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...After 50 days being repaired for what was in fact very limited, superficial damage! Too bad the VW guys couldn't get the job done properly not one, but two (!) times before the car was given back to me in a reasonable state.

Had the driver's door (LHD) and the LHS front wing replaced. The new door needs a little bit more of a pull (or push) to shut properly - is that normal when a door is replaced? I also noticed a difference in the gap between the plastic edges of the dashboard and door panel, can't remember if that was totally flush but if I've noticed it maybe it's because there's something different there.

Also, the bonnet isn't fitting as flush as it used to be on the left-hand side (where the repair work was done).

Are these small imperfections normal on a car that's had bodywork panels replaced, or should I take it back to have the door and bonnet adjusted? (it's minor stuff but you know, once you notice it's there...).

At least they repaired the dents that appeared while the car was under their care (3 of them).

Anyway... I was so glad to get my car back the dashboard rattles were like music to my ears! (especially since my stereo got nicked a week or so before the crash, as you remember!)

One last thing, guys - and I know I should post this in the 'Care' section, but what the h*ll! I got the car back today - the dealer has infuriated me again by SMEARING the whole interior with silicone, in an apparent bid to make it look 'darker' and therefore better (in their opinion). So now my car interior looks and smells like a 10-year-old banger's from a dodgy used car shop. Does anyone know how to get rid of that nasty stuff? It's even on the steering wheel and lights & heater switches, and it all feels like the car's been covered in olive oil. Any hints will be helpful - BTW I've tried water (wet cotton cloth) to no avail.

Cheers all,

Carlos

You're going to need something like white spirit or alcohol I think BUT, test it out on one of the blank switches first (as this can be replaced cheaply) as some solvents like this can cause plastic to melt/go white

I HATE SILICONE ON DASHBOARDS

I would say get the panels adjusted. If you come to sell it later on, a potential buyer might be wary of the panel gap variations.

Karl.

yeah, i'd say get it all sorted if you can. dodgy looking panel gaps don't help when selling a car

Thanks for your comments, guys.

Today on my way to work I had the car examined by two different bodyshops (one was a VW dealer's) and both confirmed that the door, bonnet and front panel (behind the bumper) needed alignment, plus the door's rubber seal has been installed incorrectly.

So I called the insurance company that paid for the repairs and they'll examine my car, in my presence, at VW Carbel - which carried out the original repair. Now, why's that? So they can defend themselves? Anyway, I'm not obliged to have these adjustments done at Carbel, so I'll just take it to the other dealer which has already given me a price for the repairs (ain't cheap, labour-intensive work and all).

The saga continues....

Hope all goes well. Its wrong you should be messed around like this though.

Karl.

oo, sounds bad.

but hey, itll b better than b4!

Yeh good luck with that hope all goes well. there is nothing worse than hen someone dont do there job properly and to a decent level grrr