Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Sorry to hear about your loss. Generally 75-80 percent is the threshold we see. As a body shop manager I do take umbrage with those who say it will never be the same car. Properly repaired it will be EXACTLY the same car. That said there are many who do not properly repair collision damage.
Go after the towing company for the additional damages. Insist on OEM parts or junkyard parts. Do not accept aftermarket parts.
If I were fixing it I would buy two scrapyard doors complete. New OEM fender (Insurance probably will specify repair instead of replace there). New R/S rocker. Repair on rear quarter.
Let the shop and insurance company know ahead that you expect 100% paint match. Pick it up on a sunny day and inspect it outside.
Don
I will definately be getting OEM parts, no cheapo parts on my baby...
I didnt think about asking for 100% paint Match... Maybe they will volunteer to paint the whole car ... Even if they dont, Im still having the whole car painted... I 99% sure I will have all the special parts put on while Im in the body shop... I figure I can get the front bumper for free, and one of the signal mirrors, so why not throw a few more $$ at it ...
Now all I have to do is get a hold of the illusive insurance adjuster... Guy hasnt returned any of my phone calls... Doesnt he understand my M is the most important thing he has to take care of !
When I decided not to buy it at the residual(too expensive), I decided I would keep it as a third car if I won the state lottery -- after all, the 300M is destined to be a classic! Tonight's drawing is the last chance for my 2000 M...
Never in a million years will they volunteer to paint the whole car. Wise move to paint it all. Specialize it with 300M Special Front and Rear Fascias and side sills. Call the adjuster frequently.
Pster,
You and EVERY customer is entitled to have your car returned to you in exactly the same shape and condition it was in just prior to the collision damage. There is no excuse at all for repair induced rattles. The amount that you can push DOES vary. If the accident was someone elses fault show no mercy at all and demand perfection.
What to buy next? 300C? Not unless it looks much better in person or is an undisputed grand slam underneath the skin. Infiniti FX? Still intruiged by that one. Or G35 coupe. Beautiful car. Infiniti appears to be building some great value autos. MB E Class? Classy styling in & out. After the M I would like a bit less NVH. New BMW 5? Probably same situation as the above mentioned 300C. Saab 9-3? Always been a Saab guy and the 9-3 looks pretty slick. Although the hatch was always a selling point for me. Or a used Jaguar XK8? Gorgeous. Mid-life crisis time!
Anywho, enjoy your 4th. Be safe. Be proud. Be kind. (Gave blood last night, still a little light-headed. Hope I'm not rambling....!).
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Brought it back in 4 days later; to replace the evaporator coil (a $280 part) they had to take apart the dashboard and a lot of other stuff. They also found that the interior temperature sensor was off so they replaced that also. They got the seat working again, and the check-engine light was, as I suspected, due to the failure of a tranny sensor. As the A/C was a ton of labor, and they also killed a half day or so getting the temperature sensor, they had the car for 3 days. But my extended care, with $50 deductible, covers the rental so I got all that done, plus expect to be reimbursed for either 2 or 3 of the days I had the rental car; I'm not sure how many. Charge to me was $50.
I will be quite pleased if the coming months prove that they fixed the A/C entirely. I'm also pleased that I got these items fixed before it hit 75K, when my extended care warranty runs out. As I've noted in the past, this is the 1st time I've bought a used car; bought it 1 1/2 years ago w/50K, now have 73K. In those 23K miles I've had the following problems;
1) A/C was bad when I bought it used; last year they recharged the gas and that lasted through the summer, this summer they've now made more extensive repairs which I think should fix it fully. This was covered under warranty.
2) Had to buy an electronic seat control module, or something like that. NOT covered under extended care warranty.
3) Tranny sensor. Covered under warranty.
I still like the M, and considering the car is up to 73K I don't like the problems I've had, but am holding onto it and hoping that now that the kinks are out of it, it will be more reliable going forward. I'm realizing that these cars can last a long time, as I had my last car for 150K and it was still going strong, and got a ride recently from a guy who had 280K on his old turbo volvo without ever even changing the turbocharger; I couldn't believe it.
Question; at what intervals do you folks change your fuel filter? I've never done it; I've never even had the PCV valve changed.
Last but not least; 1 page article on the '04 CTS in Car and Driver July issue. The new 3.6 engine has all the goodies including variable valve timing, etc.etc.; 250 hp and similar torque and quiet. If you get the issue, read Brock Yate's article on the the Big 2 (GM and Ford). He no longer speaks of the Big 3 since he considers Chrysler to be a German company now; he makes a good point I think.
INtrepid; I'm behing in my reading, but I hope yuou got your A/C fixed up properly! My 5 star did a great job it looks like; hope youres did too.
As for replacements (at least not for the next couple of years) I like the idea of the CTS, just not the styling. I will just have to save up for a Jag XK8 I guess.
Don't give up hope yet! Do you live in/near a state that has Powerball? Jackpot tomorrow night is $200 MILLION!
With that, you could keep the 3 300's, expand the garage and buy a Crossfire- even with the INFLATED price- and a 300C! ;-))
fastdriver
Went to Midas before that. They didn't have a clue.
Since a number of folks here are looking to sign on to new cars after their leases end, here's a link on the new family of GM V6 engines, the first of which will be showcased in the '04 CTS. The 2nd link is on the upcoming V8 engines for the CTS, with the 1st available in '04. I'm totally stunned with what Cadillac is doing with the CTS; can you imagine a Caddy w/rear wheel drive, in a tidy package, getting great reviews from Car and Driver? I feel like I fell asleep and woke up in a different dimension.
http://www.ai-online.com/issues/article_detail.asp?id=173
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6049&sid=17- 3&n=156
Oh well, I'll just drive my '93 Caddy Fleetwood that's RWD with a 350 V8 and imagine it's a CTS...yeah right! It's a little too softly sprung for that!
BTW, the early '90s Fleetwoods are pretty nice cars; I can see why you're holding onto it. Not only do they look nice but they have a ton of interior space, a big trunk, and if my memory serves me correctly the interiors were done in nice style. You could cruise all day with the best of them--great for taking the family on a vacation somewhere. Now for ripping around corners, you'd better plan on the CTS or your M (assuming you have one).
Polished the M today; noticed that when the 5* had it to fix the A/C they got grease on the drivers seat and some kind of junk is sprayed on the dash. I know they had to take the whole dash off and more and I think some of the gunk is on the inside of the dash plastic--can't get it off. I'm pleased with the work except they were sloppy. I imagine that Infiniti or Acura would do a cleaner job. I mean the Chrysler dealers are dealing with Neon and old Sebring and LeBaron owners; I don't imagine they put as much effort in as the top tier brands, but I don't really know. Wow, I'm getting verbose in my old age here!
Something about that comment just hurts...
But, alas, it would have been too late -- had to turn in my inferno red M on the 4th. I washed it one last time and drove it in to the dealer. When I took the sales manager to the car, he literally did a double-take! He said "Is THIS the car you're turning in?" and I replied "Yes." He said "I'm not turning this car in to Chrysler. We're keeping it." With its multiple coats of Zaino, it easily outshone every new vehicle on the lot...
While I was there, I checked out the Crossfire -- they had 2 in the showroom; 1 black and 1 white. It looked smaller than I thought and I think it would look better in silver. I didn't realize the lines on the hood were so prominent. Looked pretty, but I think over-priced and under-powered. They are selling at MRSP at some dealers in our area...
LOL... I hear you. No one won last Sat., so the jackpot is well over $200M now!
I got the same reaction when I turned in Christine to the Acura dealer in RI. They own a Chrysler dealership in Newport, so I was able to leave Christine with them and leave in the CL-S. That Candy Apple Red was gleaming with all that Zaino! Thirty three months old with 35,500 miles! ;-))) If they ONLY knew! I don't think they had Christine for more than a week before someone in Providence bought her.
Glad your remaining 300's are treating you well.
fastdriver
BigMike, yes, the V6 to be offered in '04 is the new 3.6 liter at 250 hp, variable timing on input and exhaust cams, etc., as described in the 1st link I posted. The CTS V is expected to be 400 HP when it comes out in '04, but a later updated to the 'vette engine would put it at 500 HP. The 2nd link I posted was in regard to that potential engine. I think you're right about the 3.6 being quiet, C&D has a 1 pager on the new '04 CTS and they actually complain that the engine is so quiet. I'd be glad, but I guess they're a hard core group. As a side note, C&D estimated the cost of the CTS V recently at about 50K; seems very high as I'd be inclined to agree with your estimate of another 5K. The styling has grown on me, as I didn't like it at first but now I do like it. What do you think about the front, the back, and the interior. The interior is getting a small update for '04 according to the C&D article.
Undo, how many miles do you have on your largely trouble free M?
Intrepid, you did very well. Now my seat cushion is not working again, and I wasn't able to get all the greasy smudges out of the seats yet. My advice is to stay with that dealer..
Happy Motoring All (note that you can't spell Motoring without a capital "M")
Does anybody know of someplace that sells billet style lower grilles for the 300?
Actually got a good deal, but try driving a Suburban and then hopping into your 300M. Talk about a little difference in driving dynamics!
Oh well, it's her car, not mine (thank goodness!).
Lynn Flowers
McKinney, Texas
(now working in sunny San Diego)
Buuuuut I looked in the back seat, and noticed that it looked like there was something under the rug ? Come to find out the floor pan is bent up! Ouch...
The Insurance adjuster estimated the damage at $2900 (without the floor or Front Bumper Damage)... Went to an awesome body shop and they quoted all new oem parts, new paint on everything except for the roof and the Drivers Doors, and found a few things the insurance guy didnt... his grand total was $7200 ! Looks like they will be sorting out the difference between them...
If you haven't changed the unibelt yet, you're overdue. Same goes for the tranny fluid. I know on many cars people ignore that item, but this is Chrysler, with a bad history for some of its transmissions, so for that reason I followed suggested maintenance and did it on schedule. Plugs aren't needed until 100K (platinum tipped), at which point you'll also need timing belt and replace the water pump which is easily accessible when changing the timing belt. IMO fuel injection cleaner is a waste; I have never changed them before 150K and had no problems even though dealers have tried to get me to clean them at 40K; it's an easy $80 for the dealer for something you don't need. I assume you're changing your air cleaner regularly, and having your brake pads inspected. A halfway knowledgeable mechanic can tell you the shape of your brake pads w/o even taking the wheels off; that's one of the nice advantages of the razor stars. I forget what the schedule is for coolant change, but you're probably there. For that, I recommend mixing it w/distilled water to prevent mineral buildup inside the radiator and possibly engine. A new set of windshield wipers makes a noticeable difference in making the car feel "new" again also. Hope something here helps.
Are the brakes and suspension the same as special ones on my 99'300M with PHP.?????
http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0307/09/a01-213306.htm
http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0307/09/c01-213054.htm
fastdriver
Are there any brand plugs that are recommended? Anything else I should change? The 45K maintenance was a joke, they only change the oil and rotate the tires at the -5*.
Thanks for the input.
Bigmike, the crossfire sounds like a rich man's toy. Gee, even if I was in that league I doubt if I'd pay close to 40K for a Chrysler. I think the luxury brands dealer experience is just much better.
Fast, those are interesting articles. Glad to see the Big 2 did fairly well. BTW, anyone have any experience with Cadillac service departments or know how they rate?(in case I get a CTS in the coming years)?
On the Crossfire, I agree. Nice if you are a well-heeled bachelor, or an "old man" like me, in need of a new toy, and with extra money and garage space. Unfortuantely, I think all I qualify for here is the "old man" part. But if it had a 275 hp power plant with a turbo...ah well.
Drove by the "-10STAR" today and noticed a silver Crossfire parked in front. I'll stop some time when they're closed and see how much they have it marked up. Between the Pacifica and this car, I don't think their sales will be going up soon. Touting Mercedes "parts" doesn't do much as far as I can see considering their ratings in the current JD Power listings.
I don't think the Germans have ANY clue what Americans like and want in cars! They're very practical and stoic. We're more carefree and whimsical and like to change cars frequently. As least that's the way I see it. I get bored with a car after a few years no matter how nice it is.
fastdriver
LOL...you're not trying to tell me you were bored with Christine? From the stories you've told, boring just doesn't seem to fit!
I agree with you about the German cars. The Germans just don't seem to understand the personal relationship that so many Americans have with their cars...
BTW, there is at least one dealer here selling the Crossfire at MRSP. From what I have seen and heard (bigmike5's test drive, for example), the Crossfire just isn't that special -- it may be a good car, but not good enough to command a premium over MRSP. As with the Pacifica, it is underpowered. When Chrysler was still Chrysler, this didn't happen. Remember when the 300M was introduced in 1998? It had the highest horsepower in its' class...