It looks very much like it has actually corroded right through. Can you confirm wether it has or not as this makes a big difference to the way it’s repaired.
It looks likely that there is a hole in the metal, if you poke it with a screw driver and a hole goes through then the only proper way to fix it is to have it cut out and a patch welded in. If there is no hole, it does look like it will eventually head that way but you could prolong it a bit by sanding with some 80 grit paper getting it as shiney as possible. Try to keep the rubbing local because it will mark a large area of paint if you spread out. Once it's sanded you could use some kurust on it from Halfords. It's called rust killer, it won't kill the rust but it might protect the metal for a bit. Once that's dry you can use some touch up paint to paint it back in as best as you can. Alternatively if you feel more adventurous you could mask the area, use an aerosol primer. Rub that down with 400 paper then an aerosol of the correct ( or close ) colour to paint it in. If you do that though make sure the masking tape stays back from the edge as much as possible or you will see it from outside when the door is shut.
If that is the case then the only way to repair it is to actually cut out the rust and have a patch welded in. Not really a job for the novice. But not impossible if you are a decent DIYer with a couple of hundred £ worth of kit.
Have you looked underneath the vehicle in that area? Also the rubber seal and plastic doorstep should be removed to examine the whole area.
Yes from your pic it certainly looks like it’s rusted right through. Give it a good sanding down in the rusty areas and apply the rust treatment. Good luck..
Check your door alignment. I have a similar mark caused by a gust of wind ripping the door out of my hand and stressing the hinges so the door is now not aligned correctly and rubs on the sill.
Or possibly a hit taken from below? Don’t have another Cali on hand to compare
Definitely suspicious.
Yep. Will initially book an appointment with my local VW dealer in order for them to check if it’s the door(s) or the car that’s askew.
Yes inspection at the body shop is booked in two weeks’ time. I’ve actually filed a warranty claim against the dealer who sold me the vehicle since some of the original ad photos hint of an uneven sill when you look up close - unfortunately no photos of the more affected side, but a hint of the door-sill gap not being quite even on the other.
To be honest I think my tyre shop theory is a bit far fetched. They have been in business for 20+ years and have a solid reputation, which isn’t a guarantee but does make a rookie mistake unlikely.
The repair should not be logged on an insurance database if it is carried out by a dealer etc (I.e. not registered as an insurance repair)
Has the dealer agreed to do the repair for free? I can’t see how a repair like this would affect the value of the vehicle. Also have they actually said how they will conduct the repair? Seems an awful lot of money for 2 damaged cills...
If the repair is done right, then you wouldn't be able to tell it was done after and everything is then back to normal. Unless it's written off, which if the dealer is repairing, not insurance, it it can't be, then there is no way of knowing about it. Most cars have had a minor accident at some point in their life, including many new ones before they reach the owner these are not recorded or declared and most owners have no idea it happened. A good car sprayer repairer can often pick out different shades of paint around a car which the owners had no idea of, from work done before they owned it.
No the claim is still pending with the dealer who had a meeting about it yesterday I was told. The repair quote is from the local VW body shop (on my initiative) as the dealer does not have have a repairs dept.
You did not cause the initial damage, they sold you the Van with it !
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