Hi to everybody, I'm a new  member and i've just discovered what i consider is a corrosion (rust) problem on the passenger front door of my now  3 year old car Fiat Bravo. Its low down near the sill. I bought it pre reg.  from Arnold Clark in Ayrshire. I would like some advice on how  to approach Arnold Clark. I states in Fiat's web site that paintwork has a 3 year warranty, but corrosion has an 8 year warranty. I'm certain they will tell me its paintwork. But I know from working in the car manufacturing business a few years ago, the difference from a corrosion problem and a paint problem. Any advice would be most welcome. The car has just been serviced and obtained its first MOT in July and there was no mention of this problem on the service sheet. Obvious ly corrosion can't manifest in a few weeks.. I hope I've not dicovered a future problem with this type of car similar to the old problems from earlier years that plagued Fiat in this country.

hi tubasmarties

don't honestly think there is any advice on how to approach arnold clark ...any other comments i make may end up with me in court ...if you know the  difference between rust and paint issues ,then go in let them know your not stupid ,and explain  the problem ,if no joy contact fiat and request ,an inspection from the fiat troubleshooter making sure you are present to discuss the problem ,after all it is your car and you are entitled to be there ... a repair is probably all you will get ,can't see you getting a new door ,if you are clever ,you may get a new skin ....to be honest  i really don't think it is a rust /corrosion  problem that is affecting the range ,nowdays the rust issues are gone ,as much as you can eradicate rust from metal ,,,when did you last see  a really rusty car ???...that was 6 years old or older ...??? unfortunately you appear to have the dreaded tinworm ...but like everything in life ,not everything is 100%...people still buy toyotas after their issues .and they where always talked about as the  MOST RELIABLE CARS YOU COULD GET ...though toyotas response to the problem is what saved them ...maybe a lesson in there for other manufacturers ....rust on your door ,which i take to be minor surface rust ,is not an MOT fail or even an advisory ,otherwise looking under a motor would be a nightmare ...

 

phil

Thanks Phil for your very timely reply. Where about in Jockland do you hail from? Might need your opinion if its not too much trouble.

Thanks Tubasmartie

Took the car to Arnold Clark, who viewed it and immediately suggested stone chipping, but showed the manager that the line of rust ended at thedoor end and not after. So it was not stone chipping. I was advised to take the car to the Arnold Clark's body shop who would forward a report to the Fiat branch. I would be invited to show the car to the Area manager.