5 Months Without My MINI - Sherman Returns

[sixfoot6]

Hello all.

Many probably won't remember me, but I used to be a regular on these and the other MINI boards. I, like so many of you, waited eight long months on these boards for my MINI, and when it arrived every single expectation was met. My MINI, Sherman, was great. I poured on the miles the first month, making excuses every weekend to get out of town and into the twisties. And all was well

One month, to the day, after Sherman arrived a hurried driver behind the wheel of a speeding van blew through a red light and hit poor Sherman and I pretty hard. The details and pictures can still be found here:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...hlight=sherman

I later posted a follow up, regarding unavailable MINI/BMW parts which delayed Sherman's repair by nearly a month and a half. The details where here:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...hlight=sherman

I thought I'd post a final follow up. Sherman is finally mine again. That's right, the accident occurred Sept 23rd, and as of last Tuesday Sherman is mine again. I don't know that any one series of events has ever frustrated me as greatly as did this accident/repair.

Sherman was delayed first due to unavailable parts, then due to terrible customer relations with Mercury Insurance and then again due to sub-par work by my body shop, HiTech Collision in California. I recieved Sherman for a short while in December, but within a week the electrical system had shorted and I had a list of complaints with the cosmetics of the repair.

So finally, $12,000 dollars of repair later (and 5 months), Sherman is mine again. Just about everything has been fixed to my satisfaction, save a very minor cosmetic issue I'm still haggling the shop over. But more importantly, Sherman is bringing a smile to my face once again.

I've never been as excited about a new purchase, a car or otherwise, as I was about my MINI. And I can't say that hasn't diminished because of thise headache, but Sherman and all the other MINI's I pass on the roads will never cease to make me grin.

I also want to thank BMW Customer Service for there help throughout the repair process. They responded to the second post and did their utmost to get parts available to my body shop. They also offered me a considerable cash gift to represent lost time due to waiting for unavailable parts. It was a very respectable act and I truly believe they have eliminated the delay I experienced.

I'd also like to take this podium to feverently express my poor opinion of Mercury Insurance. They are slow, unresponsive, uncooperative, lazy, cheap, rude, and completely uninterested in the well being of their customers. I switched to them because it saved my premium about $150 a year, and that was my mistake. These insurance companies are lean and competative, if their premium is lower its only because they've eliminated certain operating costs. Mercury has apparently cut costs in customer service, staffing, technology, and reimbursement... and it shows. I strongly discourage anyone from putting their trust in them, they will not be there to help.

Thanks all for listening, I hope to slowly slide in as a regular here again. Count me in on the next So Cal MINI Meet....

Regards,
sixfoot6

[AidenL]

Welcome back sixfoot!

[Speedd]

Sorry to hear about Sherman but now you are back so have fun.

you are a prime example of people moving insurance companies for cheaper premiums. I can vouch for doing that previously but have learned a while back that cheap is not always the best.

The main thing is that you are now reunited with Sherman so have fun dude

ciao

Anand

In production....awaiting all the parts to be built 4 1st week April roll on pooper cooper

[Mike & Donna in Ca.]

Hey - Welcome back I sure do hope that your Sherman is up to par and makes you continually happy

Sorry to hear about the long drawn out process -

[Bad Manners]

We missed you; Welcome Back

[catalyst]

sixfooot6 -

It's good to know that, despite the protracted wait, things are back to a semblance of "normality" for you and your MINI. It must have been supremely frustrating, although it's reassuring to learn that BMW provided some measure of recompense, unlike your - former, I assume - insurance company.

Sounds like you'll be in need of some serious, sustained motoring!

Welcome back - good to hear from you.

catalyst

[binkydognose]

Quote:

Originally posted by sixfoot6
I've never been as excited about a new purchase, a car or otherwise, as I was about my MINI. And I can't say that hasn't diminished because of thise headache, but Sherman and all the other MINI's I pass on the roads will never cease to make me grin.

What a fine return 6!
Stated like a true miniac. Inspiring to read that you've retained appreciation of the car after such an experience.

[JugMan]

accident occurred Sept 23rd

My Birthday

[StareDownOrion]

Hi sixfoot6, I remember you from my lurking days...and I remember your heartbreaking Mini accident story. I'm glad to hear that you are reunited with Sherman, though. Welcome back to Mini2!

I'm picking my baby up next week (Credit Union, VPC and LBMini willing), and look forward to meeting you and Sherman at a future SoCal Mini Meet!

Oh, and a big "D'oh!"...just signed on with Mercury yesterday for the new baby. Bugger!!

[mikkol]

$12k for repair sounds like a lot. I guess she must've been hurt very badly Glad to hear she's back to great condition again