I'm just looking for some feedback/opinions here...kind of a "what would you do?". The story is, I bought my z at a local dealer and I did my registration and plates there. They had standard plates ready to go, so my salesman took care of everything and bolted them on the car. Unfortunately, he used bolts on the front that were at least 1/4" too long. This resulted in the paint behind the plastic mount getting scratched up pretty bad.

I refused to let them detail the car, and I should have known better than to allow them to put the plates on. At first it seems to be a trivial problem because I have to run a front plate in my state anyway, so you would never know about the damage. The problem is, I was wanting to remove the plastic mount, remount the plate in the large opening below, and just put plugs in the holes left from the factory mount. I also didn't want to have to deal with the damaged paint later on if I decide to sell, and the buyer doesn't need to run a front plate.

Am I being too picky if I go back and complain about this? I'm really particular about my cars, so every little thing bugs me more than it should. Everything else about my experience with the dealer was great, and they gave me what I feel was a great deal. So on one hand, I feel bad about complaining, but on the other hand it is a new car and I shouldn't have to settle for this. I think I might just mention this problem to my salesman as a way of letting him know how he could improve the experience for others, then see what his response is.

 

Gary,,,

Ditto... my dealer did the same thing.. I too am putting plate in front of grill..

Solution: Having dealer fix "all" holes, fill & paint. You should too!!

 

My dealer screwed up the rear plate...noticed that the plate was flopping around shortly after I took delivery. Seems the rear mounts are actually m6 x 1.0 nuts that are inserted into a plastic clip. Well he put the plate on with those self tapping screws made for the plastic inserts most cars use..prolly had 'em in his desk drawer.

25 stainless screws (pkg. qty) $9.00
100 nuts $1.14

anybody need some?

 

Had the same thing happen to me. I am already pissed about the drilling in the front bumper, but the front plate screws were too long thus etching deep into the paint into the bumper. Dealer will fix, no apologies. Oh well...

 

My dealer won't fix my bumper cover. They say its not a warranty issue, so they won't pay for it. I say that I bought the car without big gouges in the bumper cover, and they are at fault. They just act offended that I even asked. This is exactly why I hate dealers, I rarely hear of any good experiences. BTW, they also told me that if I moved my license plate and had engine problems, they wouldn't cover it. Of course, it doesn't matter because I'd surely take the plate off before taking it in for engine problems.

 

Gary,

Swing through your dealers parking lot and see if any of the other Z's sitting out there have the front mounted plate holder on it. If not, that means they probably put the plate holder on after you purchased the car when they were "getting it ready for you."

I haven't yet received my plates, but I'm going to try and get my bumper replaced so I can get in grill mounting hardware and not have holes in the car.

If you don't get anywhere with your dealer, file a complaint with NNA.