Should I or should I not?

[supersnout]

Quick background: My truck was a demo vehicle purchased off my dealership. Brought it home two weeks ago, and it wasn't until 3 days later that I noticed about 5 door dings total on its body.

Took it back to my dealership and they were more than happy to help fix the dings at no cost.

I thought they did a marvelous job, but a day later I noticed that they missed 2 other dings that I must've not spotted the first time I brought it there.

They fixed that last night and I brought my Ridge home tonight all excited. On top of that, there were also a couple of minor blemishes on the leather center console. they patched that up as well and whoever it is they hired to do it did a marvelous job.

Now, the problem (whew), at the time of purchase, I did not notice a "bubble" on the chrome front brush guard (pictures below). It's a tiny bubble, with a small nick near the center. Could have been stones off the road that ran smack in to it, but the bubble tells me no. I'm concerned that this bubble will eventually pop and would cause a tear on the chrome bumper after being exposed to the harsh temps here in the midwest.

The owner looked into it, and said that it would have to be a full brush guard replacement, rather than a buff job or just replacing the chrome piece (the chrome portion is welded to the brush guard so it cannot be lifted and replaced). He didn't want to cover the full price for replacement and offered to split the cost with me. I am hesitant on doing this. I told him that had I seen the bubble (and the other dings and cuts on the leather), that I would've opted for a different vehicle altogether.

He'll get back to me later this week regarding this and see how we can get this issue solved. And yes, i'm anal-retentive. But these are serious blemishes that I'm hoping the lot of you might be able to relate.

Should I proceed with this? Or should I just let it go? The bumper's cost will be about 400 bucks, he says. I figure if he's willing to give half to get it fixed, how about just getting 200 bucks worth of free accessories? Any tips? Thoughts? Concerns?

*edit*
the bubble isn't soft by any means. it's quite hard. it's like a drip/liquid turned hard.

[arteegee]

The brushguard is useless anyway. Next time you nudge something you'll be no better off. The exposure to more dings at the shop wouldn't be worth it to me especially for half. I'd ask for half the cost in cash or credit or let it go.

[supersnout]

Originally Posted by arteegee

The brushguard is useless anyway. Next time you nudge something you'll be no better off. The exposure to more dings at the shop wouldn't be worth it to me especially for half. I'd ask for half the cost in cash or credit or let it go.

Hmm...you think he'll just hand me the cash just like that? I'll give it a shot! Any other ideas from you guys?

[shovelhd]

He's done you right so far. I would take his offer, shake his hand, and move on.

[Tcape]

I agree with Shovelhd....the dealer has been very good about fixing all the things you've showed them so far. I'd say it's time to take what you have and move on. Believe me, I understand about "being anal" about your vehicle. I'm the same way. I like for mine to be perfect, and notice every tiny little thing that isn't. But you did buy a demo, not a brand new Ridgeline. As with any used auto, there are imperfections. No auto can stay perfect, no matter how much you want it to. So you deal with the "used car" imperfections, and realize you got a good deal because it was used. Bottom line, just enjoy all the great things about your new Ridgeline, and let all the other small details go. Even if you'd bought a brand new RL with 1 mile on it, something would have happened in a few days that would have made it less than totally perfect. Drive on....and enjoy the ride.

[supersnout]

...as always, your opinion counts and being considered! Maybe I'll leave the guy alone.

Thanks much for the input!

[nwsnowman]

I agree with the other guys, I bought my 06 from a Honda Lease auction knowing I would have some of these issues and since I did not buy from a dealer directly would have to accept it with a few minor cosmetic issues. It sounds like your dealer has been great about helping you out with minor issues that have come up once you got it home, and then got home again. I would say either go 50/50 as he offered or just forget it since your dealer has been very accommodating so far. Who knows you could get it replaced, be driving home and a rock jump up and scratch or dent the brush guard and you would be back at square 1 less $200.

[OwnerCS]

Originally Posted by Tcape

I agree with Shovelhd....the dealer has been very good about fixing all the things you've showed them so far. I'd say it's time to take what you have and move on. Believe me, I understand about "being anal" about your vehicle. I'm the same way. I like for mine to be perfect, and notice every tiny little thing that isn't. But you did buy a demo, not a brand new Ridgeline. As with any used auto, there are imperfections. No auto can stay perfect, no matter how much you want it to. So you deal with the "used car" imperfections, and realize you got a good deal because it was used. Bottom line, just enjoy all the great things about your new Ridgeline, and let all the other small details go. Even if you'd bought a brand new RL with 1 mile on it, something would have happened in a few days that would have made it less than totally perfect. Drive on....and enjoy the ride.

Hey Tommy - I couldn't have said it any better. If I really like the vehicle, I don't mind having a couple of little defects.

Every time I have owned the perfect car, a tree falls on it and crushes it or it gets washed away in a flood.

[Trickster]

It is a brushguard

[Smokin Ace]

I know what you mean about the weather but you are going to catch more stones ect... and the same thing is going to happen again. The deal sounds very far to me. IMO.