Fit and finish on new cx-5

[Drm31078]

I know I didn't buy a Ferrari but disappointed in a few fit and finish things. I just got my 2016 cx-5. Noticed a mark on the leather cushion on the passenger side. I thought it was excess leather protectant but it won't come off from wiping. See photo.

Also when you push on the middle of the rear cushions there seems to be some thing underneath that is like a hard cord that is making the leather raised slightly in a line. Overtime I suspect it will show more and more as the leather forms around it.

There is what seems like a permanent crease about 2" long in the rear center seat cushion

There were a few hairline scratches on the unpainted part of the bumper. The ones in the painted part were buffed out but still visible to the trained eye.

Am I being too picky? I am headed to the dealer tomorrow to see what they say. Any of these things I should fight over?

 

[yrwei52]

Yeah, Mazda is not a Lexus or Ferrari and you can't expect everything is perfect. The reflection of vent chrome trim on outside rear view mirrors, and the totally un-matched lines connecting the front door panel and B-pillar, those kind of things you can blame them on Mazda. But all the imperfections, other than the crease in the rear center seat cushion, you've mentioned seem to be damaged after the assembly. How many miles did you have when you got your CX-5?

 

[Drm31078]

14 miles. what would you do in my shoes?

 

[Drm31078]

Technically they could replace the unpainted bumper and the passenger seat cushion. Not sure they will though. Depends how hard a I fight I guess. I bet this happened when they applied the free permaplate on the outside and inside.

 

[yrwei52]

14 miles. what would you do in my shoes?

I'm a picky guy and that's why we ordered our CX-5 to make sure the car has minimum miles on it (3 miles) and has minimum chance getting any damages. You can bring your CX-5 back to your dealer and ask them to fix everything you've mentioned. Sometimes the dealer have to replace the whole seat (not likely) but other times they may find somebody to do some magic things. Of course if dealer doesn't think these imperfections are covered under new car warranty, or even think you did those, then you can only call Mazda North American Operations. But it won't hurt to give it a try.

 

[Drm31078]

Yeah I am very picky as well. My wife thinks I am crazy though ha.

 

[DG_1234]

Am I being too picky?

Yes.

 

[Unobtanium]

I'm very picky, but you could make things worse swapping stuff about or buffing imo. Its within normal variance.

 

[MikeM.]

Am I being too picky? I am headed to the dealer tomorrow to see what they say. Any of these things I should fight over?

I think I'm in time to save you some embarrassment. Leather is a natural product and contains minor imperfections. The imperfection in your photo is truly miniscule.

Please do not embarrass yourself by raising this with the dealership.

Please take this to heart.

Enjoy your new car.

 

[Drm31078]

Whelp, I just got back from the dealer...they re-detailed the interior with permaplate. I let the scratches go on the unpainted bumper. The detailers said the mark on the seat was glue from when the seat cover was manufactured. Nothing the detailers could do about it. It's about the size of a dime and can be seen clearly in the right light since the glue is shiny compared to the leather.

Do I make them replace the bottom seat cover?

 

[Unobtanium]

No.

 

[Raeburn]

It's funny, we buy a new car and are obsessive over every detail being perfect when we get it delivered from the dealer.
Yet as soon as we drive it, wash it, park it outside, or even sit in it, it's going to start showing some wear. Tiny scratches from washing, stone chips from driving, stains on the seats (especially if you got the parchment leather as it appears in the photo).
I used to be obsessed with my cars being perfect, now I buy them to drive and enjoy them. Sure I wash and wax and clean, I fix stone chips a soon as they appear - but I don't stress over the small things anymore. And I sure do enjoy my cars more than ever!!
Should you be getting the dealer to replace the seat because of some glue residue? That's totally up to you, for me I wouldn't worry about it - I've got the parchment leather in my 3 and I already have a couple small marks in the driver's seat

Sent from my Z30 using Tapatalk 2

 

[yrwei52]

(especially if you got the parchment leather as it appears in the photo)

Parchment? For some reason I thought the OP has black leather seat... (boom01)

 

[Drm31078]

Yeah it's black leather. There are two issues really:

1) Seat glue used during manufacturing on front passenger seat cushion (as described by Mazda South detailers)

2) Hard raised object under rear passenger seat cushion causing leather deformation

See attached photos.

 

[MikeM.]

Yeah it's black leather. There are two issues really:

1) Seat glue used during manufacturing on front passenger seat cushion (as described by Mazda South detailers)

2) Hard raised object under rear passenger seat cushion causing leather deformation

See attached photos.

People who live happy and rewarding lives would not focus on such miniscule life challenges for even one minute.
Focus on your life goals and the people in your life and make decisions that will lead to a fulfilling life. Life is short, enjoy it.

 

[rickypicky]

What did they say about the 'hard raised object' under rear passenger seat cushion?

 

[Drm31078]

They said, "Weird, never saw that before".

It's the same on the other side. Just not as close to the surface therefore not affecting the leather and not a problem. Can only feel it if you push hard. The side where it's an issue is where you can run your hand across it and feel it without much pressure at all. You can actually see the line on it.

 

[sylva143]

It's funny, we buy a new car and are obsessive over every detail being perfect when we get it delivered from the dealer.
Yet as soon as we drive it, wash it, park it outside, or even sit in it, it's going to start showing some wear. Tiny scratches from washing, stone chips from driving, stains on the seats (especially if you got the parchment leather as it appears in the photo).
I used to be obsessed with my cars being perfect, now I buy them to drive and enjoy them. Sure I wash and wax and clean, I fix stone chips a soon as they appear - but I don't stress over the small things anymore. And I sure do enjoy my cars more than ever!!
Should you be getting the dealer to replace the seat because of some glue residue? That's totally up to you, for me I wouldn't worry about it - I've got the parchment leather in my 3 and I already have a couple small marks in the driver's seat

Sent from my Z30 using Tapatalk 2

I admire having such a balanced approach to life! You are still keeping your vehicle in great condition and not worrying about the tiny imperfections that only you notice and care about. I just purchased a vehicle with $3000 miles on it, and had to really look hard to find the faults. I did find them -- a scratch here -- a carpet mark there, but I saved $8 - $10K over something new. The car is going to experience wear and tear, anyway, so it is almost a relief not to worry about the first scratch!

 

[Drm31078]

So I should have purchased a used car instead of expecting a new car without defects?

At what point do you say, I will let them get off the hook even though I am paying a premium for a new vehicle? If everyone lets them get away with it then that means customer expectations are lower and companies can get away with letting quality slide. That's is great for them right? Where do you draw the line? Why shouldn't I have high expectations for the quality of new products?

I get it, there are more important things in life...but if I am spending my hard earned money on a new product I expect it to be new without defect.

 

[Drm31078]

It's one thing if you make the marks yourself or chip the paint yourself. But it shouldn't come from the dealer like that. Otherwise why buy a new car at all?