Firm says Bristol family's car ruined by bird droppings

A car firm has refused to fix the roof of a brand new vehicle belonging to a Bristol family, because they claim the damage was caused by bird droppings.

Kevin and Sheila Mattock, of Oakfield Road, Kingswood, bought the new black Renault Modus from City Motors, in April last year.

The couple look after their £13,000 car by keeping it in a secure garage overnight, having regular services, and cleaning the car on a fortnightly basis.

But in September this year, just 16 months after purchasing the car, Mr Mattock, 47, noticed damage to the roof paint that had exposed the grey primer underneath.

He contacted City Motors to arrange for the damage to be fixed, as he assumed it would be covered by his three-year warranty.

But City Motors claimed that the damage had been caused by "bird deposits" and was therefore not covered by the warranty.

Mr Mattock, a heavy goods mechanic, sought second and third opinions from other repair specialists. Both wrote to the dad-of-two confirming that the paint damage was not caused by bird droppings.

He is now facing having to fork out for the £450 + VAT bill to fix the roof himself.

Mr Mattock told the Evening Post: "I was shocked when the body shop said the damage was caused by bird deposits. I would have thought that bird deposits might leave discolouration or dull patches, but not to take the paint off. Renault are not prepared to do anything about it, but also haven't given me a report explaining what has caused it."

When Mr and Mrs Mattock purchased their first ever brand new car, they paid extra to have the paint work "supaguarded", an extra protector. Since Mr Mattock first noticed the damage in September, it has got continually worse.

He said: "This is the first car we've ever bought from new. There are now thumb nail spots all over an area of about 2ft by 1ft, exposing the grey primer. We look after this car. It is washed once a fortnight, and my wife only uses it to go to work and the shops. Apart from that it is kept in the garage.

"I'm angry and upset. They were quite happy to take my money off me, but when you walk out of the door, that's it. It has caused several arguments at home as well. If you went on holiday for a fortnight and parked your car at Bristol Airport, would you expect to come back to find the paint work removed due to bird droppings?"

Pauline Reynolds, from Woodland & Bayliss Ltd, car and commercial accident repair specialists, in Yate, wrote to Mr Mattock: "On inspection of the paint work, in our opinion the marks are nothing to do with bird deposits."

Andy Alcock, a business development manager from Supaguard Ltd, based in Glasgow, also wrote: "Following my visit and inspection of your vehicle, I write to confirm that in my opinion the flaking paint on the roof of your vehicle has not been caused by birdlime."

John Fairman, marketing manager for City Motors, told the Evening Post: "An engineer from Renault UK has inspected the vehicle and has said the damage isn't caused by the warranty. We can't as a dealer overrule that. Mr Mattock should get in contact with Renault UK customer services helpline."