[togg63]

So my Cooper S was at the dealership for the seventh time for the same headlight not working problem. They had it for a week and a half this time. I get a voicemail Friday at lunchtime saying my car is ready and I can pick it up before six. Great, I'll have it for the weekend.
Next voicemail, "This is the service department manager, we've had an accident with your car please call me".
Turns out as the mechanic went to take my car out of the shop to detail it he backed it into an X5 that was in the garage. I haven't seen my car yet as they took it immediately to the body shop which was locked and closed by the time I got there after work. The MINI dealer did tell me he ordered a new rear quarter panel, new rear bumper, and tail light assembly.
I, as most of you did specially ordered this car to be a keeper, and now it is damaged. I don't know what to do. I want my car undamaged, which obviously is not possible. Any advice?? Thanks,

Rob

[AmRov]

Man, that really sucks, Rob. As you know, just "fixing" your car won't really fully compensate you. I think you ought to lobby for additional compensation. For one thing, your car has just been seriously devalued. Try selling a car that has had paint and body work -- a lot of people won't touch it. Of course, if you plan to keep it for many years, that factor does go down.

But, at a minimum, seems that you could insist on some freebies from that dealer for a while! How about some free after-market options? Free "in-between oil changes"? Because you could file a claim against them, and that would affect their insurance rates, etc., so you have bargaining room here.

Good luck, and let us know what you work out!

[scooperman_uk]

quite simple.. fixing the damage is not enough.... demand compensation.....

[mikeythemini]

I would not touch a car that had had a new quarter - how old is it - New car time???

[togg63]

My MINI is 14 months old.
I just spoke to customer service, and they asked me what I would like them to do. I said I would like a new undamaged version of my car, or buy me out of my lease. They said would I be satisfied if the dealer can get me into a new car with a fantastic deal?

I guess I want the car to be the same as I ordered it though, so what is the wait for a Cooper S spec'd the way you want it? Any ideas?

We'll see what happens, I am hopeful right now, but feel that I will end up getting shafted somehow by the time this is finished.

[mollyruss]

Similar happened to me when my car was only 3 weeks old. New bonnet and front light fitting required. I got lots of advice sue them, reject the car etc etc. However, I decided not to kick up a fuss. The car was fixed, now I am their best customer and fitted in quick sharp if I have any problems. Saying that, I wish I had suggested some compensation as by way of apology.

So my advice would be........don't jump up and down.......say how disappointed you are...........get loads of reassurance that they will guarantee the repairs .........and request something nice for your car. If you don't ask, you want get

[togg63]

So new tires and a John Cooper Works kit then?

[nuance]

Yea that'll probably compensate the value loss.

[Bilbo Baggins]

Quote: Originally Posted by togg63

So new tires and a John Cooper Works kit then?

Don't forget the LSD to go with the JCW kit

[tavis1]

Quote: Originally Posted by AmRov

Man, that really sucks, Rob. As you know, just "fixing" your car won't really fully compensate you. I think you ought to lobby for additional compensation. For one thing, your car has just been seriously devalued. Try selling a car that has had paint and body work -- a lot of people won't touch it. Of course, if you plan to keep it for many years, that factor does go down.

But, at a minimum, seems that you could insist on some freebies from that dealer for a while! How about some free after-market options? Free "in-between oil changes"? Because you could file a claim against them, and that would affect their insurance rates, etc., so you have bargaining room here.

Good luck, and let us know what you work out!

AmRov you are so good.
Tavis1