Automobile Question: Paint Warranty

[Dedpuhl]

I bought a 2000 Hyundai Tiburon in February 2000. I don't do the best job of keeping my car's exterior clean. Usually, I bring it to a all-cloth carwash once every few months.

A couple months ago, I decided to wash and wax my car. As I washed the car, I noticed that the paint on the hood was rough. I rubbed some Macguire's Paint Restorer on the hood. I noticed that the restorer was getting caught in a lot of tiny holes in the hood. I stepped back and was shocked how many "spots" were on the hood. Also, there are several bug splat marks that have eaten through the clear coat.

I thought to myself that it was my fault. I talked to some people and they say that it is not normal wear on paint. My owner's manual says that I am covered for 36,000 miles or 3 years, whichever comes first, for paint. It does not note any exceptions.

Has anyone had success with getting their car(s) repainted for something like this? I am bringing my car in soon to see what the service rep says.

 

[amnesiac]

You can talk to your dealer about it and perhaps they will give you a break on fixing the paint, but it is directly from your own negligence that the paint is worn. I mean, if you accidentally sprayed acid all over the front of your car and ruined the paint, you think they should warranty that too?

If there is a known issue with premature paint wear it might be covered though.

 

[StattlichPassat]

The warranty doesn't cover negligence.

 

[Dedpuhl]

Originally posted by: NightFlyerGTI
The warranty doesn't cover negligence.

Well, when it got dirty, it got washed. My driving has consisted of an 8 mile circle (work-school-home) since i've owned the vehicle. I know people that never wash their cars and the paint still looks good.

 

[Spoooon]

They can't expect you to wash your car everytime it gets dirty. My old car got washed once a month or so and the paint never got like that.

 

[Lvis]

It's not your fault. Modern paints really don't need much of anything in maintainance. As long as you didn't clean the car after something caustic got on it, it's not your fault.

Go to the dealer, make sure you get some paperwork. Showing the reason you were there, and the date. If you need to fight with them, you want it documented that the problem started before the warranty was up.

If they won't help you, call the district rep for the company. It's in the owners manual.

Good luck.