2 weeks ago my wifes really nice RED 740T was parked and side swiped by an insured driver. (Los Angeles area) 21st Century has admitted responsibility. Headlight to tail light and all 4 rt side panels. No structual damage, mostly cosmetic but the 1/4 panel "could be half-assed" fixed if not torched off. 21st "regulation" estimate includes torching off the rear quarter panel. Damage est is $5,600. 125K on the car. Full service records and here is the killer.....ready.......$3,300 spent in the last year for renewel efforts. Headliner, uphlostery, 4 new Dunlops (1K on them!), ft end rebuilt with Bilsteins and new strut mount bearings, ball joints etc. etc etc. + sweat equity. Just got the car out of the body shop 2 weeks ago for a minor rear ender ($1,000). Of the $3,300....$2,200 was spent in the last 4 months. Edmunds lists this vehicle at $3,219 (dealership list price). But I want at least half my $3,300 back. 21st wants to total the car. I have not heard an offer from 21st's Total Valuation Department (part accountant, part psychologist!). I'm expecting the worst. Do any of you have any strategies you'd like to suggest in how to recover the add'll $$ I spent over the last year in addition to the car value. If 21st proves to be jerks, I could always take the owner to small claims for the full $5,000. Chime in with your best stories. BTW if you entered from the drivers door and drove the car you'd never know it was hit. Car runs perfect. Wife is ripping pissed and just wants her RED car back the way it was.
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