumper is a nightmare aswell as the wing mirrors and makes Honda's paint look fantastic and this pebble dashed plastic bumper belongs to a BMW!

carlwi · 9th May 2008, 15:58

I genuinely think that some cars do have a problem with the paint. Mine is the only car I have ever owned that has had the problem, and I've had everything from total sheds to a Boxster S via quite a few 325Ci's and 330Ci Sports.

When the paint report came back for my car it had clearly only focused on areas where there were genuine stone ships (yes I have a few proper ones and I've heard nost of them hit). My area of concern with the paint is the large amount (hundreds) of tiny white specks on my bonnet and wings where the paint has been removed down to the primer by particles that could be no larger than a grain of sand, these white specks are way smaller than a millimeter in diameter and show no obvious signs of any impact.

I really beleive that they have screwed up on some cars with the thickness of the paint layers on particular cars. I've tried to get a repsonse from HUK as to how thick the individual layers should be as when they measured paint depth on the report they only measure full thickness which will nearly always be within HUK standards.

For example the front section of the bonnet and wings are supposed to be protected by a layer of chipping primer, yet the paint thickness there is exactly the same as further up the bonnet.

6th May 2008, 15:56	#1 (permalink)
Conrad'67 Supporter Wheelnut Join Date: 18th July 2007 Location: Bonny Scotland Posts: 85 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Showdown with Warranty Man I've got to see the Honda warranty man in an hour about the 100+ stonechips on the front of my car. I gave it a proper wash at the weekend and on close inspection the bonnet is severely peppered making the front of the car look 'wack'. Has anyone else on here had the front end of the car resprayed under warranty? What are my chances of success?

9th May 2008, 15:32	#18 (permalink)
carlwi Valve Cap Join Date: 8th June 2007 Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I've had exactly the same issue with my Milano FN2 since the first week. The bonnet and front wings now look like someone has thrown a bottle of tippex over them. Anyway after nearly 12 months of trying to get Honda to respond to me I finally blew my top and emailed the head of Honda UK customer relations (after not getting promised callbacks and being ignored for months). Within about 30 minutes I had someone call me and arrange an independent paint inspection and I also had a call from the dealer that same day about some other issues I'd had. The paint inspection was carried out (I'm not convinced it was that independent as HUK arranged it), but the report came back that the stone chips were a road hazzard and not Honda's problem. HUK have now offered to pay for 50% of a bonnet and front wing respray as a goodwill gesture. Be tenacious, you might eventually get somewhere with them if you keep trying....The paint is clearly carp on the Civics, My other half bought a Megane at the same time, same mileage as my car now and not a single chip on it, says it all really. Last edited by carlwi; 9th May 2008 at 15:33. Reason: edited for spelling

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This thread is about: Showdown with Warranty Man, it's in Bugs, faults and irritations at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; I've got to see the Honda warranty man in an hour about the 100+ stonechips on the front of my car. I gave it a ...

6th May 2008, 18:46	#2 (permalink)
Conrad'67 Supporter Wheelnut Join Date: 18th July 2007 Location: Bonny Scotland Posts: 85 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	To answer myself and anyone else wondering, the chances of success are approximately zero. Not thier fault, not thier problem. I've got to contact the main Honda UK customer support to see if they will take action. My bonnet looks bloody awful

6th May 2008, 19:43	#3 (permalink)
ghowarth Supporter Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 13th February 2008 Location: Aylesbury UK Posts: 127 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	seems to be their answer for everything, good luck with it, I must be very lucky, just washed mine now and only got about half a dozen chips, is it certain colours that chip worse than others?

6th May 2008, 21:36	#4 (permalink)
cylon2007 Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 14th April 2007 Location: South Manchester/North Cheshire Posts: 450 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	The only way is to fill the chips as soon as they appear, pain in the *rse but there you go. All vehicles get stone chips and there's nowt the manufacturers can do about it. The soft paint is because they now have to use waterbased paints as the old solvent based ones aren't good for the planet.

8th May 2008, 20:11	#8 (permalink)
Conrad'67 Supporter Wheelnut Join Date: 18th July 2007 Location: Bonny Scotland Posts: 85 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	The main Honda customer support centre finally got back to me today after I hassled them into taking action. Their stance on the matter is that they can do nothing about a customer damaging the paintwork through use and that they would not be taking the matter further. That's what they think. I don't like getting treated like a muppet. I have sent a nasty letter to them. What total and utter scumbags. Even if they rectified the problem immediately I cannot see me buying another Honda product in future. This is my 3rd brand new Honda, the first being an EP3 Type-R and the second being a motorbike. I burn 40 grand on vehicles from these crooks and they won't give me a 5 minute hearing regarding the paint falling off my car! F them. I knew I should have got a TT!

8th May 2008, 20:15	#9 (permalink)
NEEMSTAR Nobody gets out alive Rocketship door handle Join Date: 7th October 2007 Location: In your mind Posts: 1,032 Thanks: 24 Thanked 11 Times in 11 Posts	sorry to hear that they know they have fooked up big time but if they admit it, it will be a very big mistake - they don't want the floodgates to open does not take away from the fact that the paint is SHOCKING hope your quest to take it further is successful mate

8th May 2008, 20:30	#10 (permalink)
Dimplyred Type R GT 09570 Civinfo guru Join Date: 24th August 2007 Location: Staffordshire Posts: 3,253 Thanks: 16 Thanked 41 Times in 41 Posts	I'm sorry this is spoiling your enjoyment of the car, I take it like the rest of us, you love to drive it. Don't let it drop, give them hell, and I hope you get it sorted sooner rather than later if at all.

8th May 2008, 21:13	#12 (permalink)
adamcivic Valve Cap Join Date: 4th October 2006 Location: North West Posts: 25 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Out of interest is the paint worse than the ep3? My previous car was an EP2 and the paint was terrible - one of the main reasons I got so fed up with it. If the new model paint is worse, Honda learn nothing........

9th May 2008, 09:10	#14 (permalink)
Conrad'67 Supporter Wheelnut Join Date: 18th July 2007 Location: Bonny Scotland Posts: 85 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	My boss got a Volvo at the same time as I got the civic. He has done twice the amount of miles I have. There is no major stone chips on his car. My old Type-R I sold after 2.5 years with just a few minor stone-chips. Barely noticable. The paintwork on the new car is very poor in comparison.

9th May 2008, 13:53	#15 (permalink)
Typo Valve Cap Join Date: 26th March 2008 Location: Surrey Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Would there be any "mileage" in trying Trading Standards, on the basis that the finish is not of merchantable quality?

9th May 2008, 14:10	#16 (permalink)
Unknownsoldier Comedian/Smart Ase Civinfo guru* Join Date: 22nd September 2007 Location: Kent, UK Posts: 2,265 Thanks: 37 Thanked 17 Times in 17 Posts	Honda's Bodyshop in Canterbury, told me the stonechips were my fault, in that I was obviously driving too cloase to other vehicles..... I pointed out that I have driven 4 other vehicles a total of 150,000++++ miles and never had as many stonechips with them all added together as I have on this car. Tom

9th May 2008, 15:37	#19 (permalink)
angie4m Why Do I bother? Civinfo guru Join Date: 28th September 2007 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 2,482 Thanks: 10 Thanked 16 Times in 16 Posts	Unfortunatley the bonnet is at a very steep gradient and its always going to attact the stray, bouncing stones. Hard paint causes stone chips, soft paint cases scratches. You can't get a happy medium. I think i'm going to post some pics of a convertible I have been given.........the bumper is a nightmare aswell as the wing mirrors and makes Honda's paint look fantastic and this pebble dashed plastic bumper belongs to a BMW!

9th May 2008, 15:58	#20 (permalink)
carlwi Valve Cap Join Date: 8th June 2007 Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I genuinely think that some cars do have a problem with the paint. Mine is the only car I have ever owned that has had the problem, and I've had everything from total sheds to a Boxster S via quite a few 325Ci's and 330Ci Sports. When the paint report came back for my car it had clearly only focused on areas where there were genuine stone ships (yes I have a few proper ones and I've heard nost of them hit). My area of concern with the paint is the large amount (hundreds) of tiny white specks on my bonnet and wings where the paint has been removed down to the primer by particles that could be no larger than a grain of sand, these white specks are way smaller than a millimeter in diameter and show no obvious signs of any impact. I really beleive that they have screwed up on some cars with the thickness of the paint layers on particular cars. I've tried to get a repsonse from HUK as to how thick the individual layers should be as when they measured paint depth on the report they only measure full thickness which will nearly always be within HUK standards. For example the front section of the bonnet and wings are supposed to be protected by a layer of chipping primer, yet the paint thickness there is exactly the same as further up the bonnet.