My New S3 - Sorted by matt @ Off Your Marks

maxS3uk

maxS3uk

mike
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Hello all, signed up few months ago when I got my 08 Audi S3 in Phantom Black. But had few problem with the paintwork and the garage repair job but eventually got it sorted by Matt at Off Your Marks (http://www.offyourmarks.com)... Heres the long story lol

After few days of having the car I noticed light swirls marks in the paint already, I hadn't even washed it yet! :blink: So took it back to Audi Garage and told them about the problem, that they must of done it when they washed the car etc etc and they said no problem we'll sort it out by sending it to our 'Audi Approved' paint specialist, it will just polish out so its like new (like it should of been! lol)

Went in following week, it was dark when I picked it up so couldn't really see if it was any better so had look next day...

:wtf: am sure the pictures explain....

DSC00086.jpg


DSC00088.jpg


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It was worse than when it went in!!! It was a right mess, it was that bad I didn't want to drive it, I was gutted!!!

After this I contacted Matt at Off Your Marks (http://www.offyourmarks.com) as I did some research to see who was the best in this buisness and he seemed to be very good! So spoke to him and sent his some pictures and he was shocked by the car, he said the damage was quite bad which needed to be sorted by a professional to stop further damaged which would of been beyond repair. So I decided I wanted him to sort the car so went back to Audi and told them the car is even worse.

They had a look and the guy who owns the company that did the work came and had a look at it, he said that the work wasn't comleted and said it shouldn't of left in that condition... Just shows what a good company you are then!!! Told him and Audi that I dont want him to 'try' and repair it again, so Audi said they would send it to another 'Audi Approved back street' paint specialist who I know are bad already so said NO, I want to take it to a professional who knows what he is doing and has had a look at the paintwork and is worried that any further unskilled repairs would damaged the paint even more. They said I could take it to who ever I want, but I would have to pay so argued for bit and they offered to pay a little amount towards the cost of repair. :no: The Audi garage wouldn't budge, I told them I'd goto trading standards but they claimed they have got 3 chances to sort a problem so they would back them, I would of thought Paintwork wouldn't have been included as its not like they are replacing a part to try and fix it!

Anyway... I emailed the Audi help centre... waited 5 days and got nothing back, started to have doubts about buying an Audi by this time :crying:... so emailed Jeremy Hicks, the top man at AUDI UK and expalined everything... he replied within an hour... He was not happy with the quality of the car, and dont think he was too happy with the garage. Anyway, he said take it to who you want and they will pay! :icon_thumright:

So off it went to Matt at Off Your Marks, he had it for 3 days nearly as the paintwork was seriously bad!

Picked it up

:hubbahubba:
It was amazing, he has done a top job on the car as it looks like a totally different car... I couldn't believe the difference!!! :jump: He is a top guy and very professional, and his work is amazing! So its all sorted now and everyone looks at the car for the right reasons! :yes:

I bought a new camera last weekend so went out to get some photos... still learning how to use it but thought they didn't come out too bad...

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brock01.jpg


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brock07.jpg


brock08.jpg


night1.jpg



Bought some German Number Plates the other week and fitted them, they look ace! Also got some 10mm spacers sat beside me waiting to go on when I get round to it. Got few other plans but not sure yet :unsure:

Sorry for the long post but I'm just happy that Audi UK did sort the problem out in the end! Was having doubts but I guess its just them contracted dealers at the end of the day that make life hard! :asskicking:
 
That looks a lovely car now. I would suggest you take advice off your new friend on how to wash and look after it. Black cars are notorious for showing swirls and you don't want any more of them.
 
Good to hear Audi helped you resolve the issue. I wonder if they will pick it up with the dealer involved as they have not given you the best introdution to the Audi experience!

Car looks amazing now!
 
Wow! What a difference! Well done for complaining and getting Audi UK to pay to correct the dealers mistake. Must be well chuffed now looks fantastic.

Though you've made me worry about mine now. Pick up my new S3, also in phantom black, Friday morning...... can't wait. Have gone with the dealers offered paint protection system. So praying now they don't make swirls and seal it in!!! Will examine thoroughly on pick up.
 
looks amazing, the guy has skills!
 
maxS3uk said:
... so emailed Jeremy Hicks, the top man at AUDI UK and expalined everything... he replied within an hour... He was not happy with the quality of the car, and dont think he was too happy with the garage. Anyway, he said take it to who you want and they will pay! :icon_thumright:
Click to expand...
Yes, Jeremy is indeed a "top man"! I dealt with him before with the problems with my MFSW (or Single Function Steering Wheel as some were calling it) and had a response almost immediately.
 
Which Audi dealership was this with mate? It wasn't with Grimsby Audi by any chance was it?

Coss
 
Nice result my man. ROFL why do people pay peanuts and hire monkeys??? It beggars belief!!

Theres nothing worse than being dissatisfied, you feel inside "Am i being picky" but it niggles the hell out of you whilst you spend time contemplaing whether to continue the complaint or just live with it, so im glad u stuck with it and can enjoy the car you looked forward to picking up first time round ;)

Those first few pics look like how my mums black car turned out when i got payed to wash it is as a kid. There was a few stubborn marks so i used the green bit on the sponge... oops

P.S. I love threads with pics :arco:
 
Looks lovely mate , as other have said Black/Phantom is horrid!

Ive treated mine like a f**king baby , Lambs wool mit, two bucket method , good shampoo and microfiber drying cloth , it STILL marks up!

TBH mate , you may have more luck with just jet washing it down every week and getting a pro to detail it twice a year!

That way you don't touch it!

Good luck!

p
 
I'd love to get my car done to that level.
Unfortunately, the only local place I know of (polished bliss) has a waiting list until 2009...
Bummer.
 
maxS3uk said:
Good guess, it was indeed... why you ask? :unsure:
Click to expand...

Thought it might be. Just had a look on their website and they've got pictures of your car up and thought I'd tell you that they haven't blocked out your number plate.

Looks a lovely car tho, top job on it! :icon_thumright: Just a shame the dealership sodded you about.

Coss
 
lil_coz said:
Thought it might be. Just had a look on their website and they've got pictures of your car up and thought I'd tell you that they haven't blocked out your number plate.
Click to expand...

Yeah thanks matey! :) I've asked him to remove it, just noticed it other day!
 
Im not sure what a publicised number plate means to you personally? Isnt it advertised everywhere you drive? or am i missing something?
 
Car Identity theft is pretty common these days on the Net especially since congestion charging. Perhaps you're right and those Guys at the side of the road with 'Survey' signs are actually plate fraudsters !!!!! Den Den Derrrrrn LOL :)

My previous S3 is still on Birmingham Audi's website with private plates even though I have mentioned it :(
 
L60N said:
Im not sure what a publicised number plate means to you personally? Isnt it advertised everywhere you drive? or am i missing something?
Click to expand...

Yeah you are right mate , but chance's of somebody out and a bout spotting your car and writing your no plate down are slim , while some low life with a Ibis S3 could come on here and spot your reg and get a plate made up within mins!

Free fuel
Unpaid parking tickets
Speeding fines
Points
Ect , ect

Untill the police knock on your door , brown envalopes drop on your mat.

Then you have to prove it's not you or your car which will be hard and a ballache to say the least.

p
 
phantom said:
Yeah you are right mate , but chance's of somebody out and a bout spotting your car and writing your no plate down are slim , while some low life with a Ibis S3 could come on here and spot your reg and get a plate made up within mins!

Free fuel
Unpaid parking tickets
Speeding fines
Points
Ect , ect

Untill the police knock on your door , brown envalopes drop on your mat.

Then you have to prove it's not you or your car which will be hard and a ballache to say the least.

p
Click to expand...


Gulp :wtf:

hadnt thought of that :keule::puke:
 
Matt at Off Your Marks is a top bloke and obsesive when it comes to paint. If you have a black car and the money it is worth getting him to do a full paint correction to remove all blemishes and swirls. Then Zymol wax it. It ain't cheap but when you clean your car it is easier and will look amazing for months.
 
I don't doubt he does a cracking job looking at maxS3UK's pics and their website. Roughly how much for a full paint correction out of interest?
 
Looks amazing. Could I ask how much it cost Audi to take it to that standard?

PS would be good to show the same shots/angles for comparison!
 
Jesus, nice buffer trails! Just what you want on a new motor eh!
Looks awesome now though mate, congrats. I love the photos too, i won't get all arty about it but the contrast is brilliant, the colour of the grass looks almost photoshopped.

Nice work.

Paul.
 
That is a fantastic finish - makes me realise how bad my paintwork is! I'll have to save some pennies to treat mine at some point.
 
Nice car & best colour, - if you used Mark @ offyour marks - I'm guessing your in the North West area ??
It wasnt Bolton Audi by any chance was it ?
My phantom black had pretty bad swirls- but not quite as bad swirls all over it when I picked it up new in Jan this year. Took them three months to sort it until I made a scene at the launch of the A4, then they could not help me fast enough !
Need to get mine booked in to correct a few buffer marks that Audi missed.

Richard
 
MacrosTheBlack said:
Roughly how much for a full paint correction out of interest?
Click to expand...

I think it depends on how bad the swirls etc are, email Matt and I'm sure he'll guide you.


SteveTDCi said:
off topic but where did you get the german plates from ?
Click to expand...

I got them off a guy on eBay, his username is
s.gif
matriches ... I've had 3 sets off him now and everytime they were spot on, they come from Germany so dont expect quick delivery, usually been about 10days.


a3norwich said:
Looks amazing. Could I ask how much it cost Audi to take it to that standard?

PS would be good to show the same shots/angles for comparison!
Click to expand...

Audi had to pay £600 to sort the problem... well I'm still waiting for my cheque from them! lol


PNH80 said:
I love the photos too, i won't get all arty about it but the contrast is brilliant, the colour of the grass looks almost photoshopped.
Click to expand...

Thanks matey, I bought a Nikon D60 VR 15-55 ... its brill, still learning how to use it, was pleased how them photos came out, the damage shots were using my K850i.


rsarjantson said:
I'm guessing your in the North West area ??
It wasnt Bolton Audi by any chance was it ?
Click to expand...

Thanks, nah it was from Grimsby Audi, in Lincolnshire. I had to travel over to him... was worth the trip though! :)
 
Sounds like it quite a common thing with Audi dealers then - having absolutely no idea how to clean / prepare a car ! I felt a bit like a whining winnie but thought s*d it I've payed for this car with my own money I expect it to be right ! They didn't like it when I got them to inspect my 3 year old trade in which looked in better condition then the supposed new car I had just paid for !

Richard
 
When your paying that kind of money you'd expect it to be mint! And the fact they'd sort a problem quickly.

Glad you got yours sorted in the end! I went one night and there was an older Phantom S3 and that looked better than mine! lol
 
Hi Guys,

Same story for me too. You can read all about it in the Detailing forum. But my car had swirls in from new, despite me specifically telling the dealer NOT to wash it and treat it with care. Not as bad as yours though maxS3.

I got Matt to correct it in Oct'07 and it was fantastic. But unfortunately over winter, somehow I have put swirls back in. I rinse, use 2 bucket method, lambswool mitt, microfibire drying towels and tried to be as careful as possible. Still swirls.

Now I'm just trying to refine my wash technqiue to try and get it right before I have it corrected again by Matt at the end of the month.

AL
 
AL_B said:
Hi Guys,

Same story for me too. You can read all about it in the Detailing forum. But my car had swirls in from new, despite me specifically telling the dealer NOT to wash it and treat it with care. Not as bad as yours though maxS3.

I got Matt to correct it in Oct'07 and it was fantastic. But unfortunately over winter, somehow I have put swirls back in. I rinse, use 2 bucket method, lambswool mitt, microfibire drying towels and tried to be as careful as possible. Still swirls.

Now I'm just trying to refine my wash technqiue to try and get it right before I have it corrected again by Matt at the end of the month.

AL
Click to expand...

Snap , i'm 100% the same , i wouldn't mind it looking a mess if i treated it like sh*t , but i don't i pour more time and love on that car it's untrue!

The paint/laquer is so soft.

A tip for you mate DON'T wash it and it will look dirty but swirl free coz unless your a pro your gonna put marks/swirls on it no matter what products you use and how loving you are , just jet wash it down!

p
 
I'm getting one of these...

51atCSaNxtL._SS500_.jpg


Just for the water filter, removes the crap that is left behind once the water has evaporated. Someone at work uses one and said it is brilliant and it really does work!

So if it leaves nothing, theres no need to dry, less chance of marking the car then :icon_thumright:

Must admit I dont like them drying towels, seem bit rough!
 
I agree with Phantom about only jet washing a car. It works fine for me and saves a lot of sweat.
 
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