RunInColorado

I was driving home last night around 1130pm when a car cut in front of me to make it to the left lane (2 lane each direction) to turn left into a shopping center. I slowed, but the guy in a 2005 toyota pre-runner tried to beat me around the car (never mind I was only doing 30 in a 45mph zone or that I was slightly ahead of him). He sideswiped the benz on the driverside door and passenger door including the mirror. He hit me about 20 mph or so but managed to dent and scratch the front door (3-4 inch depth) and passenger side door was just lightly hit with some minor scratches. The doors still work and so does the mirror. The guy admitted it was his fault and offered to pay either through insurance or on his own what ever is cheaper for him.

Does anyone know what a body shop will do to fix the damage? Will they have to replace the front door or pull the dent out? Both doors seem like they need to be painted. Also, should the car be taken to the dealer or a body shop? I dont want to save on repairs here because obviously, I will not be paying for it. Any advice that any one could give would be much appreciated.

Ohh and to add insult to injury the cop who took 30 minutes to make it to the scene asked if she could put her metal clipboard box on the trunk of my car! Just because my side was scratched didnt mean I need one on my trunk!

NorCalGregclk55

Make sure whereever you take it that they are experienced with Benz. Locally here the dealer sends all their work out to a specific shop that does nothing but high end german cars. Ask lots of questions. Sounds like the door needs to be replaced or at least re-skinned.

13benz

sucks about the car, at least you walked away, i would take it to the mercedes dealer, if they don't do body work, ask them who is the best, and make sure they understand that you are very picky, i would want a new door, and make them do whatever it takes to match the color exactly to the rest of the car. my sister had a deer jump into the side of her durango, the body shop reskinned it and painted it, the paint still looks slightly different, and they didn't fix the trim around the back glass that was also slightly damaged. hers was an insurance job, and a lot of shops will try to take you for a ride if they think they are going to get away with it, like when the insurance company is footing the bill instead of you. just my two cents, later

actionreaction

take it to the dealer. why fix when you can just replace instead?
- it's not on your dime!

RunInColorado

Thanks for everyone writing in. I took it for an estimate here today with the dealers bodyshop. They must replace the drivers door and repaint both doors. The cost, 2,200$ not including a 4 day rental car. I think the kid who hit me is really going to hate that. Benzs are expensive to fix!

RunInColorado

Here are some photos before it was fixed. Hard to believe such a little dent could cost so much!

meanie

Consider yourself lucky.
All you need is a new door.
ANY car is expensive to repair.
If you were driving a Honda, it would likely be totalled.

!!!!!NJ Drive

at least it could be fixed....


i had to buy another 202

RunInColorado

Wow! Glad you survived to buy another 202. Care to share your story on what happened?