Garage destroyed car!
Discussion
Hi
I'm writing to get some thoughts on the best way of dealing with a large independant garage that destroyed my Mothers car whilst in their care.
The car, a one owner 02/52 Fiat Seicento 1.1SX with 60,000 miles was taken to the garage for a repair but unfortunately before any work commenced there was an accident when one of their employees attempted to move it which resulted in extensive damage front & rear (write off in their opinion) and also damaged two other customers cars. It sounds from what I'm told that it was started in gear & took off when it was started.
They have admitted liability and offered to either give her £500 in cash or £1000 off any car on their forecourt. I have advised her not to accept either as I believe that a car of this age is worth far more. She put this to them but they simply keep referring to the 'book price'. I have had a browse on Pistonheads & Autotrader & similiar cars are being offered for between £1000-£2000.
The bottom line is that they have destroyed her car & they are now trying to rip her off by offering peanuts for something which is entirely their fault. At the end of the day she simply wants her car back but this in reality may not be possible due to the amount of damage but why should she be out of pocket through no fault of her own.
I'm guessing she could probably claim off her insurance but do garages have any kind of insurance for instances such as this? If so, it would appear that they are attempting to avoid this & keep the matter quiet.
Any suggestions on how to approach the matter would be greatly appreciated. It has crossed my mind to get some pictures & contact the local press but I think this may be a bargaining tool as a last resort.
Many thanks for your help & I look forward to your replies.
Kind regards
Joey.
I'm writing to get some thoughts on the best way of dealing with a large independant garage that destroyed my Mothers car whilst in their care.
The car, a one owner 02/52 Fiat Seicento 1.1SX with 60,000 miles was taken to the garage for a repair but unfortunately before any work commenced there was an accident when one of their employees attempted to move it which resulted in extensive damage front & rear (write off in their opinion) and also damaged two other customers cars. It sounds from what I'm told that it was started in gear & took off when it was started.
They have admitted liability and offered to either give her £500 in cash or £1000 off any car on their forecourt. I have advised her not to accept either as I believe that a car of this age is worth far more. She put this to them but they simply keep referring to the 'book price'. I have had a browse on Pistonheads & Autotrader & similiar cars are being offered for between £1000-£2000.
The bottom line is that they have destroyed her car & they are now trying to rip her off by offering peanuts for something which is entirely their fault. At the end of the day she simply wants her car back but this in reality may not be possible due to the amount of damage but why should she be out of pocket through no fault of her own.
I'm guessing she could probably claim off her insurance but do garages have any kind of insurance for instances such as this? If so, it would appear that they are attempting to avoid this & keep the matter quiet.
Any suggestions on how to approach the matter would be greatly appreciated. It has crossed my mind to get some pictures & contact the local press but I think this may be a bargaining tool as a last resort.
Many thanks for your help & I look forward to your replies.
Kind regards
Joey.
Edited by joey0027 on Wednesday 5th January 20:44
Many thanks for all your comments guys.
If a cash deal were able to be stuck should part of the deal be to retain ownership or sign it over to them as there are many new parts fitted which I could remove & sell on Ebay.
I'm still of the opinion that £500 is way too low irrespective of what the book says. In the real world that figure would simply not be sufficient to fund a car of the same year & mileage.
I am in agreement with you guys, £1000 - £1300 with the use of a car.
Thanks again.
If a cash deal were able to be stuck should part of the deal be to retain ownership or sign it over to them as there are many new parts fitted which I could remove & sell on Ebay.
I'm still of the opinion that £500 is way too low irrespective of what the book says. In the real world that figure would simply not be sufficient to fund a car of the same year & mileage.
I am in agreement with you guys, £1000 - £1300 with the use of a car.
Thanks again.
Edited by joey0027 on Wednesday 5th January 21:18
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