Buying a "Scratch + Dent" Bike at LBS

[Roadtrip]

DH is buying a 2010 Trek FX 7.5 and when they fitted him on the trainer, the sales guy noticed a small dent on the down tube (paint was not cracked) about the size of a quarter and said if he still wanted the bike, they'd discount it 10% or about $80. Sadly I don't have pics of the dent, but it really didn't look all that big a deal, but the more I read, the more I'm concerned.

We're supposed to pick up the bike and mak the last payment tonight. My question is should be consider just having them getting a new one or going to the other LBS that has the same bike in his size-- sans dent? It's a 2010 model so I'm sure they can't order one, but worse case we go somewhere else, would just have to figure out how to get our money back as we've already paid half on the bike.

Is this dent a significant defect to be leery about buying the bike? Should he buy and down the road the frame fail around the dent, would Trek warranty the bike or would this be excess wear and tear, just as someone had wrecked the bike?

Just trying to get a feel before he makes that last payment and takes ownership of the bike.

Thanks,
Shannon

[JennK13]

I think I'd have to see the dent. The bike's aluminum, so that makes me feel better about it - I wouldn't take that on a carbon bike. Bikes get banged up - my 'cross bike has a couple minor dings and scratches in it (from use), but nothing major. Is it a "nice", smooth and rounded dent, or more jagged and poked? I'm not so concerned about the frame being cracked as much as the possibility of the impact bending the frame to some extent.

[Roadtrip]

Yes, nice smooth rounded dent on the downtube. DH contacted Trek today and asked them and they said if the dealer has checked the bike, then no problem, but to make sure it's explicitly written on the invoice of the damage.

Shannon