View Full Version : Wife+icy road+tree=busted jeep
Thankfully my wife fine. The car not so much.
She says it drives fine, and from the damage it would make sense.
undefined
03-05-2010, 11:28 AM
*cue TD's comments about SUVs and single-car accidents during the winter*
*cue TD's comments about SUVs and single-car accidents during the winter*
The truth is that she wasn't as careful as she could have been. She also did not have winter tires or a sophisticated traction control system - things I've repeatedly warned her about.
The accident happened on a dead end-road that is used as parking for the train. It used to be an important secondary road but they tore down the bridge that went over the train tracks. So while it looks like a nice wide road designed for somewhat heavy traffic, the town really doesn't give a damn about it anymore and very few cars drive on it. As a result, it was far icier than all the previous roads leading to it.
Hey, that's what old cars and insurance are for... AWD's and suv's have false confidence in those conditions (as all of us 'mudgeons endlessly repeat). It doesn't help that it's probably not a very communicative chassis.
I like the nice metallic red on the JGC.
Nick M3
03-05-2010, 11:49 AM
Should've done a DE. ;)
Should've done a DE. ;)
Yup. That's what I told her. I told her to go to autox, to car control clinics, to HPDE, etc.
Maybe now she will listen.
Hey, that's what old cars and insurance are for... AWD's and suv's have false confidence in those conditions (as all of us 'mudgeons endlessly repeat). It doesn't help that it's probably not a very communicative chassis.
I like the nice metallic red on the JGC.
Yes. This further reinforces my point that it is nice to have an SUV beater for the winter exactly because of things like these. If it had been a milder accident where just the bumper gets busted, its off to a junkyard and you are done.
We have a $1K collision dedcutible, but I still don't see how this doesn't trigger a claim - even if we get surcharge point son the insurance (although I've heard they will often not charge you points if it was weather-related). We'll see.
I'll be very surprised if they can salvage that quarter panel considering all those creases and folds. I'd bet on a good bit of work to get that right.
I'd probably try a BFH, and a rattle can. Then get a new window, and a bumper and tail light at a junk yard and call it a day.
...I've heard they will often not charge you points if it was weather-related.
That definitely was not the case for me.
That definitely was not the case for me.
I have a feeling it will be the same for us, but it's worth asking.
I'll be very surprised if they can salvage that quarter panel considering all those creases and folds. I'd bet on a good bit of work to get that right. I might consider a rattle can, a new window and tail light and call it a day.
I thought of that too.
I'll be very surprised if they can salvage that quarter panel considering all those creases and folds. I'd bet on a good bit of work to get that right.
I'd probably try a BFH, and a rattle can. Then get a new window, and a bumper and tail light at a junk yard and call it a day.
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/bondo_camry.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/bondo_camry.jpg
:lol:
clyde
03-05-2010, 01:02 PM
Yes. This further reinforces my point that it is nice to have an SUV beater for the winter exactly because of things like these. If it had been a milder accident where just the bumper gets busted, its off to a junkyard and you are done.
We have a $1K collision dedcutible, but I still don't see how this doesn't trigger a claim - even if we get surcharge point son the insurance (although I've heard they will often not charge you points if it was weather-related). We'll see.
I'll be very surprised if they can salvage that quarter panel considering all those creases and folds. I'd bet on a good bit of work to get that right.
I'd probably try a BFH, and a rattle can. Then get a new window, and a bumper and tail light at a junk yard and call it a day.
That definitely was not the case for me.
I have a feeling it will be the same for us, but it's worth asking.
First, glad Mrs. FC and little FCs are okay.
If it were mine, I don't think I'd be interested in any more fixing than it would take to get a window replacement to be reasonably weathertight (and not making too much wind noise) and a new taillight.
That's the purpose of a beater...so long as it runs, it's good. If it matters what it looks like, it's not a beater.
Talking to your insurance agent or carrier...I don't know... it might impact what you pay in the future, it might not. And you probably won't ever know, unless they visibily jack up your rates next cycle. Lots of ways to increase what you pay without "raising" your rate by playing with discounts, etc.
A minor single vehicle, no injury, no property damage (other than your own) incident to a beater. Just doesn't seem worth spending more now or later to fix beyond what's minimially required to make the thing work.
Opinions, I realize, may differ. ;)
logic
My thinking exactly.
I would get the quote myself and decide from there - before calling the Ins. co.
Besides, it may just be a total loss given the value of SUV's these days.
You could try to find the "right" ghetto shop if you're going out of pocket... You know you don't need a laser guided repair on that thing, just reasonable. But even those guys are likely to run you 2-3k for that I'd guess.
zcasavant
03-05-2010, 02:10 PM
Glad your wife is ok. It's a nice enough Jeep. I'd get it fixed up, even though it's a beater.
First, glad Mrs. FC and little FCs are okay.
If it were mine, I don't think I'd be interested in any more fixing than it would take to get a window replacement to be reasonably weathertight (and not making too much wind noise) and a new taillight.
That's the purpose of a beater...so long as it runs, it's good. If it matters what it looks like, it's not a beater.
Talking to your insurance agent or carrier...I don't know... it might impact what you pay in the future, it might not. And you probably won't ever know, unless they visibily jack up your rates next cycle. Lots of ways to increase what you pay without "raising" your rate by playing with discounts, etc.
A minor single vehicle, no injury, no property damage (other than your own) incident to a beater. Just doesn't seem worth spending more now or later to fix beyond what's minimially required to make the thing work.
Opinions, I realize, may differ. ;)
I agree.
I've been watching a lot of "Wheeler Dealers" recently, and was thinking this AM before positng anything: salvage window, tailight, (maybe) bumper, ball hammer, some bondo, a bit of my time and a spray can = ~under $500. Car is still running fine and kicking ass. All doors and hatch open fine and the window frame is undamaged.
Amazing to see on that show how much can be done with bondo. For what it is and will continue to be until it dies, I think that may be all I do.
Oh, and the wife was alone in the car on her way to parking the car to catch the train to work this morning.
It seems to me that most of you (including FC) may be missing the point. It's not a beater. It's the car the wife drives in the winter. In my house, that equals a repaired car unless SHE is the one that doesn't want to spend the money.
I suppose I am just a snob, but I personally would never be happy with a spray can repair. Not unless it was truely a beater, and this car isn't. If I ever buy an old pickup to park on the driveway (a requirement where I live now), maybe I won't care about that. But I bet I do.
Most wives probably wouldn't notice so long as the paint is a close match. ;)
Well, as hideous as this accident looks (the tail light and glass aside) this is a cosmetic issue.
Yes, my wife does driv eit daily to the station - all 3 miles. Then it sits there all day for the 3-mile return drive. Beyond that use, I am the one that drives it 95% of the time. It's a nice car for a beater, but it fulfills beater duties. And my wife definitely does not want to spend the money. She and I would be perfectly happy with a spray can repair. If I really fuck it up, or for some reason we can't stand how it looks, my dad can hook me up with some peple who can repair it for "cheap." But really, this car will stay until it dies or is sold/given away within the family.
Anyway, it's worth a shot as a learning experience. I can't make it any worse. Four years of ceramics and awards for sculpting (as well as many thousands of square feet worth of spackling and sanding) should come in handy.
Nick M3
03-05-2010, 05:36 PM
Why don't you just get your dad to hook you up? Doing a half tolerable repair job will cost you some money, even DIYIng it.
That said, I highly recommend paintscratch.com for paint matching in rattle cans.
lupinsea
03-05-2010, 05:45 PM
Glad your wife is ok.
And don't worry, the first dent always hurts the worst.
But look on the bright side. Now that that is over with you can have fun running whatever trails are in your area because, hey, it already has a dent. No biggie if it gets another one, or two . . . . or whatever. :D
Given that it's a beater I'd chime in with the others who have said not to dump much money into it. Fix it enough to propperly fit the window and making sure the doors close without binding or leakage, and call it good.
That might mean a trip to Costco for some bondo and sand paper or something, and maybe a good rattle can spray job.
But there is no ways I'd recommend dumping $2-3k into fixing something like this. It may have been a very NICE beater but if you bought it for $6800 (I think you said) why spend nearly half the value of the vehicle fixing a dent.
Oh, and as good as the Jeeps and as much as I'd prefer one over an AWD car for deepish snow, are there are still laws of physics involved. As much as I love my built-Tj with it's knobby MT tires, and part-time 4WD system I still recognize it's not nearly as good as the old Cherokee I had with the full-time AWD sytem, All-Terrain tires, and ABS. But it works and I drive it accordingly.
Why don't you just get your dad to hook you up? Doing a half tolerable repair job will cost you some money, even DIYIng it.
The first thing I did was call him and email him the photos so he can show them to whomever. The downside is that these tend to be sketchy people, my dad's business area is far away, and they are bound to keep the car for waaay too long.
That said, I highly recommend paintscratch.com for paint matching in rattle cans.
Thanks.
Glad your wife is ok.
And don't worry, the first dent always hurts the worst.
But look on the bright side. Now that that is over with you can have fun running whatever trails are in your area because, hey, it already has a dent. No biggie if it gets another one, or two . . . . or whatever. :D
Given that it's a beater I'd chime in with the others who have said not to dump much money into it. Fix it enough to propperly fit the window and making sure the doors close without binding or leakage, and call it good.
That might mean a trip to Costco for some bondo and sand paper or something, and maybe a good rattle can spray job.
But there is no ways I'd recommend dumping $2-3k into fixing something like this. It may have been a very NICE beater but if you bought it for $6800 (I think you said) why spend nearly half the value of the vehicle fixing a dent.
Oh, and as good as the Jeeps and as much as I'd prefer one over an AWD car for deepish snow, are there are still laws of physics involved. As much as I love my built-Tj with it's knobby MT tires, and part-time 4WD system I still recognize it's not nearly as good as the old Cherokee I had with the full-time AWD sytem, All-Terrain tires, and ABS. But it works and I drive it accordingly.
FWIW, this car has quadradrive (FT AWD with front & rear LSD's) and Michelin LT2 A/T's with less than 2K miles on them.
And the car was 7K out the door. But I've since spent ~$1K in new tires, a new key w/ remote and a weathertech cargo mat.
SARAFIL
03-05-2010, 05:58 PM
I must be the exception here, but I'd pay to fix it or pay the deductible and get it fixed "right". I couldn't drive around in a car with rattle-can spray paint repairs-- it would drive me crazy every time I looked at it. :dunno:
I must be the exception here, but I'd pay to fix it or pay the deductible and get it fixed "right". I couldn't drive around in a car with rattle-can spray paint repairs-- it would drive me crazy every time I looked at it. :dunno:
It's not about the $1K deductible. I would certainly pay that. It's the additional hundreds of dollars in insurance premiums for 6 years that I don't want to pay.
Why don't you just get your dad to hook you up? Doing a half tolerable repair job will cost you some money, even DIYIng it.
That's my vote. This car is not THAT bad and the spray can is going to make it even worse.
rumatt
03-05-2010, 06:08 PM
Glad she's fine.
It's just a car.
rumatt
03-05-2010, 06:09 PM
things I've repeatedly warned her about.
Tell her, "I told you so" repeatedly and obnoxiously.
Women like that.
We spent about 6-7k on gf's subie. She spun out with it and had a good bit of damage (not just cosmetic). Insurance co may have totaled it, the Portuguese guys took care of it for about $1.5k cash. It's not like something like this happens every month so you have to stick to a $50 budget.
I must be the exception here, but I'd pay to fix it or pay the deductible and get it fixed "right". I couldn't drive around in a car with rattle-can spray paint repairs-- it would drive me crazy every time I looked at it. :dunno:
I'm with you. So is Zach. We might be the only 3. But I wouldn't be able to drive the car like that.
Add me to the list. I don't understand the folks here advocating ghetto repairs.
It might cost some money, but you have to fi it properly.
lupinsea
03-05-2010, 08:30 PM
I don't know as I'd go so far as to say it needs to be fixed "properly".
It's more dependent on what FC and his wife want to do with it. $7k isn't chump change for a car but if the repair is in the $2-3k range it's a sizable chunk of the value of the vehicle. And apart from replacing the window and tail light it sounds like this is an otherwise cosmetic damage that's not affecting the safety and performance of the vehicle.
Is it worth the deductible + potentially extra insurance premiums for the foreseable future if it's run through as a claim. Or the money out of pocket if it's not run through insurance? Just for something cosmetic?
For a family "beater" car that's used so little I'm not sure it would be worth while. At least not to me. I'd take a crack at fixing it up as good as possible as a DIY and call it a day, probably.
Although, if they plan on keeping this vehicle for a LOOOOOONG time.. . . maybe fix it.
lemming
03-06-2010, 11:25 AM
stuff like that just happens.
even on snow tires it could have happened.
i'm with the non-ghetto-fab crowd, though. i'd patch it up pretty well close to as was condition. the whole insurance premium thing, i mean, the surcharges that 'can' activate are a fact of life. but as a multi-car owner plus a homeowner, you should be able to neutralize those fees with leverage if it's all under the same provider.
SARAFIL
03-06-2010, 11:47 AM
stuff like that just happens.
even on snow tires it could have happened.
i'm with the non-ghetto-fab crowd, though. i'd patch it up pretty well close to as was condition. the whole insurance premium thing, i mean, the surcharges that 'can' activate are a fact of life. but as a multi-car owner plus a homeowner, you should be able to neutralize those fees with leverage if it's all under the same provider.
You can also go the in-between route and have a "cheap" bodyshop repair the body panels and have them get the cheap used parts that you were going to get yourself from a junkyard. Even that will look better than a rattlecan spray paint repair. Maybe find one of these places and see what they'd charge to do it with used cars where applicable.
Must be different perspectives, but to me a $7000 car is not yet in the "I don't give a shit what it looks like" category. On a $2000 car I'd be inclined to say "ok", but this Jeep still seems too new/nice to me.
You can also go the in-between route and have a "cheap" bodyshop repair the body panels and have them get the cheap used parts that you were going to get yourself from a junkyard. Even that will look better than a rattlecan spray paint repair. Maybe find one of these places and see what they'd charge to do it with used cars where applicable.
Must be different perspectives, but to me a $7000 car is not yet in the "I don't give a shit what it looks like" category. On a $2000 car I'd be inclined to say "ok", but this Jeep still seems too new/nice to me.
I'm a bit torn. I do like the Jeep. It is a nice car. If this accident in any way affected something non cosmetic, I would not be hesitating. Even if it were just cosmetic but involved several panels including not being able to replace the window because the frame was damaged, I'd also not hesitate.
But the affected cosmetic area in question is relatively small. That is what makes me want to DIY the fix. A still-clean record and $2K+ in savings is enough to make me pause.
zcasavant
03-06-2010, 02:32 PM
I'm a bit torn. I do like the Jeep. It is a nice car. If this accident in any way affected something non cosmetic, I would not be hesitating. Even if it were just cosmetic but involved several panels including not being able to replace the window because the frame was damaged, I'd also not hesitate.
But the affected cosmetic area in question is relatively small. That is what makes me want to DIY the fix. A still-clean record and $2K+ in savings is enough to make me pause.
A friend of mine had to replace a door on his Tundra and just ordered a door from an online salvage yard. They even paint it to match. The color might not match absolutely perfectly, but you could do that and install it yourself maybe. Just a thought.
lemming
03-06-2010, 04:42 PM
if there's no structural damage, i'd see how much it costs to fix most of it at a local body shop.
sometimes, it's a lot less than one would think. most of the time it's not, but it is a domestic vehicle and we're not talking about a front corner (HID headlamp units are pricey). this is a rear corner.
if there's no structural damage, i'd see how much it costs to fix most of it at a local body shop.
Of course. It would be foolish to just start grinding on stuff before knowing for sure what your options are.
A friend of mine had to replace a door on his Tundra and just ordered a door from an online salvage yard. They even paint it to match. The color might not match absolutely perfectly, but you could do that and install it yourself maybe. Just a thought.
Except, quarter panels don't just bolt on.
rumatt
03-06-2010, 11:21 PM
I still haven't fixed the front bumper on my E46, so that should you a hint what I'd do. :lol:
Of course. It would be foolish to just start grinding on stuff before knowing for sure what your options are.
Except, quarter panels don't just bolt on.
http://www.carology.tv/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/anycar1.jpg
clyde
03-07-2010, 05:55 PM
http://www.carology.tv/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/anycar1.jpg
2mt4XjDrlH8
Well, a co-worker of mine that is well-connected in the body-shop circles hooked me up with a buddy of his. He saw the car and gave me an estimate for an honest repair (if I don't want to spend that much he's willing to do his best with the existing section).
~$900 in parts (rear quarter section+glass+tail light from salvage, new bumper)
~$1000 in labor
~$200 for paint supplies.
So he told me to just call it $2K and if he can find a way to save me money along the way he will. He is a restorer and he asures me it will look like new.
I have to run it by my wife, but I think I'll just get it fixed out of pocket. $1K deductible +6 years of increased premiums plus a blemish in the record is not worth going through the insurance.
lemming
03-12-2010, 02:37 PM
Well, a co-worker of mine that is well-connected in the body-shop circles hooked me up with a buddy of his. He saw the car and gave me an estimate for an honest repair (if I don't want to spend that much he's willing to do his best with the existing section).
~$900 in parts (rear quarter section+glass+tail light from salvage, new bumper)
~$1000 in labor
~$200 for paint supplies.
So he told me to just call it $2K and if he can find a way to save me money along the way he will. He is a restorer and he asures me it will look like new.
I have to run it by my wife, but I think I'll just get it fixed out of pocket. $1K deductible +6 years of increased premiums plus a blemish in the record is not worth going through the insurance.
i'd do it.
$2000 is, in the scheme of life, not so much. you'd appreciate walking up to the air and having it look good afterward. leaving as it is would almost be a reminder of the incident. maybe you laugh or maybe it annoys, but with it gone, you move on.
just in time for the next one.....:dunno:
i'd do it.
$2000 is, in the scheme of life, not so much. you'd appreciate walking up to the air and having it look good afterward. leaving as it is would almost be a reminder of the incident. maybe you laugh or maybe it annoys, but with it gone, you move on.
just in time for the next one.....:dunno:
Yeah we're likely going to fix it. We're just refinancing the house and have a major landscaping job ahead of us, so it's not the best tiem to get hit with this, but oh well.
Life is what happens when you are making other plans. Fix the car.
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