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Hmm. Not quite how it works though, is it - eMBe (P) ... I can just imagine the reaction if she asks them to find here another car. And although you're technically right that its him, not his insurers, who are liable, for all practical purposes forget him - he's hardly going to be the person deciding the car's value is he? There seems to be some variation in valuations being put on the car - between extremes of £2500 ish and £4k - the letter acknowledged to be a 'wish' not a value. Does that really justify you accusing the 'low bidders' - of which I am one - of being trolls? I can assure you that isn't my intent. Although professional reasons prevent me from revealing my profile, if you have a look at past posts of mine, apart from the odd pop at Trevor P, I'd consider them measured and constructive. So - what gives you the right to classify others as trolls?
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neil, you can relax.Hmm. Not quite how it works though, is it - eMBe (P) ...
I know for a fact that it does work for those who persist.
Does that really justify you accusing the 'low bidders' - of which I am one - of being trolls? >>
I said "..likely "trolls" on other threads who may be trying to bait you. .." . Unless you, neil, have been on the other thread trying to deliberately bait Pologirl, then obviously you cannot a troll!
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{P} = advertising profile is ON. Backroom photos groups.msn.com/honestjohn/pictures
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eMBe - I'd like to think that you aren't accusing me of being a troll for starting a thread which I have already openly admitted was prompted by this one. There was no intention to bait Pologirl within my initial post. Had there been, I would have posted it within her thread, or at least directly referenced it from mine. The connection was clearly obvious to Pologirl (and probably others) but was not meant to be malicious.
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Smokie:
I am posting only where I beleive I can add value. In this thread, I am trying to give help Pologirl achieve a good result.
In case anyone else is unsure, my reference to "trolls" included the words "likely" and "may". There were no names, nor any definitive statements in that regard. Trolls will know themselves and they are discussed fully in the web-site link featured in my profile (www.teamtechnology.co.uk/troll.htm)
you will see the following statement: "...When dealing with suspected trolls, there are various strategies that you can employ. First of all, remember that just because you suspect that someone is a troll, it doesn't mean that they are a troll; also, just because you suspect someone is genuine, it doesn't mean that they are genuine. ..." .
Now back to Motoring and to helping Pologirl.
--
{P} = advertising profile is ON. Backroom photos groups.msn.com/honestjohn/pictures
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This is mad. The car is an old polo. The true value of the car will be measured by the claims adjuster who will get this from Glasses. She may be able to get an few hundred more from cars being advertised in Autotrader, but not a rise from £2,500 to near £4,000.
Insurance companies are a business, not a charity. No matter how much sentimental value this car carries its true value seems to be nearer £2,500. Shiny, clean, with a nice magic tree on the mirror or not.
I think the circumstances are a shame, but at the end of the day the car isnt worth what pologirl thinks is it. It worth arguing the first 2 values they offer but they will stand firm at one point and that will be it.
I feel the eMBe's comment - 'ignore the uninformed comments of some posters' Is so arrogant. How do you feel that you are informed? You've had insurance for the last 20 years isn't ebing informed?!!
The words: 'You do not have to accept anything less than the true value of your car' are correct but the true value is what Glasses will price it at. This is the industry price guide.
Pologirl - you may need near £4000 but i doubt you'll get it. If you do tell me who your insurance company is and i'll insure with them. I'm sure my 6 year old Golf is worth £8000........
Good luck tho.
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Calm down folks - it's only my car!! ;-)
>>its true value seems tobe nearer £2,500. Shiny, clean, with a nice magic tree on the mirror or not.
The Magic Tree is actually hanging off the back of the passenger seat - do you think that will make a difference to it's value??
Pologirl - you may need near £4000 but i doubt you'll get it. If you do tell me who your insurance company is and i'll insure with them. I'm sure my 6 year old Golf is worth £8000........
Link - and I wouldn't recommend them. Who I would recommend though, are the insurers of the lorry that hit me (Crawfords). They've been excellent.
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PG - hope you get your car position sorted satisfactorily, and glad that at least you weren't damaged in the smash. Let us know the eventual result.
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Pologirl: of course, you are free to take heed of the advice or comments that suits you and your character best. I have personally helped many people with "gentle" personalities achieve great satisfation in dealings with "big" organisations (including insurance companies) where otherwise the gentle-person would have given in without a fight. In some instances, the rewards have been worth just a few tens of pounds extra, in others they have been worth hundreds extra. To learn how to do this yourself, read and study past cases of "Jessica Investigates" in the Electronic Daily Telegraph.
PS to DD & Mark : Phoenicks is at it again, personalising posts, calling me arrogant - as he seems to do in every post referring to me! To cool it, I will not respond to him.
--
{P} = advertising profile is ON. Backroom photos groups.msn.com/honestjohn/pictures
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P.S. to Polgirl: for the avoidance of doubt, let me make it clear that, from your posts, I judge you to have a strong enough personality to get a good result.
--
{P} = advertising profile is ON. Backroom photos groups.msn.com/honestjohn/pictures
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Hi PoloGirl;
How close is this one to your beloved vehicle? Courtesy of the AutoTrader link on HJ's homepage...
VW Polo 1.4 SE, 96, P reg. 70k, 3k dr, grey met, 5 speed, fsh, 1 owner from new, pas, new MoT, alloys, px/finance/credit/debit cards. . 2995 quid
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> VW Polo 1.4 SE, 96, P reg. 70k, 3k dr, grey met, 5 speed, fsh, 1 owner from new, pas, new MoT, alloys, px/finance/credit/debit cards. . 2995 quid
That IS my car, except mine is metallic black with less miles. That price is reassuring too as there's also a red one in there that's only on for £2500.
Thanks
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I take it the ad from Autotrader is a dealer car judging by the 'px/finance/credit/debit cards'. I understand the cost given by the insurers wont be dealer retail cost but glasses trade cost.
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Phoenicks - you understand wrong then. From the Financial Ombudsman website:
Most policyholders assume that their insurance policy will enable them to replace with a similar vehicle a car that has been stolen or damaged beyond repair. Our approach mirrors this. We want to see firms making a reasonable assessment of the car?s ?market value? ? and then paying this amount. The ?market value? is the likely cost to the customer of buying a car as near as possibly identical to the one that has been stolen or damaged beyond economic repair.
Certainly there are Polo SEs available nationally under £3,000 - but the spread is from about £2600 to £4000 and the average price seems to be around £3200.
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DHM - if this is a trader's ad, can we not assume that as PG has no part-ex, this £2995 car will sell for (say) £2750?
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I may understand wrong, as you say, but i work for an Insurance Company, as well as previously working 3 years on the Car Insurance side in policy admin and claims.
You may have a legal backing in terms of learning but the reality is very different. Thats why every claims adjuster has Glasses on his desk and not Autotrader.....
Perhaps we should just see what Pologirl gets offered....
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I don't dispute that's what the offer will be - but if you're seriously suggesting that she should be happy with the first offer if it doesn't enable her to buy the car that she wants, we'll have to agree to disagree.
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You're all going to be so disappointed if they phone up and say "actually we're going to repair your car" aren't you? :)
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Because its what you want i wouldnt be disappointed. I think write off point is if the repairs are above 60-70% of value of car. If its what you want, its worth arguing. good luck.
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If you re-read one of my previous post i say that its worth arguing the first 2 offers she gets. I would never suggest she take the first offer.
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Actually I don't know WHAT I want!
I love Polo..... but I love car shopping :)
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pologirl you are a menace!!! hurry up and make up your mind before we all burst!!!
when are the insurance co going to let you know what they decide about your polo???
I was also once a PG myself! ;-)
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The car I posted was marked as a trade advert; I just snipped the ad. fairly heavily.
Don't know why it has 3000 doors; or does '3k doors' mean something different ;-)
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OK OK I promise not to post any more Polos after this one; which is also trade:-
" 96 (P) Volkswagen POLO 1.4 SE 5DR, power assisted steering, 5 speed, sunroof, stereo, alloys, dark blue, 70,000 miles, service history, £3,799 "
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eMBe - your accusations of trolling added no value whatsoever to this post.
I strongly dislike the implication that by starting the "other post" I was trolling - which was clearly what you were implying, even though no details were given. If I'd wanted to troll I would have responded within this post. I can see that you have carefully worded your post so that a response from me can be sniffily dismissed as guilt or paranoia on my part, as you have already implied.
I'm with Phoenicks on the arrogant bit. Unfortunately I find the flavour of many of your posts some of the most pompous I have ever read on this board, and I go back a bit. That isn't to doubt your sincerity in wishing to assist, and also your obvious knowledge and experience in certain areas (all said without tongue in cheek).
Sorry to all for this irrelevant post but I'm afraid I couldn't let this pass without a response. The accusations were made publicly, so it's only fair that the response should be too.
In your own words eMBe, to cool it I will not respond again on this topic (unless you start it!)
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Pologirl, you have my sympathy, but please don't follow the advice of those who suggest you claim for your every distress and inconvenience. This isn't America..... yet. The more you try and claim for, (beyond what is reasonable), the more the heels will start to dig in. Go for what is fair and reasonable, which in this case is the cost of obtaining an equivalent replacement car, plus ancilliary costs, such as car hire and transport costs to view said cars (again, within reason!).
A search within 100 miles on Autotrader will give you some examples but don't expect the highest price, nor should you settle for the lowest. Settle for an amount that will allow the closest match to your beloved polo. (Funny, I had a 1979 Polo 1.1 GLS, which I sold in 1988 and I still rave on about the darn thing. I last saw it about 2 years ago so if anyone knows the whereabouts of an AzorenBlau metallic polo, FRU770V, last seen in Bournemouth, let me know!)
.....I suppose by adding that last bit I'm a troll (foll-de-roll) or risking becoming one. Or perhaps I just have an uncanny memory for the trivial things that mark my way through life......
Anyway, by what I've found, around the £3k mark seems reasonable as if you turn up with that much in cash at a dealer with a suitable car, I doubt you will get turned down, but until you view a couple of cars, you'll never know.
Totally off topic, but in keeping with some of the posts: Inspirational team building exercise anybody? I can supply the beanbags if you'll all just form a circle and agree to yell the name of the person that threw it at you. What a load of tosh.... as for trolls, I think it's pronounced "paranoia"
If I don't reply it's nowt personal, I'm just working!
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Children - calm down. Stop insulting each other and stop trying to score points. Even Pologirl is asking you to calm down. *I* (& Dave) decide what is and what is not trolling and who is doing it, not you.
If its there, I\'ll deal with it or not. None of you belong to any site police, do try and remember that.
Save all the macho stuff for somewhere else.
So stop whittling on, everybody voice their own opinions and we carry on as normal.
Its too boring to have to correct/edit everything you write, so I\'ll simply delete any further notes which have even one argumentative or juvenile and provocative comment in them.
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Mark - you have a difficult PC tightrope to walk here. Clearly things on the wrong side of your line must go, but please don't get too officious or the whole thing may become rather humourless.
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Dragging this thread kicking and screaming back to it's original topic - Me! :)
Just thought I'd give you a condition check on Polo. The engineer from the insurance company has finally been to Walsall to inspect him and has apparently approved repair if it passes a final steering/suspension computerised check later on today.
I've yet to find out if he's approved everything (ie a new set of alloy wheels) but I guess I just have to wait it out now. I drove the car home from the roundabout the accident happened on and the steering didn't feel too bad - the tracking is out but I'd guess that's about it. Then again, I'm not a mechanic!
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Sounds like you may get the result you were after. Fingers crossed for a happy ending.
If I don't reply it's nowt personal, I'm just working!
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Well... the verdict is in, and Polo lives to fight another day!!!
They've approved all repairs, right down to the two new front tyres. In fact they've even approved a new o/s rear panel - not sure how they're going to do that as I was told it was part of the car and not a "bolt on", so to speak.
I'm not getting 4 new alloys but they are refurbishing the 3 that were damaged, and I will probably have the fourth done at the same time privately to match.
I've had to pay my excess up front, but I shall be claiming that straight back (along with the credit card interest it generates)so it's not a problem. In fact the only drawback is that the courtesy car from the body shop is a Micra and it probably has the bodyshop name emblazoned on it's side. At least people might keep out of my way for a bit!
And at least as my car is black, there can't be much of an issue about paint matching, can there!?
So tomorrow I get to give the Corsa back! Bit gutted I don't get to go car shopping though!
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Way to go PoloGirl...glad you got the result you wanted (?).
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And at least as my car is black, there can't be much of an issue about paint matching, can there!?
Don't you believe it! 47 different shades IIRC.
Glad to hear good result from interesting to follow thread.
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Oh well... keep your eyes peeled for the "how to reject repair job" thread then!
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Horrray!
Hope all goes smoothly for with the repair and you soon get your beloved Polo back.
Its been an interesting thread and I'm sure its not over yet. I hope (for the bodyshop's sake) that the repair is to your liking!!
Andy
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Hope the repair is to your satisfaction Pologirl, everyone likes a happy ending!
PP
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These are the kind of posts I like - a problem, plenty debate, thoughts , discussion and then we find out the outcome.
Its like a whodunnit where we all give our thoughts but know that someone else holds the answer....
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Nice one PG, hope it comes back good as new.
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Morning!
Just a quick one to let you know the Corsa has gone and they've delivered the Micra in it's place. BUT... the Micra is lovely! It's bright red and a new shape 03 model. It feels really solid compared to the Corsa, and I'm sure once I get used to the bug eyed lights, we'll get on just fine.
I've only driven it round the block so far but it really seems a fab little car and I can't help but smile when I look at it - it's like a Smartie.
And it's nice to see that Nissan are now putting the indicators on the 'right' side these days - I had visions of turning on the wipers every time I wanted to indicate!
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I can't help butsmile when I look at it - it's like a Smartie.
>>
Reminds me of:-
How many blondes does it take to make a chocolate cake?
Seven. One to stir the mixture, six to peel the Smarties.
(hope you're a brunette!)
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Hi PoloGirl
Glad to hear your car is coming back to you.
One word of warning, you have an obligation to the other insurers (the other side) to keep your costs to a minimum. Asking them to pay for credit card interest may draw a blank, you would be expected to pay this off and arrange a (much cheaper) overdraft, which they may be more willing to consider interest on.
My advice is to pay the excess with you card and then find one of these cards that offer 0% interest for6 months on balance transfers and apply for it immediately. Use your card to pay any other costs associated with the accident, then transfer these costs and submit a schedule of losses and expenses to the other side. Include an element in this for telephone calls, post, associaced travel, costed time of work etc.
Hopefully, if they accept liability, you should have all your costs reimbursed within a month or two, then pay off that transferred balance.
H
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Hugo - PG is entitled to interest on her costs, however at probably no more than 8%. Beyond that, PG, you would have to show that there was no other way to get hold of that money and if you can do a balance transfer, etc., it's good for you because you'll still be entitled to the interest, at least in theory.
Of course being a student, things like credit and smoothing over blips like an insurance excess are much more difficult than when you're on a salary - unless you are both of course.
If you have a student account, it would be much cheaper to extend your overdraft, if possible; however I am not convinced that an overdraft is automatically much cheaper at standard rates for the rest of the population than a good credit card deal, especially as getting a cheaper overdraft means shifting your current account.
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Hugo
I wouldn't recommend getting another credit card just to pay this off. Unnecessarily increasing your credit facilities isn't wise. How long do you expect it to take the insurance company to pay out? I would write to them informing them that you have put this balance on your current credit card (or bank account or overdraft)which has the follwing x% interest charge. Inform them that they will be charged interest at the going rate. At least you can say that you informed them, if they drag their feet when paying, they have been made fully aware of that.
One months interest on say £500 isn't going to break the bank, even at 2% (24% per year only equates to £10 interest).
When you say you have a duty to minimise your costs, it doesn't mean getting more credit cards to save them interest, it means not hiring an e class merc while your fiesta is off the road, or getting taxis everywhere when a bus would do.
Regards
Jonathan
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The remark about claiming back the interest was a little flippant, in that it's not actually something I will make a big fuss about doing... so lets not make a big fuss about discussing it, eh? :)
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The remark about claiming back the interest was a little flippant, in that it's not actually something I will make a big fuss about doing... so lets not make a big fuss about discussing it, eh? :)
Fair enough.
Although this forum is intended to help all people, not just the one who asks the question. So anything provided into the discussion may benefit someone at some stage, which makes it useful. If I hadn't pointed it out, someone else may have thought that applying for a new credit card would be the best alternative for paying the costs.
Regards
Jonathan
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Jonothan
I agree with what you have said.
A new credit card to tide over the interests payment req is probably a good idea for some people.
I have used this method to my advantage a number of times, and have always paid off the amount (or transferred it to another card offering the same deal) before I start getting hit for interest payments. It's a great deal if, say you forsee the money coming back to you or you need an advance for something building materials (as I did at the time). The money was paid off when I was made redundant (with a handshake) and I now have an income from that property.
However, if you are not fully confident with this method, then an overdraft is probably the best solution, unless you can finance it yourself.
In the case of PG she needs to keep her interest costs to a minimum, hence the easiest lowcost route available to her should be taken, ie overdraft, on the basis that she expects the money to be refunded to her ASAP.
Any costs incurred in sorting this out with the bank should be claimed for.
H
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Heh...I had to go all the way to page 9 to resurrect this, but it's back, and I bet you're all thinking "god what has she done now?!"
Well... Polo's coming home tomorrow!!!
Any tips on mistakes, common dodgy areas I should look at on his repaired/replaced panels - and if it's no good or they haven't done all the work requested, am I entitled to leave the Polo with them and keep the courtesy car til it's sorted?
Thanks!
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Pologirl
Make sure the hole is OK.
You know the round one in the middle!
H
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Take a good look at the non refurbished wheel and make sure it doesn't look shabby compared to the other 3 refurbished ones. Also check panel gaps are even, no overspray on glass, window rubbers, or any other trim.
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Take a good look at the non refurbished wheel and make sure it doesn't look shabby compared to the other 3 refurbished ones. Also check panel gaps are even, no overspray on glass, window rubbers, or any other trim.
Thanks! There's not a lot I can do about the fourth wheel though is there - as it's more than likely shabby because I wasn't introduced to Autoglym til a year ago, rather than through the collision.
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In my experience, fresh paintwork is extra vulnerable to the output of the local bird population for a few months. Soak it off as soon as you spot it.
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Carry a tub of babywipes in your car to remove birdpoo etc as soon as possible. Modern car paints are c*#* at withstanding minor "spills" like this.
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Park the car under a street light at the earliest opportunity. Any mismatch in colour tends to be more obvious under street lighting for reasons I should remember from A level physics, but can't.
I blame beer.
Overspray, as previously mentioned. Also look on the inside of the car. My wife's laguna recently came back from the bodyshop and there was spray residue on the inside of the b and c pillar trims!
Panel gaps. Stand well back and make sure all the panels and doors have regular gaps.
Doors/tailgate. Do they shut ok, or do then need an extra slam? If so, the strikers or lock assemblies need realignment.
Windows. Do they still function smoothly? Sometimes, when replacing a panel or skin, the winder assembly can be dislodged or fouled.
Drive. Does the car have any odd knocks? Does it pull to one side? Odd humming noises from bearings?
If you are asked to sign for the car, stating it is to your satisfaction, explain that you wish to have a reasonable time to assess the repair and add a caveat to this effect, perhaps allowing 7 days to identify any concerns. Make sure that if you do have any concerns, you tell your insurer immediately. If you aren't happy, they are unlikely to pay the repairer in a hurry!
I'm sure the above will prove to be nothing other than added piece of mind and look forward to hearing of your continued "Southern Polo Driving Girl lives in Midlands" exploits.
ND
Southern Alfa driving bloke, working in Midlands
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PG you might like to follow the tip from my cousin when his car was involved in a smash. He had his car professionally inspected after the repair. The inspection found a big long list of things that needed rectifying. The firm advertised on this site looks good value for money to me.
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Have just finished work early and popped on here - thankyou all for your comprehensive replies!
I have come to the conclusion that I should never have kids - is it wrong to think I might cry when I see Polo again?! ;-)
(All I have to do now is find the place - I've never been to Walsall!!)
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Nah, not wrong to cry! ;-)
Good luck!
Blue
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Well... I drove the Micra to Walsall (with central locking well and truly on all the way - what a scary place!) and swapped it for the Polo. Gave it a thorough inspection, looked out for all the things you told me to, stalled it 4 times and finally drove away.
Five minutes later I returned to the centre as I'd noticed greasy handprints all over the interior.
Ten minutes and half a bottle of some strongly smelling stuff (meths??) - for the car, not me - I was on my way again!
It's raining today so I can't really check Polo over properly, but it all seems ok. The window and door lock seem stiff but I guess that's because the whole door is new..?
However, you may remember Polo had new tyres on the back only days before the crash. Well.. the two new tyres are now on the drivers side front and back, while the six month old tyres are on the passenger side. The tracking seems fine but surely that's not right...?
So... two pretty major things wrong, and that's even before He Who "Knows About Cars" comes home!
On a more personal note, I don't think I want Polo any more!! I smiled when I saw him, but when i was actually driving him I felt so tearful/nervous and every clank from a lorry in the jam on the M6 had me jumping out of my skin. I remember him as a funky little car, but now he just looks dated. I dunno - I think I was like this after the other smash, but I think now might be time for a change! It's all been a bit of an anticlimax!
Oh but the alloys look fab! :)
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PG
as the rainy season is now upon us I would get the tyres swapped to correct places asap. Not best to have part worns on one side. Newer ones on the back.
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Do you now wish you;d just gone for the write off rather than getting it repaired?
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Pleased you got the car back in one reasonable piece PG, have you found any new faults since getgting it back or is the rest of it ok?
Blue
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Have I found any new faults.... HAVE I FOUND ANY NEW FAULTS...?!?!
ahem...
1.Weld on the door is so bad it looks like a cut and shut.
2.Numerous bits of matt paint that haven't been waxed (or whatever) properly.
3.Middle parts of the alloys have been wrenched off and crudely glued back on.
4.The weights on the alloys are now prominently on the outside, as opposed to neatly tucked away as they were before (lets put
it this way, I'd never noticed them before.
5.The window frame is still a bit warped, hence the window stiffness... looks like they've simply put a new skin on the doorm rather than replace the door.
6.Various edges of panels have paint missed on them.
7.The light that came out looks like it's been glued back in (with child safe glue at that), rather than replaced.
There's more - it's just loads of small things, but the lack of attention to detail has really taken the shine off what was supposed to be a happy event.
Anyway, I've told my insurance co that I'm not happy and the garage are having the car back after work on Monday.
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No... because I will still get more for it in June next year when I come to change it than I would if it had been written off.
As the lovely bloke I live with put it.. "It's got bodywork as new now. Two careful owners...and one not so careful one."
Hmm!
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Hmmm, so it is going to increase in value between now and next June?? lol!
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Ok Mr Mondeo driver Miller... I see your sense of humour is about on a par with your taste in cars so I'll spell it out in basic terms...
Insurance company would have given me between £2500 and £3000 for my car if it had been written off (I know that now because once it was confirmed as repairable I had the guts to ask)
Sold privately or part ex-ed, I know I can get £3000+ for it.
You do the maths. Oh and if you scroll up in this thread, you'll see we've already done to death the discussion on what my car is worth. Ta!
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Hi Pologirl, if you do manage to get £3000+ for it in part ex you should consider a career as a car dealer!
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Why oh why did you bother geting that car repaired, what did you expect a new one in exchange. Who wants a car that has been stuffed that badly. If they write it off its a write off. If you wanted to find out how much you could get for your car you should of put an add on autotrader online. I see cars selling at auction for way less that the prices you seem to think '96 polo's are worth, thats because traders know they cant sell them for the prices you thought your car was worth. Its a '96 Polo, there are thousands more out there.
And now its crashed and repaired it will be worth even less than it *might* of been before the accident.
You should stick to your guns and get the best repair you can- then get shot of it.
And whats wrong with a mondeo? Rather better to drive than a '96 Polo.
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Ok Mr Mondeo driver Miller... I see your sense of humour is about on a par with your taste in cars so I'll spell it out in basic terms...
I really don't think there is any need to be patronising, is there? And as for critising him for driving a Mondeo, please, when in a glass house do not throw stones. People are just trying to offer you realistic and helpful advice. This advice is that a 1996 Polo, no matter how lovely it is, is not worth over £3000. It's a 7 year old town car, infact, it's now a 7 year old town car with a serious smash under its belt. Don't expect it to be worth £3000 next June - if you are thinking of changing and reckon you can get £3000 for it now, sell it now, becuase it will only depreciate further.
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PG,
Suggest you get photographs of it and send them to the Insurers as soon as possible.
Put in writing that you do not accept the car in this condition and still hold them responsible for putting the repairs right.
I suspect the repair shop were under pressure to cut down on the repair costs as it was close to call.
Sorry to have to say this but from what you say, you are in for a bit of a fight. You have to make the insurance company wish they'd scrapped it.
On reflection, you may be better off accepting a good offer on the car, or a suitable cash adjustment to pay for it's decrease in value due to the shoddy repairs.
If you get the latter, stick it into a high interest account, run your car into the ground and trade it when it will do you no further service, and use the extra cash to put towards another car.
Personally, if a car I owned was close to call, I would be encouraging the insurance company to write it off, so long as I received a good pay out for it, even if it was a great pre accident car. Emotional attachments to cars must be set aside at this stage.
These days it is not difficult to find good replacements, prices seem to be falling every minute because with the huge over production of cars on this planet, demand will always outstrip supply. In other words, it's a buyers market.
Faced with the choice of possibly having a badly repaired car to sell or trade-in in the future; or having a fisful of readies to go to the auction with and get something much better (with someone who knows cars if needed) - I know which I'd rather do.
H
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A quick search on the Auto Trader website (left of screen) reviels mainly R reg Polos for sale privately at £2995 - didn't look too closely at trim levels etc.
However these may sell for anything down to £2500 or so by the time the haggling is over.
Personally if you could get £3K from the insurers for it, I'd take it.
If you could get £2000 as a value adjustment (it sounds as if thought its in a right mess) - worth a thought. Run it for as long as you want/can then use the £2000 plus interest towards your new one.
PG, suggest you have a look at this again and reach you r own conclusions, Remeber as well that the Auto Trader tends to have the more expensive cars in it. Local Free Ads papers tent to have cars in just as good condition, but cheaper.
Whatever you decide, good luck!
H
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Sorry to hear about the shoddy job PG.
Good luck getting it fixed, keep us updated!
Blue
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I'm sorry Pologirl but i've read your last few responses to anyone who thinks differently to yourself about the value and your resultant sarcastic responses but i think you need to stop thinking about this with your heart, and more with your head.
You fought for a repair and it turned out to have tainted the car (as many on the thread said).
You would have got £2500-£3000 rather than the nearer £4000 you prescribed (as many on the thread said).
At the end of the day a cars condition nowadays really only helps sellability - it does NOT put £500 on the value. Your car is a 1996 Polo - not a 1962 Ferrari GTO.
Shiny and clean makes not a jot to the valuing on an above average condition, because there will be other shiny and clean above average Polo's for sale, and if you carry on they will be £500 cheaper than yours and yours wont sell.
I agree with Miller. I dont understand how you think your car is going to be worth the same in one year with another years mileage on it. Yes i have done the math. No your sums dont add up.
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Hear hear & well said Phoenicks.
PG It's no good moaning on about the state of your Polo now. You should have got rid whilst the going was good and and bought a newer and sturdier replacement. Look at the 100 odd replies (mostly helpful) that your thread has generated, and all the advice you failed to take heed...
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Fair enough... everyone's entitled to an opinion, as I'm entitled to mine.
Just for the record though.. I'm not moaning... I'm just keeping everyone updated!
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Hi there PoloGirl,
I've been reading this thread since its beginning and can say that you have taken this whole adventure rather well, and with a sense of humor that really helps in this sort of thing.
Since everyone's entitled to an opinion, here's mine: Get rid of this Polo ASAP! It has served you well, maybe saved you from injury, etc., but the more you fiddle with it, the more money you will lose!
If it were worth arround £3000 before the crash, whatever you do, it will be worth considerably less after the crash, no matter how well repaired. An experienced technician will always be able to tell if a car has crashed.
Besides, it won't ever be the same as before the crash...
Vagelis.
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PG It's no good moaning on about the state of your Polo now.
Surely if the repair isn't up to standard PG is perfectly entitled to moan.
The purpose of repairing the car is to restore it to as close a state as possible to that before the accident.
It may be true that it'll never be quite the same again but it sounds as if the repair has fallen well short what she's entitled to expect.
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Just an update...not a moan!
Took Polo back to the garage today and they've agreed to put right everything I listed (there were almost 30 things in the end and it's to have a second brand new door as the one they've fitted just isn't right). I went there expecting to have to argue, but even the estimator agreed that the QC was shocking and admitted that it's a bigger job than the insurance company thought and even gave me lots of helpful advice on claiming compensation from my insurer in case there were any extra charges that they (the insurance co) didn't want to pay.
He also gave strong hints that in his opinion, the car should have been written off, but the insurance company refused to do it.
Oh and to everyone who said why did I have the car repaired, why didn't I have it written off etc etc.... I wasn't given the option. I was simply told that the car was to be repaired. Maybe at the time I would still have fought for it to be repaired, but I was unaware that I could actually *ask* them to write it off, as some of you seem to be implying. Maybe I've learnt something or maybe I've misunderstood you. Whatever it is, I'm not too proud to admit when I may have made a slightly wrong decision, but I'm very attached to my Polo!
At the end of the day, as I think someone else on this forum has discovered this week, it's all very nice to have a nice car that's well built and shiney and everything, but it's even nicer to be able to sit at a PC and write about it, rather than be lying in a hospital bed. As time passes I'm becoming more philosophical about it and coming to terms with the fact that Polo is just a car after all! :-)
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Hi PG,
Sorry, I thought you were given the option of having it repaired, I made the mistake of assuming that since you appeared keen on keeping it.
Did you get those photos off to the insurer like I suggested. This will strengthen your case.
Otherwise I suspect that the insurers amy just have to bite the bullet on this one and make sure you're happy.
I hope it all works out well for you.
Further advice may be sought from the ombudsmen if you need it.
Good luck!
H
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