Before you buy . . . check that hood!

[woof]

About three days after I took delivery I was having a burger and admiring my hatch. I looked closely and noticed the hood gaps didn't line up. I opened up the hood and sure enough the hood rod was bent into some weird shape and tucked behind the battery. Apparently some Philistine took a look at the engine on the lot and forgot about the hood rod when he applied Ahnold-like pressure to it!

The guys at the dealership asked how it happened and I felt helpless. I bought my xB from them so they pretty much accepted the story and ordered a new hood and rod.

My concern is it must be painted. The gap is really not noticeable to the casual onlooker. At resale or trade I'm sure it would be an issue. So, I guess I'll risk non-factory paint and go ahead with the replacement.