[awong]

Hello all, I'm new to the forum and recently got a Super White XB2. I received my License Plates in the mail but when I went to put them on I noticed that the dealer had drilled the mounting screws in crooked. I know I can simply just make another hole to make the plate more level, but I really don't want to put more holes in my front bumper. Is there anything else that I can do to get this fixed? Should I complain to the dealer about this?

What's everyone's thoughts on this? I don't want to make swiss cheese out of my bumper and I have a feeling if I go back to the dealer they're just going to do the same thing.

 

[boostedegos]

The front bumper has some dimples in it from the factory. Did they drill into the dimples?

 

[Geezer]

I don't remember how the front bracket mounts, but can you redrill the bracket or make the hole larger (and use a fender washer) rather than drill another hole in the bumper? Regardless, I would definitely complain to the dealer.

 

[awong]

The front bumper has some dimples in it from the factory. Did they drill into the dimples?

Well from what I can tell it looks like they drilled a hole through one of the dimples, but on the other one they missed it completely and drilled the hole right below the dimple. It looks terrible and definitely plan on complaining to the dealer and see what they will do.

As for the front mounting bracket it has to clips on the bottom that clip onto the grill and two screws that mount to the bumper. Good suggestion Geezer I was actually thinking of modifying the bracket a little to see if that would work, that way I can avoid putting in another hole in the bumper. I plan on complaining to the dealer tomorrow and see what course of action they'll take.

 

[Goldtouch]

I would go to the dealer, see what they are willing to do to make it right before you do anything. Worst case scenario, would be to drill a seperate hole in the bracket to make it level then attach the plate to the bracket using a seperate screw or velcro. You can always put a dummy screw or cap over the holein the plate if you use velcro.

 

[wangster]

If I were you, I'd definitely MAKE (again, not ask) the dealer to replace my bumper.

When I got my other car about 4 years ago, I didn't realize that they had drilled the holes crooked until I got my license plates. I was so pissed when I found out. I guess I was too excited when I went to pick up the car and didn't notice it.

So I took the car to the dealer with my license plate installed.
Met with one of the service consultants (yup, that's what they called them...).
Showed him what was wrong and I also told him that I was planning on driving without my front license plate.
He told me about the law and I told him I don't care. Who told you to drill holes in my new car anyway?
The service consultant went and talked to his manager.
The manager came and greeted me and apologized.
He told me to come back in a few days because they have to have the new bumper painted.

A few days later, the service consultant called me and told me that the bumper is ready.
I told him I cannot sit and wait for an hour.
He tells me for courtesy of other customers, he cannot put me in front of the line.
I told him get me a loaner and he says he's out of loaners.
I told him I'll come tomorrow so save me a loaner.
Next morning, I dropped off my car, picked up a loaner, drove around like crazy, then in the evening, picked up my car from a salesman (service department closed earlier but sales department was open until later in the evening).

No holes were drilled in the bumper and I was a happy camper (of course, I did get a fix-it ticket about a year later).

 

[awong]

Well I called the dealer and explained the situation. They said for me to just bring the car in so they can see what they can do. But the salesman that sold me the car said it would be doubtful that they would replace the whole bumper. I'm going to bring my car in this week and see what they'd be willing to do. I'm going to insist that they not drill anymore holes in the bumper and see what type of solution the can come up with.

Hopefully they'll end up just replacing the bumper or perhaps, patch and paint the old hold to make a new one.

 

[Geezer]

A new bumper may be a stretch, but they ought to be able to fix the problem and offer some sort of compensation for screwing it up in the first place.

 

[wangster]

A new bumper may be a stretch, but they ought to be able to fix the problem and offer some sort of compensation for screwing it up in the first place.

I do agree with you with Scion.
Too bad the service is totally different between Scion/Toyota & Lexus or Nissan & Infiniti.
Heck the complimentary drinks are different too.

 

[dirty]

The dealer should replace the bumper for you they are pretty cheep,i work at a dealer. I would make sure you talk to everyone all the way up to the owner if you have to. Good luck

 

[chris-ib]

A new bumper may be a stretch, but they ought to be able to fix the problem and offer some sort of compensation for screwing it up in the first place.

Yeah, see if you can get at least a t-shirt. And a plush. I'll buy the t-shirt off you if it's a L.

 

[alfundo]

Hold out for a hoodie!

 

[Goldtouch]

Hey AWong Let us know how you made out... :whistling:

 

[awong]

Hey AWong Let us know how you made out... :whistling:

Actually I'm going into the dealer tomorrow morning. I'll let you know how it all turns out.

 

[wangster]

I think everybody is anxious to see how this turns out.
If your dealer replaces the bumper without giving you much hassle, you gotta tell us which dealership it is.
They treat their customers right.

 

[zembonez]

Actually I'm going into the dealer tomorrow morning. I'll let you know how it all turns out.

I'd rather have another hole in the plastic than a dealer repainted cover that might peel or not match. It's behind the plate bracket anyway and it's just going in to the 1/8 inch plastic cover... No harm done. It SHOULD have been done right the first time... but have you seen what dealerships hire for make ready work? Not always the best crowd.

Most dealership service staffs consist of a couple of ASE certified guys, quite a few more rookies, and some real losers. Guess which one probably gets to install license brackets or change your oil?

I'm not badmouthing dealers...There ARE exceptions to this statement but in my many years of new car purchases, I haven't seen many that did not fit that profile.

 

[awong]

I think everybody is anxious to see how this turns out.
If your dealer replaces the bumper without giving you much hassle, you gotta tell us which dealership it is.
They treat their customers right.

Well, the dealer ended up giving me 2 options. Either drill a third hole and give me $100 credit towards their parts dept or to have the holes filled and bumper repainted. They didn't budge when I suggested replacing the bumper, so I opted for the holes to be filled in and bumper repainted. They're taking my car to a body shop for the work to be done, so I'm hoping it comes out okay. I also requested to inspect their completed work before they go ahead and drill the new holes for the license plate bracket.

Now, I'm beginning to debate whether or not I should just tell the body shop to not drill any of the holes when they're done and drive around without front plates. It's illegal here in CA, but it justs makes the front end look so much cleaner.

 

[Goldtouch]

I vote for no holes and get a relocation kit for the plate. I wish I had thought of that before they put the holes on mine.

 

[Geezer]

...Now, I'm beginning to debate whether or not I should just tell the body shop to not drill any of the holes when they're done and drive around without front plates. It's illegal here in CA, but it justs makes the front end look so much cleaner.

When I lived in California I had had a Pontiac with the front plate mounted at a goofy angle out on the corner of the bumper...another ill-conceived design breakthrough from GM. It looked so dumb I took the plate off and drove for years without a problem. Then my son got two tickets in a month from a meter maid in a mall parking lot in Port Hueneme. Cost me a hundred bucks. I begrudgingly paid the tickets and fabricated a bracket to mount the plate in the middle of the bumper where it belonged in the first place. I also instructed my wife and son not to spend another dime in the city of Port Hueneme ever again.

 

[awong]

I vote for no holes and get a relocation kit for the plate. I wish I had thought of that before they put the holes on mine.

Ya, I was thinking of going that route. Does anyone know where I can find a relocation kit that'll work for the XB?