A&Q about 350Z
Q:
the problem is actually with the design of the wheel, not nissan tech's capability. i've even had these rims to aftermarket shops, and even when they use hand tools they still get dinged. the design does not allow for proper torquing. sure looks like a design flaw. let's all lemon our cars again!
2003 350Z LeMans Sunset Track with Nav
No mods
A:
I dont know about the Track wheels... but my 17" enthusiast wheels gets easily scratched ...
I got two scratches already just from washing grrrrr ...
A:
if you're scratching your 17's in the washing process, you're doing something wrong.
A:
Service manager just denied they had anything to do with the damage to my wheel. Man, this is going to be a pain...
If you guys have gone through similar hell, I'd love to hear how you won.
njm
A:
128sl:
Paint is paint.
Wheels get mostly scratched from road debris.
-Zanioed '03 Le Mans Sunset Touring Coupe w/ Nav.
A:
jmendez72,
I am really surprised the manager is not willing to work with you. Other options are to calmly take this up with the General Manager of the dealer and if that does not work go to the owner. There are mobil techs that service dealers and repair the scratches and gouges in alloy wheels. They can't repair chrome but they can fix most other wheels. Most dealers use these guys to repair their used car wheels. If the guy is any good he can make the wheels look like new. Cost is about $75 per wheel. Why don't you bring up this option instead of replacement. I would also contact the regional Nissan rep. My company (we fix interiors) services more than 300 new car dealers and I am in and out of the shops all day. I find most dealers pretty agreeable to taking care of problems customers claim were caused in the shop. Quite often I see them taking care of problems they are positive were not caused by them, but it's all in the name of improved customer service/relations. Quite often it is how you present yourself when confronting them. The key is to stay calm and not get crazy and offensive. Except as a very last resort if it will make you feel better.
A:
I took my track for new front wheels and they damaged all 4 rims from the re-alignement. The alignment heads they used did the damage. I showed the service manager and they asked what I wanted to do, so I said that I wanted new rims. They said o-k. I was surprised. But, when the new rims came in, and they were installed, I ended up with new problems. A nail in the new front wheel, a damaged valve stem (w/air pressure monitor system), and damaged rims again, this time from the air gun used for the lug nuts, which they are not suppose to use anyways. So it is back to the dealership again.
It turns out that they can't do the 18" wheels. Makes no sense to me to sell something that you can not service. The dealership I use sends the 18" wheels out to the local Les Schwab. I am really disappointed. These track wheels are over $1000 a peice! I paid extra for these on the Track option, So I feel they should be perfect. I go tomorrow to set a date to have another set installed, again!
At least they are willing to make it right. Good luck with your wheels, just be firm, but polite. Remember you paid for those expensive wheels and you did not damage them, they did.
A:
128sl: I know I must be doing something wrong, I just don't know what it is! Very frustrating to see a scratch.
zpoe: You are right, the scratch was probably from some road debris. The front wheels get dirty so quickly that it hid the scratch, I did not notice it until I went to clean the wheels on the weekend.
Post Edited (Jun 15, 10:27pm)
A:
jmendez72,
Sorry about hijacking your thread, but back on topic ... if I were you I would refuse to do business with that dealer and tell everyone I know to stay away from them. That is just simply wrong that they will not fix the damage they have caused.
Other than that, I agree with what the others have said, see if you can go to the general manager or owner about the problem, and be as polite as possible.
A:
A valid point was brought up earlier re: inspecting the vehicle when it is brought in for service.I do business with a lot of car dealers and many of them do a walk around much the same as a rental car company and note any exterior defects. You may want to politely suggest that you would like to have them do this when ever you bring the vehicle in for service. It actually covers everyones rear end.jmendez, don't give up, keep pressing them even if you have to go to your local better business bureau, although the BBB has no enforcement powers. You may want to try Small Claims Court. Depending on the value involved it is a very effective way for the little guy to to protect himself. It is a pain in ass but it does work.