Buying a car is a big investment, and most buyers assume that if something goes wrong early on, the manufacturer will make it right. But what happens when a paint defect appears just weeks after purchase—and the dealership refuses to take full responsibility?

 

That’s exactly what Rabbi Jeffrey Feinstein faced after purchasing a new Subaru. When mysterious spots appeared on his car’s hood, he expected the issue to be covered under Subaru’s warranty. Instead, he was left with a $6,000 repair bill and a battle over who should pay.

His case highlights an all-too-common issue—when car buyers are stuck with expensive repairs for problems they didn’t cause. Here’s how he fought back and won.

 

A Paint Problem That No One Wanted to Own

Feinstein purchased his new Subaru with excitement, even stretching his budget to get the car he truly wanted. But just a few weeks later, something caught his eye—quarter-sized spots marring the paint on the hood.

 

“I was looking at it more closely and saw these spots where the paint was defective,” Feinstein told TrustDALE in an interview.

 

Hoping for a quick fix, he took the car back to the dealership, where Subaru inspected the damage, took photos, and promised to investigate.  After several weeks of waiting, the dealership’s response was clear:

"Not our fault."

Instead of fixing the issue under warranty, Subaru offered $2,000 toward a repair—but only if he used one of their approved body shops. That might have been reasonable, except the shop’s estimate came back at $6,000, leaving Feinstein to cover the remaining $4,000 out of pocket.

 

Frustrated and unable to afford the cost, he reached out to TrustDALE for help.

 

 

An Expert’s Take: What Really Caused the Damage?

To understand what had happened, TrustDALE brought in a certified automotive expert to examine the damage firsthand.

His conclusion?

 

“This doesn’t look like a factory defect,” he explained to TrustDALE. “Something dropped onto the hood—maybe brake fluid or another chemical from a transporter vehicle.”

 

This suggested that the damage had likely occurred before the car even reached the dealership. Yet Subaru refused to acknowledge responsibility.

 

Even more shocking was the inflated repair cost. When asked whether a $6,000 price tag was reasonable, the expert laughed.

 

“He got sent to one of these boutique body shops,” he said. “The ones that give you a cappuccino while you wait.”

 

While luxury repair facilities have their place, Subaru’s insistence on using a high-cost partner shop—without offering other options—put Feinstein at a serious disadvantage.

 

Pressuring Subaru to Do the Right Thing

Armed with evidence from the automotive expert, TrustDALE contacted Subaru directly. To their credit, the company agreed to seek a second estimate—this time from a different body shop.

 

The new estimate came in significantly lower, proving that the original $6,000 quote had been wildly inflated.   Ultimately, Subaru agreed to cover the full cost of repainting Feinstein’s car at no additional charge.  

 

The result? Justice for a car buyer who had initially been told he was on his own.

 

How to Protect Yourself from Unfair Car Repair Costs

Feinstein’s story serves as a cautionary tale for all car buyers. If you find yourself in a similar situation, here’s how to fight back:

  • Document Everything – Take clear photos of the damage, keep all repair estimates, and save copies of emails or communications with the dealership.
  • Get a Second Opinion – If a repair shop gives you an eye-watering estimate, consult an independent mechanic or body shop for comparison.
  • Question the Dealership’s Recommendations – Manufacturer-approved body shops often charge premium rates. You may have other options.
  • Escalate When Necessary – If the manufacturer refuses to take responsibility, push back. Consumer advocacy groups like TrustDALE can often help hold businesses accountable.

The Bottom Line

Car manufacturers and dealerships don’t always get it right. But Feinstein’s experience shows that with the right expert advice and consumer advocacy, a bad situation can be made right.

 

If you ever find yourself in a dispute over a warranty repair or dealership service, remember: you have rights. Ask questions, challenge unfair costs, and don’t be afraid to seek help.