Dealer Scratches my Black 2009 Rogue! Help!

[rogue06th]

Nissan Dealer Scratches my New Black 2009 Rogue! Help!

Just got it less than a month, I took it in for a service and later the dealer washed my black rogue without informing and permission.

They were using broomsticks to wash the car. Very very sad! This is a new car in black color, not an old truck! I am now very angry. Scratches and swirls are allover the paint and moldings (black vinyl taped door frames) , with one long noticeable scratch on front driver side window black molding (black vinyl taped door frames). I can see them clearly inside a parking lot.

I could not sleep seeing my new car with those marks. I am going to talk to them next week. I also purchased Maquiar’s product which help reduce some appearances.

My big concern is the flat black window molding. Any suggestion please let me know.

Thanks,

Swirls on Paint (This is a Nissan, but not my car)

Modified by rogue06th at 1:11 PM 12/28/2008

Modified by rogue06th at 6:49 PM 2/6/2009
Modified by rogue06th at 6:55 PM 2/6/2009

[audtatious]

Hopefully you pointed it out to them before you left the lot or they will deny everything.

Welcome to NICO

[rogue06th]

Glade to be here

Well, I have not seen those scratches until I drove to the gym. This just happened this morning. Later, I called the dealer, but the manager had left. I would prefer to replace the car with another Rogue, but I don't think that will happen. I will not sleep well tonight

[audtatious]

Replacement won't happen. The most you can expect from the dealer would be for them to buff the car to get rid of the marks.

[rogue06th]

For the window moldings, I think buffing or claying would screw up the flat black color.

Most of scratches can be eliminated by a buffing machine. I brought and applied Meguiars NXT 2.0 wax. It helped minimize those scratches.



Beside buffing and waxing yesterday, I would not doing anything to it and will wait for the dealer's response. My next week schedule is packed. This thing is dragging me. I hope it would go away soon. It will have a hard time sleep for awhile
Modified by rogue06th at 11:02 AM 12/28/2008

[rogue06th]

The window moldings on rogue that I was talking about, look like they are blackout taped to the door frames next to the glass windows. I am not sure that I have use the right term.

Sorry, the car in the picture is not a rogue. I just want to show the location of the window moldings.

If you know or anyone know how to remove scratches from these parts please let me know. Also, should I start a new thread for scratches on window moldings?

[philipa_240sx]

It's well known that black is the absolute worst at showing fine scratches and swirl marks. I had one black car... it was unbelievable how every little defect shows. Unfortunately today's enviro-friendly waterborne finishes (used on many cars including Nissan's) only makes it worse.

My suggestion is to go after the dealer. Ultimately they may deny it, and say it's 'normal wear and tear'.

If you end up stuck with it, take it to a reputable auto detailer. They can buff the scratches and swirls out and make it look showroom new. They can also suggest how to care for the paint to keep it looking good.

BTW, the 'flat black' window molding/trim (not the rubber part) is actually an adhesive plastic film. It's not painted. If it's badly scratched, it would have to be removed and replaced. Optionally, you can remove the plastic film altogether and you will get the same gloss black paint around the windows as the rest of the vehicle. I have seen it done on some Altima's and it looks not bad, esp on black.

Good luck!

[rogue06th]

I brought 09 Rogue less than a month. It was perfect! I have never washed the car and was in the process of selecting the best product for it.

Before purchasing, I knew that my new car would be black and have done some research in proper washing a black car. There are several good videos on youtube. Here is one of them:

Adams Polishes: Washing The Car

Sadly, the dealer uses broomsticks! It is now about 10:00AM in LA. I am going to call them again.

Thank for informing about the window molding. Enjoy taking care of your Nissan!
Modified by rogue06th at 10:47 AM 12/28/2008

[2009 Indigo Blue]

That's a real shame! I'd be furious!

I got my 2009 Rogue in Sept. That's the reason why whenever I've taken my car & previous car in for service, I specifically tell them that I DO NOT WANT IT WASHED IN CASE THEY AUTOMATICALLY DO IT. Then, before I drive off, I walk around the car & give it the once over.

Better yet, whenever turning the car over for any service, leave a legibly written paper on the dashboard that says DO NOT WASH.

Modified by 2009 Indigo Blue at 11:42 AM 12/28/2008

[rogue06th]

Yeap! The easiest thing for the dealer to do is just ask, also can save them time. I have to pack, but don't feel like going on a vacation My car is a part of my life and I have been taking good care of it

[2009 Indigo Blue]

I feel for you! You worked hard to get this new car & in a few minutes, it's messed up! I certainly hope the dealer is cooperative w/ your situation.

I hope you remember what date & time you took your Rogue in for service because they should be able to track down the employees who actually washed it & reprimand them somehow.

Who the hell washes a car w/ broomsticks?! They need to be fired.

[rogue06th]

I think those car wash broomsticks are popular among truck owners. I googled. It looks very similar to this one with a water host attached.



Yep! those hard work and to try to keep our cars to look clean and new. My gone less than a month. thank dude!
Modified by rogue06th at 12:42 PM 12/28/2008

[rogue06th]

About the window molding trim, once, I tried to fix scratches on my previous car using a polishing compound. Ended up removing the scratches but, get a partial uneven gloss black on the molding. Visually, it was worst and more noticeable.

[kerrton]

To correct the problem with the window moldings (door pillars), I would order a set of chrome overlays. You can get them from ebay, and possibly from your Nissan dealer, and from the photos I've seen they look very good. Just a suggestion, I'd check it out anyway. Just search ebay for "Nissan Rogue door pillar".

[rogue06th]

Already check it out. I would prefer the grill and keep the pillars black. thanks. There might be some way to reduce or remove those scratches on the flat black door pillars. I will talk to the dealer next week.

[cdmuile]

Sorry to hear that, 06. You're really at the mercy of the dealer on this one. Don't get mad and scream or anything at them. Be firm and assertive and tell them you'll go further(Nissan NA, Better business Bureau and Rogue forums) mentioning the dealer's name/location if the issue isn't resolved. In these times the last thing a dealer wants is a string of complaints against it that haven't been handled in a satisfactory manner. Good luck. I'm sure they'll take care of it. Happy holidays.

[rogue06th]

Yes, if the issue is not resolved I will mention the name of the dealer. Also, I will research Nissan Better business Bureau. I will be formal, polite and straight to the point.

1) Professional replacement of door pillars and moldings like the factory.2) Professional buff the car to reduce those scratches.

I will allocate my time to do the inspection, well I need a car to drive to work, but I might take a day off for this.

I am going to Vegas and be back on 30th. Also, The Nissan manger might be reading this thread tomorrow.

Thank you for your advise, cdmuile

Happy Holidays!

I'm still angry.
Modified by rogue06th at 11:46 PM 12/28/2008

[slmaken]

I have a Black SL 09 Rogue and if you look at the sticker on the underside of the hood it says that this car has a hard clearcoat. It might be hard but it definately has NO scratch and scuff resistance. I have issues with scratches all over the car that shows up in direct sunlight or overhead lighting. It is the nature of the beast. Try using Eagle One Nano Wax.

[Nissannate25]

That sucks man! I fee for you. I considered getting my '08 Rogue in black as it looks really good with the body style, but black scratches like hell on any vehicle. I got Gotham Grey instead.As other members have said, take your rig to a detailer and have them buff it out. Furthermore, you can invest in a Zaino polish/wax kit. I have used it on my past two vehicles, and all I can say it is the absolute best wax or polish you can get. It'll make your paint look fantastic and it offers great protection from scratches and scuffs.Here's a link if you want to check it out:http://www.zainostore.com/

[kcfm]

I just had the same thing happen yesterday. My car was at the dealer getting the new transmission installed. After I picked it up and got it home the first thing I did was to give it the once-over to check for any damage. I learned to check because last time my car was at the dealer I had the same thing happen. There were scratches all over the bottom of my doors. Well i couldn't figure out the first time around how those scratches got there. I just knew it happened at the dealer. Well I took it back and they buffed them out. Well this time they managed to scratch the entire car! So I finally put it together that this has to be happening from the way they wash their cars. So I called the service manager back and asked him if they use brushes when washing cars. His response was yes. I was in shock! I can't believe they are using brushes with bristles to wash new cars!!! So needless to say now I have to take another day off work to go back to have my entire car buffed out! Not happy!! PS- mine is black as well

[rogue06th]

Dear all thank you for posting,

I took my car back to the Alhambra Nissan and talked to the service manager. I also informed him about this Nissan Forum. The service manager denied that the broomstick car wash (those brushes) at the dealer created swirls and scratches on my Black Rogue.

He told me that there are no swirls or scratches on the paint. I told him that swirls and scratches one the paint had been minimized by Meguiars wax that I used after I drove back home.

Then, I used a micro fiber to clean some dust to show swirls and scratches on a door panel and a door handle. He still denied. Then, I pointed out to scratches on a flat black door pillar (with one clearly visible long scratch) almost right away he told me that brushes that were used to clean my car are softer than the micro fiber that I was holding in my hand! OMG!

Kcfm, it looks like your dealer uses the same or similar tools, but the service manager over there had taken the responsibility and far better than the one here. I would like to take my car there, but your dealer is in Florida.
Modified by rogue06th at 9:24 AM 1/17/2009