Big dilemma!
 

While I was cleaning the garage couple days ago, I noticed the uneven surface on the bottom part of the rear passenger side door. First I suspected a beginning of rust but the more I look at it, it looks like a masking job after a dent. I can see a sloppy filler job followed by a paint job. As shown in the picture, you can even see a damage to the side molding. I'm not sure when this happened but it has to be pretty recent since I would've noticed it otherwise.

So here's the dilemma. I've been taking my cars to the same mechanic for over 4 years now. He's been the most honest guy who really takes care of my cars whose rate is very reasonable to a point I often feel guilty that I've paid too little. Many of his customers have been coming to him for over 25 years and vouch for his integrity. I feel blessed to have found this guy as my mechanic and have referred many people to him too. But I can't think of any other place where this coverup job could've happened as it's the only place I left it over night or a few days at. FYI, this shop also shares the facility with a body shop.

I really don't know what do to. Do I bring the car back to his shop to question or just bite the bullet? If I questions him, things will become very awkward. It's not a big place so if his employee did it, he would've probably known about it. Legally speaking, it's a lost cause since I've already left the shop and it's been a while since. I really have nothing to gain unless he somehow confesses and be responsible for the repair which is very unlikely.

Only other places I've left the car at someone else's hands are the car wash at the dealer and at some restaurant valet parking which wasn't for more than a few hours. I assume the drying time for filler alone will require more time.

Hmm...what to do? Sorry about this lengthy post.

I would talk to him, nicely at first, but it sounds like it could have happened without his knowledge. I don't think I'd want that body shop to repair it if this is their work, however!

Ask yourself - why would someone go to the trouble of applying filler and painting it, without spending another 15 minutes on a half-decent sanding job.

Grab yourself a fridge magnet - if it sticks, it's metal. If not, it's filler under the colour.

How long since your last visit to your mechanic did you notice the issue? Because it would have stuck out like dogs balls to me. Unless your last visit to them was in the last few days to a week, I'd be questioning why you didn't notice it beforehand - if they actually did the damage.

If it were me, I would not be going and accusing someone of something without having damned good proof. IMO, this is not damned good proof.

I took the OP at his word that there is filler although I also can't see it in the pics posted. I agree ants that it appears to be a parking lot impact from some time ago (rust), but the OP can see/feel/magnet and I can't.

If there is no evidence of a repair, then it is possible it happened at the mechanic's but more probable that it happened at a shopping center. In that case, don't hassle a good mechanic over it.

Do you have kids?

That mark on the black trim strip - almost look like the door has been over-extended while open.

:iagree:

I would be more incline to blame it on the valet parkers.

And this is why I never let anyone park my car for me

It's a darned sucky situation that's for sure. I can totally understand why the OP is pissed.

Thinking down the path here, at the repair. Door skins are notoriously difficult to repair. Might be best off just buying a door shell from a wrecker and transferring all components from the original door.

I did the magnet test and it's the filler alright. I was dearly hoping that the magnet would stick. That way at least my trust for that shop is still there. My disappointment is immeasurable. Guess you really can't trust no one. My car was left there for a day 3 weeks ago. Last time I used valet was a several months ago. Not sure why I've just noticed it. Despite what the picture shows, it's not that noticeable from a distance.