Bugger pt2

[ATLAET]

Oh sod it

Found a large dent in my car when I got my car this afternoon, parked on my street in London.

Dent in the drivers door, cracked moulding and the moulding holding the indicator is also cracked.

It was parked opposite a dropped kerb of a neighbour's, who appears to be away (didn't answer the door, no car on the drive). It seems quite clear that they, or someone using their drive, reversed into my car while backing out, then drove off.

So, I suppose i've got three things i'd be really grateful for your help with:

1 - How much is a new moulding for the driver's door and indicator strip? How much do you think these parts will cost, and can I buy them sprayed from somewhere and attach them myself / get someone to attach them? Any thoughts on cost?

2 - I've had a quote of £220 + vat to repair the dent, from dentman.co.uk, which seems steep but he seems well-recommended. Does anyone use anyone else / have any recommendations?

3 - How do I approach my neighbours?!? It could well be that someone else used their drive and didn't leave a note, but it seems likely to me that it was them. I'll pop round to see them and ask them if they saw / heard anything, and explain my suspicion that it might have been them accidentally, but I suppose there's nothing I can do if they deny it? Any experiences for anyone else?

I'd claim it on insurance but annoyingly (?) the damage isn't large enough for it to be worth it.

Still, why can't people respect others' things?? It's really, really upset me, as I am sure you can all imagine, and I desperately want it fixed.

In all honesty, it's the last straw for me, highlighting why keeping a nice car in london is a mug's game. I am going to get my front discs and pads changed, then put it up for sale.

So I guess this forms an advance sale warning as well - it's SG, 35k, FBMWSH, PDC, CD, original screen, unmarked wheels, all paperwork and has recently had a new diff, KDS and some other bits under warranty (£100 excess) after a checkup at Murketts, where they also put a new pair of PS2s on the front.
Gutting, but I can't bear constantly worrying about it anymore - I don't drive it enough, and it needs to be somewhere where people respect it!

Anyway, quick photos (hopefully) attached - i'd be really pleased for your thoughts / tips / opinions

Thanks

Alex

[ATLAET]

Sorry mods, I meant to put this in the General section!

[shane@mbtech]

Move house where you get a drive is my advice

You cannot approach your neighbour because anybody driving down that road could have caused the damage.

Just my view, looking at it I think it needs more than dent removal, Although it's hard to tell from photos

If that dent does come out, our dent guy who is very good would only charge us 40 notes too


Have a sneaky look at their cars see if there is any damage, if there is corresponding damage, give your insurance their reg and let them sort it out!

[DuncanR]

Sorry to hear this Alex, if push comes to shove, and you reckon it could be the neighbour, paint marks from their car can be matched... CSL Miami !

[shane@mbtech]

[quote=lawsy;77405]Move house where you get a drive is my advice

You cannot approach your neighbour because anybody driving down that road could have caused the damage.

Just my view, looking at it I think it needs more than dent removal, Although it's hard to tell from photos

If that dent does come out, our dent guy who is very good would only charge us 40 notes too


Have a sneaky look at their cars see if there is any damage, if there is corresponding damage, give your insurance their reg and let them sort it out![/quote]

Originally Posted by DuncanR

Sorry to hear this Alex, if push comes to shove, and you reckon it could be the neighbour, paint marks from their car can be matched... CSL Miami !

Horatio is already here Dunc

[DuncanR]

[quote=lawsy;77449]

Originally Posted by lawsy

Horatio is already here Dunc

tHE FAT FOOK !! ...SD card arrived safely .... nice touch on the address !!

[glendog74]

Originally Posted by ATLAET

Sorry mods, I meant to put this in the General section!

Done.

Hope you get the car sorted.