Hi.

I needed a little repair to a fender and I wanted it to go away. So, I asked Kramer Mazda here in Calgary for some suggestions. I said money was not an issue and that I needed the best work possible, they recommended Distinctive Auto body in the NE. Distinctive is a Mercedes body shop but they do all makes as well. I went and got a quote and it was by far the highest price, but they use only lead for any metal repairs and they do things the right way not the fastest / cheapest way. I drop the 8 off on a Tuesday and I'm told the next Tuesday to pick up, keep in mind this is a fender and slight bumper work. Next Tuesday comes and it's still not ready, so I now have to rent a vehicle as my week long arrangement has expired. Finally I get to pick it up on Thursday. It's cold and snowy out so I don't get a chance to even look at the car well until we get a nice day. Along both quarter panels and into the rear doors there are heavy swirl marks in the clear coat, and the trunk is no longer centered. I leave all this until this summer to fix as Distinctive provides a one year guarantee on their workmanship. I call them up to discuss my problems and I am immediately told that they didn't touch the trunk, fine. I take it in for him to see the clear coat that is peeling off the bumper and all the heavy swirl. He denies the clear coat damage has anything to do with his work, but he will fix the side that the bumper is on. So the clear coat damage is exactly the same on both sides of the car, he will fix one side but not the other. I have never had anyone touch my car other than Distinctive, but he still will not admit the fault. He continues to stand around saying nothing, I finally ask him to make a decision as I have to continue on with my day. He still maintains his decision to not repair the damage. I ask him that seeing as how it is a problem and I need to have it repaired and my car is at his shop for another week, can I pay him to fix the other side then. He declines to do the work that I am asking to pay him money for, as it is a large inconvenience.

I am now writing this letter and posting to all the automotive sites I can find, I will also be mailing a hard copy to all the dealers in Calgary.

Seeing as how it is inconvenient for him to run a business, it is only my part to help alleviate him of that inconvenience.

If anyone has any questions or has anything to add please feel free to message.

I will take pictures and post as soon as possible.

The autobody shops details

Distinctive Auto Works
2328 Pegasus rd. ne
Calgary Alberta
T2E 8G8
phone: 403.216.8888
fas:403.216.8887
email: distinct@telusplanet.net

 

Oh man ... that's terrible. Make sure you put this up on beyond.ca as well to let everybody know

 

that bites. Some people just shouldn't deal with the public. For 20 years I've been dealing with LowCost Autobody on Edmonton trail. They've done a great job everytime.

 

Ugh, thats awful. I feel really bad for you, but thanks for the heads up.
Its a shame that businesses that could seriously boom or fail under word of mouth operate like this... I hope he does the right thing for you cause this truly sucks. I was at Kramer and they recommended Craftsman Collision to me..
They painted my spoiler though when I got the car, and I hate to say this but it DOES NOT MATCH. Its hard to tell but if you know (and really look) you can definately see a difference. Its dull and darker, no matter how much I wax it. It really bugs me, but of course, "thats the way it is". Ummm...

I dont know where to go now.. but thanks to Rotten for the tip maybe I will check out LowCost.

Again, sorry Jay, this blows.

 

Did you call them to let them know that there was damage right after you discovered them?

Or did you let it go until the summertime, and this is the first time you are letting them know? If so, it's hard for anyone to admit that they had made an error and damaged your car after a few months have already gone by. I know that you mention that they have 1-yr warranty, but if you did not file anything with them right when you discovered the problem then it's really easy for them to dispute your claim.

Anyways, I hope you somehow manage to get them to fix it for free...good luck

 

I didn't call them right away, I couldn't even see it until we had a sunny day. I was probably a month before I could get a good look at their workmanship. I gave them every opportunity to do the right thing, like I said I even wanted to pay for the work. It was never about money, it was about getting the best possible job done. I am happy with the bodywork, but the turnaround, polish, peeling clear coat, and lack of service are beyond substandard.

So now is there any detail shop you can recommend? Furthermore, what about rock chip treatment and detail shop?

Thanks!!

 

There's a detail shop that I always wanted to try but could never really justify the cost. They are called Doctor Detail in the SW...259-5881

 

I have used Pacific Auto Body (NE Calgary) in the past since they support local motorsports.

 

got the 8 back, and it was covered with polish compound.... ridiculous how little effort was put in this time.. they may have even scratched the bumper.

 

I kinda remember the shop's name but I am just not sure where did I exactly got that shop. That's kinda terrifying.