Battle scarred Battle Bus

[flat6buster]

OK so some plank drove into my E430 estate at the weekend and has broken the front bumper and left a very deep sharp scar on the front wing that will I think require replacement.

The car has done 105,000, is a pretty decent car really has full good history and I guess has quite a lot of life left in it (as long as petrol doesn't go up much more!).

Anyway question is: do I go to insurers and claim and get the work done (along with a couple of other bits the car requires and refurb wheels) to make her look truly smart again. This will result in increased premium next year I am sure.

OR do I get a botch job done (buy a wing from a scrappers and have it fitted, live with a cracked front bumper) on the basis that sinking money into a 10 year old 105,000 mile car is like tearing up fifties in a cold shower.

Answers on a postcard please...oh, and if anyone could recommend a bodyshop in or near Swindon where I have now moved from sunny Cornwall that would be great.

 

[Cabe]

Would the difference in premiums next year (and the potential loss of NCB) be greater than or less than the cost of the bodge repair.

Also how badly will the diy job hurt the resale value.

If the answers are "quite a bit more" and "I intend to drive it till it dies" then go for the cheap option if you can stand to look at it.

 

[bolide]

I'd take the cheap option - what's the car worth?

Cracked bumpers can be welded or repaired from the rear with fibreglass, ally strips & rivets. Or find another one and have it painted when the wing is done

You may find more damage once the wing & bumper are off but it'll probably just be bent tinwork. easy enough to fix

You need to find a sensible bodyshop and tell them you are paying, not insurance

Nick Froome

 

[flat6buster]

I'd take the cheap option - what's the car worth?

I guess a 10 yr old E430 is worth about tuppence ha'penny really. It's not that quick, gobbles fuel and no one seems to love the W210.

Anyway thanks for the sage advice, I'll do a trawl of the bodyshops I think. Don't like looking at a dented car and she MUST have 3 - 5 years life left in her.

 

[kwakdonut]

Give PC Autocare @ Lydiard a ring and see if they can recommend a bodyshop (they are an MB/BMW Indie) their number is 01793 772542