I Only Wanted The Wheels.... by 72clubman

3 minute(s) of a 153 minute read

I really appreciate your comments, I'll let you know as soon as I do.

Poor GT was taken to a main Vauxhall dealer for an assessment, so god knows what they'll make of it. I'm yet to hear from them.

I know the repair is do-able without any major surgery as the subframe didn't move. So it's just panel damage.

I don't know which option I'd prefer. If they go for the repair it'll have to go to a specialist, and it seems silly to replace all those panels and repaint it green. 

If I was doing it I'd replace the entire front end, sort the body properly and paint the entire car in it's original colour. 

If I get the option I'll be topping up the bill they send to the insurance and they can do it properly.

If they write it off thats exactly what I'll be doing myself. 

4-24-2014

So as the car hasn't been declared an insurance write off I was free to collect her, well after much too and froing from the insurance company and garage.

As the car was trailered there they didn't deem it roadworthy due to the proximity of the wing to the wheel. I kindly informed them I could easily make it roadworthy but didn't want to interfere with the damage before it had been assessed. 2 waver forms later, and 30 seconds of pulling the wing back and it was fine! They didn't find any movement to the subframe either so I drove her home! Didn't feel any different which is good.

Now I just need to agree on a suitable settlement.

Sadly she won't be repaired anytime soon, I have an incredibly busy 2 months ahead of me with uni so she'll be tucked away, and I'll be catching the bus... 

4-25-2014

Thanks to both Matt Zane and Badboytunes, real top shelf advice. Pretty much to the letter what I did the day I received the offer! I think you're spot on Matt that they've quoted for regular mini parts not clubman stuff. I don't think they've realised how hideously expensive they are these days! 

The assessment vauxhall did was actually pretty accurate, their list of parts that they said needed replacing was identical to mine. They also had a reasonable amount allocated for the cost of labour and repainting. So a reassessment shouldn't be necessary but I really appreciate the offer of help.

I'm only really fighting them over the value they put on the replacement parts, and have done exactly as Matt said.  I've sent them a comprehensive list of all the parts listed with part number references and multiple verified costs from the major mini parts supplies, which on heritage parts are pretty consistent. My main reference being directly back to BMH's website.

I really do appreciate the help and I'll let you know how I get on.