Ok so my buddy bought a new civic in june 2011, and ever since he had it was making a creaking noise. It sounded like the suspension. So he took it to honda they test drove it and could not "recreate" the sound. So now in Nov it has gotten worse and he finally took it in again. They heard the noise this time and lifted it on the hoist. What they saw was the tow hook was badly damaged(pushed upwards). The technician said part of the frame was pushed back by 1/4". They said it looks like it was hit by a curb or something. But the thing is my buddy never did anything like that nor did he lend out his car.

Just wanting the opinion of people of this forum. How can we prove this was damaged before he purchased his new car?

 

There is no way to prove it. Must have happened at the dealership before he bought the car.
Just bad luck. Its way too late to blame it on a dealership now.

Seen similar stuff happen several times before. Just because ur buying a new car, don't expect it to be "brand new" all around. Always check around the entire the car and take a knowledgeable person with u.

One of my other friends bought a new accord few years ago, called me recently saying that his paint was cracking on the quarter panel. I went to look at it and it was previous work.that he never noticedhe before. The dealership had the car painted, probably because of lot damage. By the time he found out about it, it was too late

 

Was this car taken to the dealer he purchased at? Was the creaking sound atleast documented the first time by the dealership? Pics?

 

Sadly, I don't think you are going to be able to prove that the car was purchased in this condition....especially after nearly 6 months of ownership.

 

only way i can think of is somehow get proof that the rust and corrosion on the tow hook has been there for a long time.

 

tell him to sell the car and get something else or invest some money in car audio - he wont hear any noises anymore

 

Unfortunately, there's not a lot he can do that i know of.

 

I get so many high-end super cars in my shop that are damaged at the "docks". So many people purchase "new" cars that have had major repair work done, and they don't even know it.

 

thats not good. what bout getting the rusted tow rod tested. If we can prove if that damage is real old we have a casE?