Tips on Buying Cars: Damage to New Car, paint sealant, minivan

Question
We are in the process of purchasing a new minivan.  On Saturday we put money down for our new van.  We even test drove our new car.  As the salesman was returning the car to the lot, he took a turn too close to the pillar and scratched it about 18 inches along the passenger back door and the panel above the rear wheel.  At first he told me that they will get new parts from the manufacturer and replace it, then on Monday he said the damage wasn't that bad so they will take it to the body shop and throw in the paint sealant for free.  I'm not sure I want a damaged new car although it may be only cosmetic, we're paying good money for it.  What's our recourse?

Answer
I personally would use that as a chance to make them knock off a bit on the price.... I don't know how far they would go, but your concern about buying a damaged new car should be enough to get ~1000 off the price... If they wont do close to that, i'd look for a different dealer, anyone who tries to sell a repaired new car for full price isn't worth doing business with... get them to go down on what you were going to pay, or refuse to buy it.  You can always find a similar vehicle elsewhere, or even there...  Good luck!