My boyfriend accidentally backed into my nephews car(94 Ford Probe)and said he'd pay for the repair. My nephew got a quote for $700 and one for $800. I think it's ridiculous to pay 1/3 the value of the car to repair a dent in the door...any suggestions?
by 
Sweetlo
ANSWERS: 9
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If it actually cost that much to repair then yes. The law usually is going to side with the victim in such cases anyway. Besides, which is more important, the money or the relationship with your nephew. Most courts are going to go with the lowest estimate provided by the plaintiff (in this case that would be your nephew). I would recommend that you try to settle this out of court. Especially when family is involved.
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Usually a garage can do a partial repair if your nephew would settle for that and would be much cheaper. They pop out the dent and do some body work instead replacing say a door, etc. Although damage to the car would decrease the value but if it's total value before the damage is less than 2000 I don't see the point of repairing it. I would try to offer him several hundred or compromise on a lower price for a partial repair or a down payment on a new car.
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Car body repairs are hideously expensive. A taillight lens for a 1998 Saturn was $118 for just the part! The only inexpensive way out with a fully-repaired vehicle is to find a salvage yard with a matching door, but for a '94 Probe (a.k.a Mazda MX-6) this may not be an option. Even if you find a place that handles cars over 10 years old, Probes aren't exactly common and finding the right color is unlikely. Assuming the latch, hinges, window and all still work, it's cheaper to just get the dent pulled. If there is any real damage, it depends on how much your nephew likes his car (probably very much; Probes are cool!) and how much you like him. You might need to just grit your teeth and pay up.
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I would suggest going to a local scrap yard to see if you could find a door matching the car color and in good shape.
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thats a ripoff, why dont you buy the door in ebay, cost like 150$ and you can put it yourslelf, there, i saved you $600
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If the paint is okay, you can pound out the dent yourself. Look in Popular Mechanics for a method, as I don't remember it.
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Yes it does sound a bit crazy BUT if he were to go through the insurance company it would be much more. Pay what is owed to him and move on. It's pretty much the only thing that can be done here.
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I have a big problem with people that reverse cars and don't look back. Tell him to put up the money that is needed to repair the car and just me more careful next time. Case closed. If it was your car, you would want your money to fix it. Oh yeah, be happy he didn't run over a family pet.
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I doesn't matter what you think about the damage, your nephew, or vehicle values. Your boyfriend said he would make it right, period. Find a same color door and swap it or pay to fix the dent!
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