Unfulfilled sale terms, car paint damage, and Small Claims Court
I bought a brand new 251-reg Mazda (€44k) from O’Briens Garage in Midleton. I’m sharing my experience so other prospective buyers know what happened in my case.
Part of my deal when buying the car was that a Supagard paint protection system would be applied. When I didn't get the warranty certificate or aftercare kit at handover, I was told they were sourcing the paperwork. I ended up contacting Supagard Head Office directly, and they confirmed in writing that no protection package had ever been registered or applied to my vehicle's VIN.
This all came to light when the car's paintwork and piano black trim were returned covered in heavy swirl marks after being in the garage. They kept the car overnight to fix it, but when my detailer washed it afterward, it turned out they had just put cosmetic fillers over the paint to hide the marks rather than actually fixing them. Machine polishing done while it was in their care also left permanent polisher burn marks in two spots on the paintwork.
When I showed them the written proof from Supagard HQ, the Dealer Principal refused a direct bank transfer for the repairs, offering store and fuel vouchers instead. I had to lodge a complaint with the CCPC Enforcement Division and take the matter to the Small Claims Court to get my money back. They only paid out the cash after court intervention.
If you are buying here, double-check that any add-ons or promised treatments are actually done, check all paintwork carefully in proper light, and make sure you get all official warranty paperwork in hand before driving away.