Auto body repair & detailing: uneven paint, better buisness bureau, carfax report

Question
Dave,

I just bought a 2009 Silver Audi TT used car and noticed, after 30 days, the rear bumper has uneven piant. The driver side rear bumper is lighter than the rear passenger side. It looks like a bad paint job or a stain of some sort?? Its noticeable to me and I'm kicking myself for not noticing it when I purchased it. I was excited. Can I wet sand it, buff it out, to be less noticeable or do I have to repaint it? When I bought it they gave me a copy of the carfax and it was clean. Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer
Hi Fred!.....If the LH drivers side of the bumper cover is lighter than the RH passenger side, as I am sure you know, there was a repair done to that particular corner. Repairs were most likely minor, which would warrant the bumper cover being repaired and repainted. This is evedent, as the color match is not consistent from side to side... If damage was more severe, the bumper cover would have more than likely have been replaced, therefore, the paint would be consistent in color...As far as sanding, polishing , or buffing, unfortunatly, that procedure will only remove slight imperfections in the paint, such as runs, dirt nibs, etc...which generally end up in the clear coat, and will not enhance the color....As far as the Carfax report goes, unfortunatly, repairs that have been done, will only be flagged if they have been reported to them....sometimes they are not...In my opinion, what I would do, is to take your vehicle back to where you purchased it...Show them the Carfax report that they gave you...If they are a reputable buisness, and stand by that report, they should have no problem in repairing it to your satisfaction...If not, I would then suggest you talk to your local Better Buisness Bureau...Hope this is of some help...Please write back if you have any more concerns or questions...Thanks....Dave