REAR plate mounting options

[Christopher_B]

How is everyone else's rear plate mounted on their car? Tim Short Mitsubishi mounted mine totally mounted mine crooked. Looks like they just drove some self tapping screws in with a drill! One hole is almost 1/2" lower. I also will need to figure out a way to mount a front plate because TN doesn't use front plates and they didn't ask if I needed one. I also included a picture of the dealer's contact response.

[Fummins]

Too late now but it's probably not worth complaining about it. If they couldn't mount a plate properly would you really want them to try and fix it? It's just screws that go into a plastic bumper, not a big deal imo. Besides, it'd take 5 seconds to fix it yourself. It's not gonna drop the resale value anymore.

But it's your car, do what you feel is right. It shouldn't have left the lot like that. Are you gonna try and make them buy you a new bumper cover now or what's the plan now? Maybe see if they'll throw in a front plate mount bracket for you unless you plan to go with the tow hook bracket style?

[Christopher_B]

I know the opinions on this will most likely be divided. This is one reason I always said I would never buy another new car. I am very particular. If I buy brand new I want it perfect until I screw it up. If I buy used I expect to find flaws. My buddy who works at a transmission shop says they should put on a new bumper. I really don't want anyone touching my car other than mounting new tires because I don't have the equipment. I imagine if they trust somebody who doesn't care enough to mount it the plate properly what are the chances clips and such would be reinstalled correctly? Of course I'd like a new bumper but they are 4 hours away and they aren't going to offer that anyway. If they offered some money in parts credit I would be happy with that. I am looking into a better way to mount it away from the paint. Is this part number mz314797 just a frame as it is listed? I also asked dealer badges to be removed. They got the one of the paint but left the one across the windshield. Of course the pictures they sent me before the car left the lot did not show the window decal nor the crooked plate. It would appear it would have been easy to hold the frame against the upper ledge before drilling. I would have preferred they tape the plate in the windshield for transport and let me deal with it. Here is a vehicle they have in stock now and the plate looks fairly level.

[Clessy]

I know the opinions on this will most likely be divided. This is one reason I always said I would never buy another new car. I am very particular. If I buy brand new I want it perfect until I screw it up. If I buy used I expect to find flaws. My buddy who works at a transmission shop says they should put on a new bumper. I really don't want anyone touching my car other than mounting new tires because I don't have the equipment. I imagine if they trust somebody who doesn't care enough to mount it the plate properly what are the chances clips and such would be reinstalled correctly? Of course I'd like a new bumper but they are 4 hours away and they aren't going to offer that anyway. If they offered some money in parts credit I would be happy with that. I am looking into a better way to mount it away from the paint. Is this part number mz314797 just a frame as it is listed? I also asked dealer badges to be removed. They got the one of the paint but left the one across the windshield. Of course the pictures they sent me before the car left the lot did not show the window decal nor the crooked plate. It would appear it would have been easy to hold the frame against the upper ledge before drilling. I would have preferred they tape the plate in the windshield for transport and let me deal with it. Here is a vehicle they have in stock now and the plate looks fairly level.

From working at a dealership for a 2 years and a Mitsubishi 1 at that. You have 0% and I mean absolutely 0% chance of getting a new bumper for a license plate hole. Especially since you can literally un screw it and then level it and screw it back and you'd never notice. It's literally the cheapest car in America. If they paid for a new bumper it would literally cost them to sell you the car.

[Christopher_B]

From working at a dealership for a 2 years and a Mitsubishi 1 at that. You have 0% and I mean absolutely 0% chance of getting a new bumper for a license plate hole. Especially since you can literally un screw it and then level it and screw it back and you'd never notice. It's literally the cheapest car in America. If they paid for a new bumper it would literally cost them to sell you the car.

I understand what you are saying. Should a customer of a cheaper car be treated differently of another? New is new. A hole in the fender or a missing hubcap wouldn't affect its capabilities either but they probably wouldn't send it out that way.

Everyone's time is valuable. That is why we get paid for going to work. If I have to spend my time fixing what I already paid them to do shouldn't I be compensated somehow. I know I won't get a bumper. I read other people's horror stories as well including an owner of a new mustang that had holes drilled under the license plate mounting holes because the installer thought the existing holes were for parking sensors.

[Clessy]

I understand what you are saying. Should a customer of a cheaper car be treated differently of another? New is new. A hole in the fender or a missing hubcap wouldn't affect its capabilities either but they probably wouldn't send it out that way.

Everyone's time is valuable. That is why we get paid for going to work. If I have to spend my time fixing what I already paid them to do shouldn't I be compensated somehow. I know I won't get a bumper. I read other people's horror stories as well including an owner of a new mustang that had holes drilled under the license plate mounting holes because the installer thought the existing holes were for parking sensors.

Just dont be shocked for them to give you a big eff off who cares. Your license plates going to cover the hole. Does it suck? I dont even know it comes off more as a who cares. But I do understand your point because me living in a state without front license plates wont buy a car at the has holes in the front bumper where a plate would be. I HATE IT. So everyone has their own things they take issue with but, I feel like this is a dont sweat it type of thing because you'll forget it about it in a weeks time.

Also I know you hate to hear this but, to a sales person and a dealership no, everyones time isnt equally valuable. If you're where buying a mirage from me I wouldn't be rude or not care but i would haggle or give you more than 30 minutes of my time to make up your mind. I made $100 for selling one of these things vs around 500 per outland sport 700 for outlander and anywhere up to $1700 for a used car. To get the car sold paperwork and all that its normally a 1 to 3 hour window. $33.33 an hour doesnt get me excited to be losing time with my family and staying late at a dealership.

[dspace9]

I understand what you are saying. Should a customer of a cheaper car be treated differently of another? New is new. A hole in the fender or a missing hubcap wouldn't affect its capabilities either but they probably wouldn't send it out that way.

Everyone's time is valuable. That is why we get paid for going to work. If I have to spend my time fixing what I already paid them to do shouldn't I be compensated somehow. I know I won't get a bumper. I read other people's horror stories as well including an owner of a new mustang that had holes drilled under the license plate mounting holes because the installer thought the existing holes were for parking sensors.

I don't think opinions are divided on your story. New is new, plain and simple. You can't expect glaring blemishes on a new thing. My new freezer has a few dents from travelling, but your situation is another level. Every shop needs a level, a square, a dolly or two, some good basic pencils, a good knife, and a hammer. I'm sorry if bringing it up again but parcel for the course right. Sorry about your luck.

Who does this stealership think they are. I'd fight the thing and I wouldn't give them a dime ever again.

[PityOnU]

I know the opinions on this will most likely be divided. This is one reason I always said I would never buy another new car. I am very particular. If I buy brand new I want it perfect until I screw it up. If I buy used I expect to find flaws. My buddy who works at a transmission shop says they should put on a new bumper. I really don't want anyone touching my car other than mounting new tires because I don't have the equipment. I imagine if they trust somebody who doesn't care enough to mount it the plate properly what are the chances clips and such would be reinstalled correctly? Of course I'd like a new bumper but they are 4 hours away and they aren't going to offer that anyway. If they offered some money in parts credit I would be happy with that. I am looking into a better way to mount it away from the paint. Is this part number mz314797 just a frame as it is listed? I also asked dealer badges to be removed. They got the one of the paint but left the one across the windshield. Of course the pictures they sent me before the car left the lot did not show the window decal nor the crooked plate. It would appear it would have been easy to hold the frame against the upper ledge before drilling. I would have preferred they tape the plate in the windshield for transport and let me deal with it. Here is a vehicle they have in stock now and the plate looks fairly level.

No worries on being particular, Chris. I'm the same way, and constantly obsess over my car. You are in the right to be cross about this.

Unfortunately, I will echo others here and say that you are unlikely to get any help from the dealership. Even if they were nearby it would be like pulling teeth. In this case they are 4 hours away, so I wish you the best of luck. To make matters worse, you have the newest bumper style (very nice!), so getting a replacement on the cheap from a junkyard is probably out of the question for now.

If it makes you feel any better, my license plate is attached in the same way. As in, just holes drilled in the bumper. It made me cringe, as well. But unfortunately, it is what it is. Mine was at least level, though.

Additionally, at least the plate itself would cover the extra hole you would need to drill in order to correctly align the plate. The bumper is also totally plastic, so you don't have to worry about rust.

What has helped me "chill" the most, though, is this: I plan on keeping the car for many years. If there is something that gets messed up now, it doesn't necessarily need to be fix now. It can be fixed just as easily (and probably much more cheaply) several years down the road.

Just my 2p. From someone who is also somewhat obsessive.

[Christopher_B]

Too late now but it's probably not worth complaining about it. If they couldn't mount a plate properly would you really want them to try and fix it? It's just screws that go into a plastic bumper, not a big deal imo. Besides, it'd take 5 seconds to fix it yourself. It's not gonna drop the resale value anymore.

But it's your car, do what you feel is right. It shouldn't have left the lot like that. Are you gonna try and make them buy you a new bumper cover now or what's the plan now? Maybe see if they'll throw in a front plate mount bracket for you unless you plan to go with the tow hook bracket style?

I will most likely go with the tow hook style but would consider a factory bracket. I wonder why they don't offer a rear plate bracket? It would seem driving around with the plate against the paint would scratch the crap out of it.

[Christopher_B]

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But it's your car, do what you feel is right. It shouldn't have left the lot like that. Are you gonna try and make them buy you a new bumper cover now or what's the plan now? Maybe see if they'll throw in a front plate mount bracket for you unless you plan to go with the tow hook bracket style?[/QUOTE]

I hadn't looked at the front of the car since saturday. I see it has dimples in the front bumper on a non painted plastic surface. There is a good chance I will drill into those dimples and mount the front plate there. I may drill two holes for the bottom of the plate as well.
I did wonder about some of the front plate mounts I saw looked to block air flow. If I mount to that wide solid plastic strip it shouldn't affect it at all.