What is a reasonable compensation for paint defects on a new car?

[MacPaislee]

Generally, 4S stores do not provide compensation for paint defects on new cars; at most, they will help with repairs or offer a replacement. Below are some precautions to avoid vehicle defects when picking up your car: 1. Inspect the car in well-lit conditions: Many 4S stores take customers to relatively simple garages for inspection, where the lighting is insufficient, making it difficult for the owner to spot minor defects on the car body. Therefore, always remember to inspect the car carefully under good lighting. 2. Observe the paint from different angles: A flawless paint surface should be smooth and clean, without any wave-like patterns. For metallic and pearl paints, you can also assess the paint's condition by the uniformity of the internal aluminum flakes and particles. Remember to check for any color differences between each panel.

[VanPeyton]

Finding flaws in the paintwork of a newly purchased car is definitely frustrating, and I’ve been through this myself. At the time of delivery, I noticed a small scratch, and the salesperson immediately arranged for a free repair and even threw in a complimentary car wash card to make up for the disappointment. Reasonable compensation depends on the severity of the flaw: minor issues like small dots or scratches can be resolved with a repair by the dealership; moderate flaws such as color mismatch or uneven texture may warrant additional compensation like maintenance vouchers or extended warranty services; serious problems like large-scale peeling should justify partial refunds or replacement parts. The exact amount varies with the car’s price, but generally, minor issues warrant 100–500 RMB in compensation, while major issues may call for 1–3% of the car’s value. Don’t forget to inspect the car thoroughly before purchase and take photos as evidence to avoid disputes later. In short, prioritize amicable negotiations while standing firm on protecting your legitimate rights.

[LePatrick]

As someone who frequently assists friends with car purchase disputes, compensation for paint defects in new cars should be based on consumer protection laws. The reasonable amount should cover actual losses, such as minor defects requiring only free repairs, while major issues warrant compensation for repair costs plus time loss. Repair costs are tiered: touch-up painting costs around 50 yuan, while full panel repainting ranges from 500 to 1000 yuan. On top of this, the dealership should provide additional compensation for emotional distress, typically between 200 and 1000 yuan. If negotiations fail, file a complaint with the consumer association or pursue legal action, advocating for 1-5% of the invoice amount as the compensation standard. In practice, the evidence chain is crucial—take photos and keep communication records. Avoid excessive claims, stay rational, and generally, the issue can be resolved quickly without affecting your driving experience.

[ConnorLee]

From the perspective of someone who has been selling cars for years, minor paint flaws on new vehicles during delivery aren't uncommon. We prioritize free repairs and occasionally offer small compensations like fuel cards or seat covers. What's reasonable compensation? It depends on costs: small scratches under 100 RMB, panel touch-ups 200-300 RMB, with repainting and maintenance services only for serious cases. Most customers accept this approach - the key is quick response to prevent escalation. This reflects standard dealership policies focused on customer retention. Don't worry, just discuss directly with your salesperson.