cargo plastic scratch - am I liable?

[Zig in East Orleans]

So, i've just had the car 3 months and put in the first 2 good scratches in the cargo plastic. Now, the wife is kinda freaked out since we're leasing (with intent to buy, i think) but I knew with this material that scratches were bound to happen. They're not that deep thankfully.1. is there a good way/product to smooth them out.2. will the dealer freak or charge us to fix that?Thanks

[Sputnik]

I've got a deep scratch in the plastic of the back seat and I'm leasing. I'm not concerned about it. With my cavalier, I had several little dings in a cluster on the passenger fender and they thought my car was in excellent condition! I even ended up getting a cheque from GM for several hundred dollars (not sure why, but I'm not complaining).

[spideymike1]

just from personal experience from leasing in the past but most dealers barely look over the car when you return it. As long as there is no major damage like doors missing they usually assume any scratches are normal wear and tear. I wouldn't even worry about it.

[Reynoma]

In 1998, I leased a Nissan Sentra SE (a very nice car actually). The lease was from Wells Fargo. There was no security deposit. At the end of the lease, they charged me for (1) delivery - because I returned the car to the dealer instead of returning it to one of their designated spots (2) a lease termination fee and (3) for a very scuff on the rear bumper - all totaling about $800. I swore I would never again deal with Wells Fargo.I think if you lease through one of the manufacturers, you are much better off.

[Reynoma]

Quote, originally posted by Salsa! »LEASE TERMINATION FEE???What the hell is this scam.... You paid a leasing amount every month and they have the nerve to add another fee when you return the car!!!Rip offTell me about it. I'm still sore from the screwing I got.

[drunkenmaxx]

i have very deep grooves in the back of my seat, very deep. my amp slides around like hell when the tie downs i rigged up come loose. i have been thinking about somehow carpeting the back of it to hide/prevent more

[sensfanrk]

Hello Zig! I am also leasing my Vibe. When I signed my lease my salesman showed me a little "book" they use to determine what is acceptable and what is not for damage. Basically the damage is gauged by how deep and how long the scratch is. (for paint) I'm assuming that the same would be for hard plastic. The interior is allowed basically a cigarette burn hole in the fabric and that's it. I'd suggest phoning the dealer, and just asking anonymously. However, if you intend to buy then it doesn't matter what you do to the car.

[Sputnik]

Yeah at the end of my cavalier lease GM sent me a whole booklet (and measuring stick) on how to determine normal wear and tear on my car.

[Kari]

I got the same thing when the lease on my GMC Sonoma was up...they have stipulations on the length/depth of scratches and tire treads and such, and send you a little measuring gauge so you can be prepared.

[03VibeGT6Spd]

Mel Far in Grand Blanc, Got caught by Ford. Charging people for damages on returning leased vehicles.Ford asked them why they were charging customers for damage, when they werent concerned with it. Maybe that why they have a different name now.I have seen ripped plastic bumpers, holes, cuts, burns in seats. dents in car doors fenders hoods deep scratches in paint. numerous broken parts.I can only remeber 1 customer being charged on a lease return, it was a S10 he lowered the truck and they charged him for front springs and to install them. ( he removed the springs and drove it without them for a couple years)I think they charge him about $600.00.Don't worry about slight damage to your lease more then likely the manufacter won't.If a dealer tells you to have something fixed before you return it, Drive to another dealer to return it.

[syclnjr]

I have thought about taking the plastic out that is covering the floor and the back of the seats and take them to a buddy and have them Rhine lined the same color. do you think that it will work.