When I purchased my 350z the dealer had already mounted the front plate bracket. They also installed the "dealer vanity plate on top of it" I was pissed that they installed the plate holder but figured there was nothing I could do about it. The car was not my pre-order but someone else’s that backed out. Although when I removed the front plate I noticed two additional marks that the dealer made when screwing in the vanity plate. They go all the way through the paint and into the bumper. I spoke with the sales manager today and let him know that I was upset that there was additional damage behind the plate frame. (when I pull the frame off it looks like there are 4 holes instead of 2). He basically said there was nothing he could do because it is state law to mount the plate frame (I'm like...hmmmm...but is it state law for me to drive around with a dealer advertisement on my car?) Regardless we came to the agreement that I would get an estimate to have the bumper fixed. Not more than 10 minutes later I had a $650 estimate from the body shop that the dealer recommended. Currently I am on hold with the sales manager while he talks it over with the higher ups.

My question is this: When they come back and tell me to **** off do should I keep pushing or live with it?

The estimate I got was to repair the damage from them screwing in the vanity plate not the bracket. (yes they would have to fix all of the holes if it was repaired)

 

I'l let you know what they say tomorrow......The dealer already offered to give me accessories like floor mats/ kick plates etc....

I'm leanin toward playing a little hardball......

 

Here is the poop in Maryland, I got it straight from a cop as well... Maryland law says that if the manufacture has brackets for a licsense plate, it must be installed, it says nothing about the dealer doing it.. He was purchasing a convertible cobra mustang and told them if they drill the holes he isnt taking the car.

While installing 3M on Zhubs car the other day, we were looking over the possibility of mounting the plate below the bumper using a backing plate through the grill openings, HOWEVER, to allow adequate cooling the two panels on the further outside should be removed. We mocked up the plate and it seemed a great fit in the middle of the grill. if anyone trys this I would be interested in knowing how it comes out, as MD has the front plate law, I would be happy to pass it on....Rob

Maryland Performance Works
mdperfworks@ md.prestige.net

 

Hmmm....(Good Find) I could actually live with the plugs if they were the right color, but I still would have the problem with the scratches from them screwing in the vanity plate.

 

Try to get the $650. If you don't, just put some bolts with smooth heads into the mounting holes and paint them with the touch up paint. Then try to buff out the scratches or use the touch up paint to fix them. This is the front bumper. It's going to get alot of scratches and chips in it over the years because it catches most of the debris that comes at your car while driving.

 

I agree Rod, I just did a CLK last night and I removed the plate bracket for the film. I have 18 dealers in the Balt area, and i have seen some of the people in the clean up area,(whew:icon9)...


I'll pass on the bit about the temp running the same, if he hasnt already read it on here.... Rob


Maryland Performance Works
mdperfworks@md.prestige.net

 

Get the $650 to fix the Bose!

 

Hehe......Ahhhh and then there is the Bose!

 

Fight it, you had nothing to lose!

 

Well I fought hard and won this battle........I finally took this issue to the general sales manager and got him to agree to pay for the damage to the front bumper ($650) I take it to the body shop on Monday. Believe me I will watch them take the front bumper off and drive the car home while they work on it. No way am I letting them park this baby outside overnight.

While they held the "Nissan Customer Survey" over my head I am glad we came to an agreement. They basically said if I mark completely satisfied on the survey they would take care of me.

Now how is that for customer service?

So I had to choose between slamming the dealer in a survey and getting my bumper fixed. It was actually a tuff choice......

I'll hold on to the survey till everything is all said and done...

Thanks for the advice!

 

Oh and on a side note they had a Blue Touring on the showroom floor with no options for 46k .......Thats $8500 over MSRP!!