my new car...not so new anymore :(

Ugh, so I am sooooo angry/upset right now.

I spent a lot of time out this morning spending some holiday money at the mall and getting my car an oil change/refueling.

This afternoon I decided we were in desparate need of groceries. On my way out to the car I discover a HUGE crack in the left side of my bumper. I have no idea where it came from as there was no note on my car.

I know i did not get it while on vacation in NYC, and I know I did not have it on my first errand of this morning which was getting my oil changed and my gas tank filled. So it must've happened either at the mall or at our apartment complex.

The car is almost brand new (i bought it in July of 2004), and I am just so ANGRY Its going to cost a fortune I assume to get the crack fixed. I would imagine I would need a brand new bumper probably. It doesn't make sense to report it to insurance since I have no idea where it came from. And since I am trying to buy a house at the moment I am trying to be frugal with my spending and don't really want to put forth the hundreds of dollars to get it fixed.

I am just sad that my baby look so broken now and I just got her this past summer.

Thanks for letting me vent.

That is so frusterating! Can the crack be fixed at a high school with an auto shop?

Ugh, I know the feeling! Less than a month after we bought our new car, and I do mean NEW, a guy rear-ended me at a redlight!

Oh no! Grrr... sorry I have no advice but that's harsh!

hmm, go to a dump place and steal a bumper similar to your car?
My bf doesnt buy New new cars.
his is actually 10 years old but we just bought it.
My dad bought a new car and this is the 4th time he has scratched on the side.
He was blaming us all along untill he realised it was him self. he has only had his car for a year

I know how you feel! I bought my car (a 2003 VW Golf) back in May 03 and as soon as I moved into our apt. (Dec. 03) I noticed a dent in my fender and the hubcap missing! Of course, no note or anything. The dent isn't too noticable but I need to get a new hubcap. It's been a year! lol My grandmother was supposed to get me one for my birthday (in May) but forgot and then was going to get me one for Christmas but they didn't have any in stock.

You could take the car to a vocational school that trains auto mechanics and ask for an estimate on necessary repairs. Since these guys are just learning, they won't charge you as much to fix the car as a regular bodyshop/mechanic would.

Oh im so sorry to hear that What type of insurance coverage did you have on it anyway? But yeah, go to the local colleges or tradeschools and stuff, they are usually in need of practice cars, and they can do some good work. If you were local id fix it up for you, but then youd have a primer colored bumper since I can't paint worth a darn . Anyway, I hope it all turns out well for you!

Peace,
Brandon

Oh Beryl, that sucks! Hope you can get is fixed without it being overly pricey!

Brandon,

I have auto insurance through Geico, I have all their basic automotive coverage. I am just afraid with not knowing or being able to prove that I am not at fault for this, that my insurance rates will go up dramatically. Tomorrow I call to get estimates locally. Schools are currently on break for the holidays, but that is a great idea. I plan to look into Automotive Programs at the local HS vocational center and our local community college.

Oh, so you only have the basics not comprehensive? I don't know if you rates would go up that bad if you were at fault, but I've heard that Geico can be real strict about it. <-- they won't even think about insuring me
I guess you can try to talk to them, ask some "what if" senarios.

Good luck,

Brandon

oh how annoying - I hate it when people dont even leave a note grrrrrrr

I hope its not going to cost you too much to get repaired - what a great idea about going to one of the schools - wish we had something like that here

Oh no, your car. Wow, you must be so angry that someone would do this and not even take responsibility for their actions.

Originally Posted by Cougar

Oh, so you only have the basics not comprehensive?

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Oh, well I do have comprehensive. I looked last night to see what my actual coverage is. My parents have been with Geico for years, and they say even if I tried to file it under comprehensive they'd still hike my rates because it would be an "accident" where they'd assume its my fault since I have no once else to blame. makes me so angry.

I'm gonna call around to a few body shops this morning and try and get an estimate for a new bumper. chances are I won't be able to afford fixing it until the summer. I have spent so much money lately as my computer crashed 2 weeks ago and I had to buy a brand new one. I am also currently trying to qualify for a loan on a new house. So once that's all over (this summer) then I may be able to afford to get it fixed. At least the car still functions.

Thanks again everyone for your words of sympathy. I just need to vent.

What make and model of car is it?

its a 2004 Toyota Matrix XRS.

I called the body shop this morning - they're estimating 300 - 400.

I am definitely not reporting it to insurance as my deductible in $250. Makes more sense for me to pay out of pocket when I am ready.

Grrrrr! I got my car in July too - my 1st NEW car. I would be p----d!!!

Originally Posted by Rockcat

Grrrrr! I got my car in July too - my 1st NEW car. I would be p----d!!!

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Yeah this was my 1st NEW car that i purchased all by myself. And I even got the more expensive sporty model so I'd be motivated to keep it looking sparkling and clean and new. So much for that idea.

Originally Posted by berylayn

Yeah this was my 1st NEW car that i purchased all by myself. And I even got the more expensive sporty model so I'd be motivated to keep it looking sparkling and clean and new. So much for that idea.

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Bad enough someone hits you - they can't even own up to it! I'd like to do this to their car!

LOL!!!!!!!! Thanks.