Over the last few days when it has rained there seems to be black marks from where the water has come off the new black seals and trim and smeared the paint. Did anyone else have this problem when they had their car new?

Yes, particularly on the sills just below the door hinges.

I don't know what it was - I guess it was rust inhibitor leaking out from inside the doors - but a quick application of Autoglym tar remover cleaned it up.

I think its excess wax from the bodywork joints....mine was. It should just shampoo away.

Cheers

Black marks on the door sills- ours still does it after over 1.5 years:confused:

Mine used to do it a lot, but after 2 years I think it has stopped. its the excess wax used inside the doors to protect against rust. Just use soapy water to remove, if a little stubborn a light application of wax should do the trick.

Originally posted by Neil RS in this post

Black marks on the door sills- ours still does it after over 1.5 years:confused:

Lightbulb

Now I come to think about it a bit more....

New car (May 2001): black marks on sills below door hinges. Cleaned off with tar remover.

June 2002 (few weeks after first inspection/service): black marks on sills below door hinges. Cleaned up with tar remover.

End April this year (few weeks after second inspection/service): black marks on sills below door hinges. Cleaned up with tar remover.

I think there's a pattern here, lube door hinges, and....

Mine still does it (or should i say mine USED to do it , as the car is no longer in my posession.... :( )

SWMBO's Felicia is still doing it after 6 years. :(