How does the 4S shop compensate for scratches on a new car?
3 Answers
If the scratches are found during the pre-delivery inspection, you can refuse to accept the car. If you have already taken delivery of the car and driven it out, the dealership might claim that you caused the scratches yourself. If they are considerate, they may offer to touch up the paint or polish it. Generally, no compensation will be provided. Remember to inspect the car thoroughly before taking delivery, as the car starts to depreciate the moment it leaves the dealership. Below are some important points to note when taking delivery of a new car: 1. Inspect the exterior: Park the car in an outdoor area with ample light and check the body paint for any scratches, wear, unevenness, or transparency under sunlight reflection. 2. Check the nameplate: Open the driver's side door, where the nameplate is usually located near the B-pillar, and review the information on it. 3. Open the engine compartment: Inspect the compartment for cleanliness and ensure that the engine oil and other fluids are at the proper levels. 4. Test the car's functions: Manually check if the doors open and close smoothly, if the windows roll up and down properly, if there is any strong odor inside the car, if the air conditioning cools, if the windshield wipers work, and if all the lights function correctly.
When I first picked up my new car, I carefully inspected the body and found a few small scratches under sunlight. I immediately called the salesperson over to check. They first took photos for documentation, then admitted the damage occurred during transportation, and ultimately provided free localized polishing for me. For such new car scratch issues, as long as you detect them during the pre-delivery inspection and take photos or videos as evidence, the 4S shop will generally offer free repairs or compensation. However, if you discover them after taking delivery, they might make excuses to avoid responsibility. I think it's best to bring a car-savvy friend when buying a car, carefully inspect the paint under strong light, and don't rush to sign the acceptance form. Contracts often include clauses about defect handling, which you can cite to protect your rights. Minor scratches can also be temporarily addressed with DIY waxing. Prevention is better than cure—next time, I'll ask the salesperson about vehicle protective films in advance.
After driving my new car home, I discovered a faint scratch on the door and felt extremely uneasy. I immediately went to the 4S store to inquire. The salesperson asked me to show photos taken during delivery, and fortunately, I had records on my phone, so they arranged for free polishing to fix it. This type of compensation mainly depends on whether the scratch occurred before or after pickup. If it's confirmed to be the 4S store's fault, they will repair it for free or offer minor compensation; otherwise, you may need to check with your insurance company to see if scratch coverage can cover part of the cost. I recommend inspecting every corner of the car body with a magnifying glass in bright light during the inspection, recording video as evidence, and not hesitating to ask for explanations. The new car three-guarantee policy sometimes covers external damage, so don’t easily give up on seeking recourse.
