Thanks for all your comments.
The bike in question was the Scott Contessa
The colour is metalic gold and white. Surprisingly "Bling" for a high end hard tail mountain bike. There is lots of fine flowery stuff on the decals. The decals are under the laquer and can't be peeled off.
http://www.scottusa.com/product.php?UID=9720
The bike is for my girlfriend not my daughter, so it is very important to ensure she is happy. She loves to ride and is very particular about her bikes. She is very small and needs an extra small frame. Tough to get in many models. She prefers a women's specific frame and set up. On the road she rides a Specialized Ruby Pro (Full carbon frame - Ultegra) and loves it to bits.
http://specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21770
I have been back to the shop with the unridden contessa and they have agreed to try and get a replacement. The repaint option was a no go - $400 I was quoted. I was advised to use nut blasting and two pack. Powder could affect the alloy due to the heating.
We are looking at the Specialized Rockhopper Disc International 07. The same components as the Scott. But go faster red.
. Stock has not yet arrived in the country, but should be here in the next couple of weeks. In time for our christmas camping trip. It's summer here at the moment! We need to get in training as we have signed up for a 100km mountain bike marathon.
http://www.rapidascent.com.au/OtwayOdyssey/
Thanks for all your comments, It looks like we will all get what we want in the end.
Me - a happy girlfriend who wants to hit the trails with me
Her - a great bike she feels great riding
The shop - two happy customers
I emailed scott on their website but have not heard back. Perhaps they need a women's specific bike without the bling.
The moral of the story for us guys - Women, we will always love them, but never understand them.