Rocker panel indentation

woodfolk1959

JGreenwood07,

Unfortunately, I have a similar story. In June of 2010, a maintenance representative where I purchased my car called and asked to schedule me for a free oil change. I agreed and received a free oil change. However, a few days later, I noticed a crease on my drivers-side rocker panel near the rear wheelwell. Funny thing was, the exact same crease appeared on the passenger-side as well.

So, I visisted the dealer's bodyshop. After reviewing the damage, the collision manager asked if I had any maintenance performed recently. I said yes, and he said that the maintenance personnel were responsible. He said it's virtually impossible to get identical creases in the rocker panels without improperly placing the lift arms. Then he told me to go back to the maintenance department and share with them his professional opinion. And, that they're responsible.

Long story short, the maintenance manager was unconvinced and refused to do anything about it. At that point, I'd owned the car for 7 months and had approximately 3,000 miles on the car. So, it wasn't like I was abusing it. In March of this year, I finally had both rocker panels replaced, courtesy of GEICO, of whom I am very thankful. Nonetheless, I had to pay the deductible and my dealership got off Scott free!!!

Unfortunately, this has left a very bad taste in my mouth concerning this dealership. I say unfortunately because, I was pleased with the professionalism and integrity that the sales representative and collision manager displayed. However, I will never recommend anyone to have service performed there. So again, I am very sorry to hear that JGreenwood07 had a similar experience.