Dirt Duff
07-04-2006, 01:37 PM
I purchased a new white RTS from a high volume dealership in Portland, Oregon. There are several indicators that lead to to question if there may have been body damage to the rear end of the Ridgeline prior to my purchase.
A. The 5 bolts that hold the rear bumper frame to the chasis have white paint smeared on them as if a body shop mechanic with paint on thier hands screwed them into place. (see photo). I have looked at the bumper attachment bolts on other new ridgelines and there is no paint on them.
Could fellow Ridgeline Owners check thier bumper bolts (3 on drivers side and 2 on passenger side) to see if the factory smeared paint on them?. One of the driver's side bolts is located directly above the tow hook.
Other Indicators:
B. One of the black plastic foot step guards on the rear bumper popped off the top of the rear bumper shortly after I got the vehicle home from the dealership.
C. Metallic dust on the dashboard of the truck. Could this be from an air bag? The dealer said that the dust was probably from a brake job being done on a car in a nearby bay at the dealership garage.
D. The Ridgeline was on the dealers lot from early December to late May when I purchased it. This is a long time for a high volume dealership. Was the dealer waiting for parts?
E. I now know that the dealership has pror judgements against it by the Oregon Dept of Justice for several illegal practics including concealing body damage before.
Again, Please check your bumper bolts for paint and let me know what you find.
Thanks
Dirt Duff
A. The 5 bolts that hold the rear bumper frame to the chasis have white paint smeared on them as if a body shop mechanic with paint on thier hands screwed them into place. (see photo). I have looked at the bumper attachment bolts on other new ridgelines and there is no paint on them.
Could fellow Ridgeline Owners check thier bumper bolts (3 on drivers side and 2 on passenger side) to see if the factory smeared paint on them?. One of the driver's side bolts is located directly above the tow hook.
Other Indicators:
B. One of the black plastic foot step guards on the rear bumper popped off the top of the rear bumper shortly after I got the vehicle home from the dealership.
C. Metallic dust on the dashboard of the truck. Could this be from an air bag? The dealer said that the dust was probably from a brake job being done on a car in a nearby bay at the dealership garage.
D. The Ridgeline was on the dealers lot from early December to late May when I purchased it. This is a long time for a high volume dealership. Was the dealer waiting for parts?
E. I now know that the dealership has pror judgements against it by the Oregon Dept of Justice for several illegal practics including concealing body damage before.
Again, Please check your bumper bolts for paint and let me know what you find.
Thanks
Dirt Duff