Another Drew

A friend of mine bought a new mustang cobra, but when he took it home, it had horrible swirl marks on it. So the next day he took it back to the dealer and the dealer tried buffing it out, but didn't bother cleaning the car first. So instead, buffed all the dirt into the paint and made the swirls worse. A detailer said than only 70% of the swirl marks can be removed now.

Is there a way he can just return the car to the dealer and get his money back?

Vtec_Killer

the sticky stuff on the bottom of the plastic shipping covers messed up his paint.

So I would think it's possible.

Waseem // TMK

but he might be able to work it out with the
dealership. if they agree to a complete
respray ($7k or so if done right)
then add on another $4k for decreased resale value...
and if he took the dealer to court, he'd be
likely to get at least $4k for decreased resale
value, even if he isn't awarded a complete
professional respray...
which is why the dealership will probably be willing
to work him into a new car with no, or little out
of pocket.
that is, IF, and only IF it's as bad as you say...
which is kinda hard to believe... even an amatuer
detailer isn't that freakin stupid.

jyoteen

unless, there is a 'cooling-off' period, then he may be able to "change his mind"

Bryce

It was a deep red/maroon color. So the water spots really showed. Was just a bad paint job from Chevy.

Waseem // TMK

cause i know the laws change from state to state,
but i'm pretty sure you can't return the car
in NY once you've driven it off the lot and signed
already.

jyoteen

dunno about NY. In CA, there is specifically no "cooling off period".

RKA

If this happened over the weekend, I would go back and halt all the registration and title paperwork before it gets to the state DMV. Give the keys back to the dealership, and demand that they find another car in perfect condition by weeks end, or write a check for the full purchase price.

As to your question *can* he get his money back. The dealer isn't going to offer it up. He'll probably have to make a stink about it. That will probably mean making phone calls, and following up with letters to Ford, particularly the SVT folks, who probably won't like the idea of an incompetent detailer tarnishing their good names.

I can't believe they would attempt to polish paint that wasn't clean!

donp

Depends on the state. In TX I think you have 7 days and 200 miles to return and walk away.

self imposed exile

Yes. Federal law 3 day rule applies (or 300 miles)