48 replies to this topic

[minipip]

Bah it'll buff out

yea give the tyer a kick, get a shammy on there good as new

[nev_payne]

Seems my time is limited! The CV Joint or somthing drive-shaft related was complaining on the way to work this morning - either it was alternate wining, a hissing sound ( although the tire appeared to have full pressure) or a rumbling through the steering column...I know the CV joint on the side was a pile of re-con carp anyway so hopefully is just a case of sorting that out.

[AlexM]

:'( I know how you feel.

[nev_payne]

you crashed too?

[nev_payne]

UPDATE!

Now have both insurance quotes and had one faxed through to me today...heres a quick run down:

- Replace front bumper (£60)
- Replace front grille (£90)
- Replace Headlamp housing (£120)
- Replace right wing, wheel arch, front panel and R/A pillar moulding (not sure what this is) (£180)
- Paint (£110)
- Labour (£450)

This particular garage was a bit picky about replacing my other undamaged wing...or at least treating the rust. This I'm a little sceptical on as the passenger wing will surely either be removed - or at least worked upon in order to replace the front panel - they are however happy for it to go onto a private quote out of the insurance...is it worth pushing for this to be included?

Totaled at £1130 overall....any comments - anything is helpful guys because im about as inexperienced in the insurance field as a badger.

Also went to the second garage for a quote today, but this time the guy appeared to note down all the front rust spot areas without me suggesting anything...the list was a full page long by the time he was finished, however im not sure what the quality of work is like from the 2nd garage as they are a Vauxhall specialist (the proposal stinks of filler if you know what I mean). Hopefully have this in the post tommorow.

[minipip]

- Replace Headlamp housing (£120)

is that the bowl, lamp, bulb,screws, and ring? because if it isnt thats a bit pricy isnt it?

[nev_payne]

MPI bowl is servo assisted...and thats just the inner and outter bowl..no lamps, no glass. I hsould point out to them the servo is infact in working order and see if that drops the price.

Edited by nev_payne, 18 September 2006 - 03:27 PM.

[jack_marshall]

If insurance wont pay out for another wing and other bits you want doing, most garages will do the other bits if you hand over abit more cash to do it

[THE ANORAK]

that's "exactly" what happened to my cooper a couple of years ago (whilst it was under temporary ownership of someone else) and the headlight and indicator were untouched as well.

only thing was the inner wing got a slight crease in it as well.

anyway, it was fixed on the cheap (non insurance job) and the work was naff (somewhere in Northampton)
as a result of not straightening the inner wing, the front of the car dips down on the drivers side, look...



i'm gonna have to do it all again one day.

the moral of this story... get it done properly.

PS: £60 to replace the front bumper !!!!!! with what, diamond encrusted gold ?????

[AlexM]

you crashed too?

Yes :'( Last Christmas, I reversed into a bollard in a car park....Cost £600 to repair (I was reversing quickly)

So I know exactly how you feel.

But don't worry.

All will be well again, and you can try and forget it ever happened.

Edited by summergnu, 18 September 2006 - 07:25 PM.

[nev_payne]

heh thanks mate - heh all I've had so far is stick from some of the slightly heavier hearted club members...jeers of "WATCH OUT!!" and " WOAH!! DONT CRASH" may well be intended as a joke..but it doesnt half hurt your feelings after knowing full well the crash is your fault. > >

So thanks for the comment and relation keeps the spirits up eh

Jack Marshall - Yeah I'll see what the first one says as they're already doing pretty much all the front end anyhow, whats another little bit considering parts and labour are pretty much already accounted for.

Anorak - yeah my inner wing thankfully survived - its needs reajusting a tiny smidge at the top but certianly its not as bad as you describe - and picture! Also yes - £60 is a genuine Rover bumper matey..and I'm willing to pay for genuine in this case

Edited by nev_payne, 18 September 2006 - 09:37 PM.

[taffy1967]

Well I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this, but try and get your Mini repaired at a body-shop who actually now their stuff when it comes to Mini's.

Basically take it somewhere that's been recommended by other Mini Enthusiasts and don't just assume your going to get good results, simply because the premises are nice and shiny.

Many years ago I made the mistake of using the body-shop that was the recommended repairer by my insurance company and to be honest we had nothing but grief as the work was C**p and we even ended up with a damaged gearbox after taking our Mini back (long story) and even though the accident hadn't been our fault, a year or so later we ended up paying out a fortune with our own money to have all the work (new front end) done by a body-shop that was competent with Mini's and having to pay out for a rebuilt gearbox too!

So choose wisely and your Mini will look good again and you'll be very happy. Sorry to sound hard but we all pay insurance and when we need to use them, I think we deserve good service, but in most cases they'll just try and fob you off and do repairs as cheaply as possible and their recommended repairers are notoriously bad, so avoid at all costs and don't get lured in by their free curtosy cars and free car collection service either.

Edited by taffy1967, 19 September 2006 - 10:35 AM.

[Ria]

I'm sure I already replied on this

Aaaanyway... poor little Knightsbridge :'( Don't suppose you want to sell it cheap (to me of course) in its bashed state

Just kidding - glad you're ok and the car is fixable!

Ria x

[nev_payne]

Thanks Ria, heh he can be yours for the princely sum of £7000 although your forum discount and mates rates...so £6999

Yeah..I'm sure my post wasnt here earlier - I retyped a whole new one out earlier...think there was a forum error late last night.

Taffy - yeah the first quote comes from a garage highly recommended by mini owners in Taunton - I mean if one guys has his 2 Cooper Sport 500s resprayed and treated then theres got to be some favorable work in there

[taffy1967]

Well that does sound promising then, but make sure he's also competent at reconstructing a Mini's face too, because like the Anorak said, you don't want a crooked smile, you just want it to look as good (if not better) than new.