I know back in the 80's when I got my Dodge Shadow (purchased it new)
I found out that the right rear door and quarter panel was repaired when it was made because of damage
that was done to it going down the assy line.
I do believe its cheaper for the manuf. to repair body damage with filler (depending if its a minor issue)
then replacing body parts

But maybe we should ask MR GM himself. Since it seems like he knows everything

 

actually it is simply completely true, no dealer will admit it, but it is true

ask how the roofs are put on cars now, even brand new from the dealer, they are glued on, then body filled smooth around the edges...same with some box sides on newer trucks

 

Is it possible to get a car or truck new with filler in it. Like was mentioned they get banged up at the factory and instead of installing a whole, new panel they just fix the problem and do a re-paint on that section.

I never heard there was a dollar amount lower limit to damage the dealer did not have to claim on a car? As far as I know ANY damage has to be disclosed. That it is againt the law for them NOT to disclose previous damage to a buyer?


Now I was furious - not at the body shop, but at the dealer where I bought the car. I bought the car as a rental return, and was assured by both the salesperson, and the used car manager that the car had not been in any previous accidents. I even went as far as to get a carfax report on the car, and it too came upclean.

I would certainly look in to this.

 

one way the carfax report could have came up clean is maybe he paid cash, there was never any paperwork or report done on it, so it would come up that way

 

1. Get some pictures of the bodywork done, eg the current filler that existed when you got it.

2. Get a list of everyone that has owned that car including dealerships.

3. Talk to an attorney with free consultation.

My business law professor told us that when you goto court you sue everyone. Depending on the jurisdiction, try to make it your home town. Some people will just do a settlement with you if it is too far away so they don't have to appear in court.

 

Thanks for all of your input folks! I still havent gotten my car back yet - I imagine that it should be ready for tomorrow. I'll let you know how things turn out.

 

Body filler in factorycars? Not unless it's a re-run formissed damage to a panel. Yes, most new roof panels and other body panels are glued on but no plastic filler is used.They are brazed and brassed. Then that material is worked down to near perfection. The "e" coat takes care of any scratches left behind from the metal work. If you're seeing filler it's 99% not from the factory. Spot welding is stillvery prevalent on the factory panels but most body shops do glue on every panel they can. It's faster thanputting back every spot weldyou drill out.

 

OK, so here's the update... I got the car back last week - finally after having to take it back to the body shop. There was a bubble in the paint, and a ton of dust under the paint where they fixed it. Thankfully, it wasn't too much of a fight to get them to fix it.
I finally got around to going to the dealer today, and just as I expected, they said that it was probably parking lot damage that was fixed. I talked to the used car manager, (he was the one who ordered the car for me online) and he told me that often rental returns are fixed for small dents and dings. He also said that GM has very strict guidelines when it comes to reselling their fleet/rental vehicles. Any frame damage, or significant flaw is pointed out when the car is auctioned off.
So, I guess I have no other choice but to take him at his word. I'm going to have them fix the remote start key fob problem though - isn't there a TSB on that issue?
Thanks again for all your support MCFers!!

 

I agree fullmonte....about the filler. The wouldn't use this at the factory...and how do I know? I worked in a auto manufacturing factory before in the paint shop and this was never done.