When I Picked UP My 2024 Silverado 1500 The Sales Guy Said He Had The Truck Buffed and Waxed, But Then I Day Later I Saw a Bunch of Deep Scratches

Buying a new truck is an exciting experience, but what happens when you discover scratches on your shiny new ride after leaving the dealership? This is exactly the predicament Mike Stenson shared in the Silverado Nation Facebook group, sparking a discussion among enthusiasts and experts. The incident raises questions about dealership practices, paint correction, and whether there are alternatives to repainting for deep scratches.

Mike explained his situation in detail:
"Are there any real auto body guys in here? When I picked up my new 2024 Silverado 1500, it was raining and getting dark. The sales guy mentioned the truck had been buffed and waxed, and it looked great in the limited light we had. A few days ago, I noticed several scratches on the passenger side. They’re random and not circular, like something was caught in a buffer pad. It almost looks like something got caught in a wash mitt or rag.

I can easily catch my fingernail in the scratches, which makes me think they’re too deep to simply buff or wet sand. It even seems like they’re through the base coat. I stopped by the dealership, but it was almost a week after delivery, so they seemed skeptical. As a long-time customer, it annoyed me that they acted like I was trying to pull something over on them. My sales guy wasn’t there, so I spoke with the owner’s daughter. They want my truck for a day to see what they can do. I worked in a body shop, but that was 40 years ago. Are there any new techniques that could make these less visible and last without needing a repaint?”

This story struck a chord with Silverado enthusiasts, some of whom offered practical advice while others shared frustrations about dealership detailing practices.

Expert Opinions: What Can Be Done About Your Car's Deep Scratches?

Robert Perone, a group member, sympathized with Mike’s frustration and provided this perspective:

"That big mark is definitely too deep. If the dealership doesn’t help you—and I doubt they will, honestly—you should know that when they say they’ll ‘detail’ the truck before delivery, it’s usually just a quick run around the vehicle with a buffer. I’d recommend finding a reputable detailer near you who specializes in paint correction and asking them for advice. They might be able to fix it for you."

Sadly, stories of disappointment with dealerships and new vehicles aren’t uncommon—like this Silverado owner who had to return their truck to the dealership after just 594 miles, leaving them with a sour taste about the entire experience.

Another commenter, Matt Vartanian, analyzed the scratches and added:

"From the way it looks, this wasn’t caused by a polisher or rotary buffer. It seems like a contaminant was in the towel or wash mitt, and it was dragged along the surface. Sadly, dealerships don’t always deliver quality when it comes to fixing things like this. If you put a correction light on the truck, I bet you’d find tons of swirls and similar marks.

Here’s the rule of thumb: if your fingernail catches in the scratch, it will need to be wet-sanded and followed by a two-step correction process. But keep in mind, this will diminish the clear coat on a brand-new vehicle. I’d recommend contacting the dealership to see if they’ll take responsibility. Sadly, they might just deny it."

Dealing with dealerships can sometimes spiral into unexpected headaches—like this Silverado owner who found themselves tangled in a $35,000 mess after their old truck’s trade-in wasn’t paid off.

Techniques to Address Deep Scratches Without Repainting

Mike’s concern about avoiding a full repaint is valid—no one wants to strip the factory paint on a brand-new truck unless absolutely necessary. While some scratches may be too deep to completely fix, there are advanced techniques that can minimize their appearance:

1. Wet Sanding with Caution
   Wet sanding involves using ultra-fine sandpaper to level out the clear coat around the scratch. This is followed by a multi-step polishing process to restore the shine. However, as Matt mentioned, this method reduces the thickness of the clear coat and should be done sparingly, especially on a new vehicle. It’s best left to a professional detailer with experience in high-end corrections.
2. Spot Polishing with Touch-Up Clear Coat
   For scratches that penetrate the clear coat but not the base color, a touch-up clear coat can fill in the grooves. After curing, the area can be sanded and polished to blend with the surrounding paint. This process requires patience but is less invasive than a full repaint.
3. Ceramic or Polymer-Based Fillers
   Certain detailing products contain ceramic or polymer compounds that fill in minor grooves and enhance the overall appearance. While these don’t permanently fix deep scratches, they can make them significantly less noticeable.
4. Professional Paint Correction
   A reputable paint correction specialist can evaluate the damage and recommend a tailored solution. This could include a combination of wet sanding, polishing, and applying protective coatings like ceramic sealants to preserve the repaired area.

The Bigger Picture: Dealership Accountability

Mike’s story highlights a recurring issue: dealerships sometimes cut corners when it comes to detailing vehicles for delivery. The term “buff and wax” can mean different things, but as Robert pointed out, it’s often little more than a quick pass with a buffer. For deep scratches caused during the dealership’s handling or prep process, customers have every right to demand accountability.

In Mike’s case, it seems like the dealership is willing to examine the scratches and attempt a resolution, but the outcome remains uncertain. The key takeaway for buyers is to thoroughly inspect their vehicle—preferably in good lighting—before accepting delivery.

For Mike and anyone dealing with similar issues, the advice is clear: start with the dealership and push for them to make things right. If they refuse, finding a professional detailer skilled in paint correction is the next best step. While techniques like wet sanding and clear-coat touch-ups can minimize the damage, prevention is always better.

This situation is a cautionary tale for all car buyers. When you’re picking up a new vehicle, take your time to inspect every panel, even if the weather or lighting conditions aren’t ideal. A little diligence upfront can save you a lot of frustration later.

For Mike and anyone dealing with similar issues, the advice is clear: start with the dealership and push for them to make things right. If they refuse, finding a professional detailer skilled in paint correction is the next best step. While techniques like wet sanding and clear-coat touch-ups can minimize the damage, prevention is always better.

This situation is a cautionary tale for all car buyers. When you’re picking up a new vehicle, take your time to inspect every panel, even if the weather or lighting conditions aren’t ideal. A little diligence upfront can save you a lot of frustration later.

Have you ever experienced scratches or paint damage on a brand-new vehicle? How did you handle the situation, and was the dealership helpful? Share your story or advice in the comments below.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.

The second image is shared by Mike Stenson among other images in the Silverado Nation group, referenced above.