Discussion
All,
My mint S2 was in at a well known dealer to have a short roof conversion and hard top (warranty claim). I found out this morning that they have crashed it! Apparently a slow speed drivers side rear quarter shunt with a lorry, but there is no clamshell anymore, and it looked pretty bad when I saw it this afternoon
Has anyone any experience of this happening with a garage. Obviously the garage will be repairing the car free of charge, but I'm not sure what I can ask for regards compensation etc. They had already had the car for 10days and now it looks like they want it for another 2 weeks to fix the damage. And driving around in a PT Cruiser courtesy car is driving me mad!
Any help in this delicate matter would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Si.
PS. I'll post pics in a day or so when I get them developed if anyone is interested.
My mint S2 was in at a well known dealer to have a short roof conversion and hard top (warranty claim). I found out this morning that they have crashed it! Apparently a slow speed drivers side rear quarter shunt with a lorry, but there is no clamshell anymore, and it looked pretty bad when I saw it this afternoon
Has anyone any experience of this happening with a garage. Obviously the garage will be repairing the car free of charge, but I'm not sure what I can ask for regards compensation etc. They had already had the car for 10days and now it looks like they want it for another 2 weeks to fix the damage. And driving around in a PT Cruiser courtesy car is driving me mad!
Any help in this delicate matter would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Si.
PS. I'll post pics in a day or so when I get them developed if anyone is interested.
Hmm, that's pretty bad news, you must be gutted. Make sure that their repair is better than perfect, and they don't skimp on anything below the surface. Maybe demand that they pay for an independant check if you don't trust them 100%?
Also don't forget that the fact that you car has been involved in an accident (another vehicle was involved so it's bound to make it's way onto the HPI register eventually) will reduce you car's resale value quite significantly... I would be tempted to tell the dealer I didn't want it back and demand full market value for it instead.
Also don't forget that the fact that you car has been involved in an accident (another vehicle was involved so it's bound to make it's way onto the HPI register eventually) will reduce you car's resale value quite significantly... I would be tempted to tell the dealer I didn't want it back and demand full market value for it instead.
Bonce said:
Also don't forget that the fact that you car has been involved in an accident (another vehicle was involved so it's bound to make it's way onto the HPI register eventually) will reduce you car's resale value quite significantly...
Not defending anyones actions, but the above is rubbish, An accident will only make it onto HPI's registered if the insurance company declares the vehicle a total loss with an appropriate grade.
Accident damage if the vehicle is not declared a total loss will never appear,hence being 'clean' on HPI is no gaurantee that the car has never been in an accident
Bonce,
Yep, I'm pretty gutted. I was having to control myself whilst talking to the garage.
I'm not sure of the full details of the accident, but will find out ASAP. I will also talk to the garage about the accident being on the HPI register and suggest that they either pay full market value or conpensate me appropriately. I'm not too sure what to do as it may be just the clamshell, but I'll get results from a geometry check tomorrow. If its bent then I'll definitely be pushing for them to purchase it from me!
I need to wait until Wednesday to talk to the Managing Director. But at the moment they have started to asses the damage and repair the car.
Thanks for the help,
Si.
Yep, I'm pretty gutted. I was having to control myself whilst talking to the garage.
I'm not sure of the full details of the accident, but will find out ASAP. I will also talk to the garage about the accident being on the HPI register and suggest that they either pay full market value or conpensate me appropriately. I'm not too sure what to do as it may be just the clamshell, but I'll get results from a geometry check tomorrow. If its bent then I'll definitely be pushing for them to purchase it from me!
I need to wait until Wednesday to talk to the Managing Director. But at the moment they have started to asses the damage and repair the car.
Thanks for the help,
Si.
Sorry, but I disagree.
Accident damage will have an impact on resale. If you saw two identical Elises, same mileage, history, condition, except one had been in a significant crash and repaired, which one would you buy ? No contest I think!
Secondly, if you were selling your car at a later stage to a dealer, many now make you declare any accidents. If you were selling to a private individual, and that individual asked about accident history, you would also be obliged to tell the truth or you could face civil damages.
I personally suggest you talk to a solicitor, and get damages for loss of value or get the dealer to buy the car off you.
Accident damage will have an impact on resale. If you saw two identical Elises, same mileage, history, condition, except one had been in a significant crash and repaired, which one would you buy ? No contest I think!
Secondly, if you were selling your car at a later stage to a dealer, many now make you declare any accidents. If you were selling to a private individual, and that individual asked about accident history, you would also be obliged to tell the truth or you could face civil damages.
I personally suggest you talk to a solicitor, and get damages for loss of value or get the dealer to buy the car off you.
OK, mustard I stand corrected on the content of the HPI register but as shakman points out, you need to declare the damage when you sell, even if it is not always a legal requirement, it's the decent thing for a chap to do.
And as has already been said, people will always avoid an Elise that's been in an accident, no matter how well repaired. A friend got bashed by a truck in his S2 three months after he bought it. The dealer he bought it from did a proper repair, but when he tried to sell it back to them, they offered about £3k less than it was actually worth because it had been damaged and repaired.
And as has already been said, people will always avoid an Elise that's been in an accident, no matter how well repaired. A friend got bashed by a truck in his S2 three months after he bought it. The dealer he bought it from did a proper repair, but when he tried to sell it back to them, they offered about £3k less than it was actually worth because it had been damaged and repaired.
I agree with Shakman's comments that the accident will devalue the car. I'm just not sure by how much. Has anyone any ideas?
I'll try and talk to another main dealer tomorrow to get an idea. And I'll also talk to a solicitor colleage to get her opinion.
Just not sure which way to take it at the moment. Get the garage to purchase the car or get it repaired and get damages. Assuming its straight I'm tempted to go for the repair and get the damages. Any opinions?
I'll try and talk to another main dealer tomorrow to get an idea. And I'll also talk to a solicitor colleage to get her opinion.
Just not sure which way to take it at the moment. Get the garage to purchase the car or get it repaired and get damages. Assuming its straight I'm tempted to go for the repair and get the damages. Any opinions?
Getting damages is not that easy to do.
I had a non-fault accident a few years ago. It was major damage, to the chassis, £8k worth. The car was a Lancia Integrale, worth £22k at the time. I tried to fight for a write-off but they decided to repair. I argued car would be worth substatially less, and said I would proceed for damages if car was not written off.
The insurance company did not write the car off, and after a 3 year battle, i finally was awarded damages of approx. £3500. If the car is less than 3 years old, you have a much better chance of getting damages, any older the court may decide that damage is of insignificant value.
I strongly suggest you get the dealer to buy the car off you, or maybe even suggest a px, or get the dealer to sell the car on for you.
I had a non-fault accident a few years ago. It was major damage, to the chassis, £8k worth. The car was a Lancia Integrale, worth £22k at the time. I tried to fight for a write-off but they decided to repair. I argued car would be worth substatially less, and said I would proceed for damages if car was not written off.
The insurance company did not write the car off, and after a 3 year battle, i finally was awarded damages of approx. £3500. If the car is less than 3 years old, you have a much better chance of getting damages, any older the court may decide that damage is of insignificant value.
I strongly suggest you get the dealer to buy the car off you, or maybe even suggest a px, or get the dealer to sell the car on for you.
I would definitely get the dealer to buy the car off you and get another Elise. For me personally it would be on my mind all the time about what happened and what sort of outcome it may have in the future.
I purchased my Elise from the same dealer and this post has helped me decide to not take my car back there in the future.
I purchased my Elise from the same dealer and this post has helped me decide to not take my car back there in the future.
Cross posted from the BCBBS
Si
Unfortunately these things can happen, a similar thing happened to us a few months ago when a customer backed into another customer's car 10 minutes before he picked it up.
It sounds like the dealer has been honest with you and is trying to rectify the problem quickly and professionally, he has already leant you a courtesy car foc and is continuing to do so, albeit not a direct replacement. I would give them the benifit of the doubt.
However there is no reason why you cant get the car inspected by your own Insurance co (ask for some one who knows about Lotus tho')as you are duty bound to inform them anyhow and it is a totally non fault accident. This should not cost you a penny and would hopefully set your mind at rest about the damage.
If the repair is carried out correctly you shouldn't have any problem with the resale. Obviously if there is any chassis damage that could be a different story BUT
damage will always look terrible when you get a shock like that! Go to the Bodyshop speak to the manager and get him to explain and show you (preferably on the ramp so you can have a look underneath)exactly what he intends to do to your car, you will soon know if you have confidence in their expertise. I am sure that you will be treated like a VIP as the dealer is so embarrassed about the whole episode.
However if you are not happy with their response then I believe that you would be within your rights (although I would check that with a solicitor) to take your car elsewhere for the repair (we have carried out such repairs on occasion)
I wish you luck, dont be too upset I hope that it is not as bad as you think.
All IMHO of course.
Gill
@Sinclaire
p>S I would also like to add that many Elises get damaged at some point in their life and if they are repaired properly you would never know any different.
Si
Unfortunately these things can happen, a similar thing happened to us a few months ago when a customer backed into another customer's car 10 minutes before he picked it up.
It sounds like the dealer has been honest with you and is trying to rectify the problem quickly and professionally, he has already leant you a courtesy car foc and is continuing to do so, albeit not a direct replacement. I would give them the benifit of the doubt.
However there is no reason why you cant get the car inspected by your own Insurance co (ask for some one who knows about Lotus tho')as you are duty bound to inform them anyhow and it is a totally non fault accident. This should not cost you a penny and would hopefully set your mind at rest about the damage.
If the repair is carried out correctly you shouldn't have any problem with the resale. Obviously if there is any chassis damage that could be a different story BUT
damage will always look terrible when you get a shock like that! Go to the Bodyshop speak to the manager and get him to explain and show you (preferably on the ramp so you can have a look underneath)exactly what he intends to do to your car, you will soon know if you have confidence in their expertise. I am sure that you will be treated like a VIP as the dealer is so embarrassed about the whole episode.
However if you are not happy with their response then I believe that you would be within your rights (although I would check that with a solicitor) to take your car elsewhere for the repair (we have carried out such repairs on occasion)
I wish you luck, dont be too upset I hope that it is not as bad as you think.
All IMHO of course.
Gill
@Sinclaire
p>S I would also like to add that many Elises get damaged at some point in their life and if they are repaired properly you would never know any different.
Thanks for the info Gill.
I've calmed down alot since yesterday!
I've been told by the body shop that the chassis has not been damaged, so at least thats some good news! I have a phone meeting with the MD tomorrow and will discuss exactly what they are going to fix. I know that talking to the bodyshop today they weren't planning on replacing the difusser, but I certainly remember it being bent!
I have taken legal advise on the matter and will take the issues up with the garage. Obviously unfare to discuss on here.
Thanks to all that have offered help and advice.
Cheers,
Si.
PS. Its driving me crazy because as well as the hardtop conversion the garage was fitting a janspeed and a hurricane, and I was so looking forward to the hearing noise!
I've calmed down alot since yesterday!
I've been told by the body shop that the chassis has not been damaged, so at least thats some good news! I have a phone meeting with the MD tomorrow and will discuss exactly what they are going to fix. I know that talking to the bodyshop today they weren't planning on replacing the difusser, but I certainly remember it being bent!
I have taken legal advise on the matter and will take the issues up with the garage. Obviously unfare to discuss on here.
Thanks to all that have offered help and advice.
Cheers,
Si.
PS. Its driving me crazy because as well as the hardtop conversion the garage was fitting a janspeed and a hurricane, and I was so looking forward to the hearing noise!
It turns out that the accident was the fault of a lorry driver changing lanes in the traffic. So the garage wasn't to blame at all.
The garage are now repairing the car for me and they will recover the costs from the lorry driver at a later date. Can't say fairer than that really. It just means that I will have to try and recover my costs from the lorry drivers insurance through the garages insurance, which sounds like it might be painful.
Thanks to all,
Si
The garage are now repairing the car for me and they will recover the costs from the lorry driver at a later date. Can't say fairer than that really. It just means that I will have to try and recover my costs from the lorry drivers insurance through the garages insurance, which sounds like it might be painful.
Thanks to all,
Si
mustard said:
Also don't forget that the fact that you car has been involved in an accident (another vehicle was involved so it's bound to make it's way onto the HPI register eventually) will reduce you car's resale value quite significantly...
Not defending anyones actions, but the above is rubbish, An accident will only make it onto HPI's registered if the insurance company declares the vehicle a total loss with an appropriate grade.
Accident damage if the vehicle is not declared a total loss will never appear,hence being 'clean' on HPI is no gaurantee that the car has never been in an accident
You are, of course, talking shite there.
A good engineer's report wil likely show up anything less than a perfect repair, and most buyers (that's me and you), will not want to pay as much for a car that's been crashed and repaired.
If yo ubase your evaluation of cars on the HPI report, I pity you.
Northernboy said:
mustard said:
Bonce said:
Also don't forget that the fact that you car has been involved in an accident (another vehicle was involved so it's bound to make it's way onto the HPI register eventually) will reduce you car's resale value quite significantly...
Not defending anyones actions, but the above is rubbish, An accident will only make it onto HPI's registered if the insurance company declares the vehicle a total loss with an appropriate grade.
Accident damage if the vehicle is not declared a total loss will never appear,hence being 'clean' on HPI is no gaurantee that the car has never been in an accident
You are, of course, talking shite there.
A good engineer's report wil likely show up anything less than a perfect repair, and most buyers (that's me and you), will not want to pay as much for a car that's been crashed and repaired.
If yo ubase your evaluation of cars on the HPI report, I pity you.
DID I SAY THAT???!!!! Of course a cars value is heavily influence(sp) by its condition, but what I said was factually correct!
But regarding value, a properly repaired Cat C recorded car is worth between 50-65% of a non recorded one so you can work out your own mind as regard what a properly repaired minor accident will do... answer not much because 8/10 people dont bother with an ispection, and those that do half of 'em will probably miss it if its the AA/RAC etc
Sad fact of life is that three quarters of cars over 3yrs old have had some for of 'paint' be it from vandalism, accident damage or just other peoples carelessness.
>> Edited by mustard on Thursday 12th February 09:30
My friend took his S1 to B&C on my recommendation. Unfortunately they managed to slap it into the barrier on the M25. I believe their sub-contractors repaired the damage and he was given a new set of tyres as compensation.
However if it was up to me I would get another dealer, the factory service centre or Sinclair’s to repair it.
However if it was up to me I would get another dealer, the factory service centre or Sinclair’s to repair it.
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