Maserati GT Repair

[chedelic]

I crashed my Stradale on the weekend and got a £30k estimate from the dealership. They say if I go through my insurance, likelihood is they won't insure me again. (I had trouble finding insurance in the first place at 24)

1. Should I go through the insurance or pay it myself? (Main factor being I would like to drive her again!)
2. Should I use the dealership for this or an independent Maserati specialist (will it be significantly cheaper?)

Appreciate any advice PHers - you helped me get insured, now I need your help bringing her back to life!

[JMP86]

It would be worth putting your location to help recommendations,

It all depends how much the repair bill will hurt your pocket, I'd have no problems in having a specialist repair the car for me if I were in your position

[johnnyreggae]

Thirty grand even at dealer rates is quite something - appears to sum up why they make insurance for young drivers so expensive - might it be worth thinking about a smaller cheaper slower car for a while ?

[chedelic]

I'm in Manchester -so the closest independent to me is http://www.autoshieldmaserati.co.uk/ I'm going to show them pics/videos of the damage tomorrow to see if they can quote me. The dealership quote was roughly 20 in parts and 15 in labour.

[neil-f]

johnnyreggae said:

Thirty grand even at dealer rates is quite something -

Can't be too bad if the bill is £30k, it soon adds up!

[johnnyreggae]

Its the accident not the claim that'll make you hard to insure in the future - should you not declare it at or before renewal even if you pay the claim yourself your insurance will be invalidated

[chedelic]

neil-f said:

Can't be too bad if the bill is £30k, it soon adds up!

The damage was done to the front left wheel - on the estimate they put 2 brake discs at £5k a pop. Hmm..on second thoughts I think it will be best to get a second opinion.

[s99ane]

Speak to John at GT Cars Ltd in Warrington. Knows these cars well. Also you could speak to another John at MCR (Manchester Car Refurb) excellent in body work etc.

[TISPKJ]

Edited by TISPKJ on Tuesday 8th October 18:25

[Berlinetta]

So for the third time, after 2 failed attempts to post, forgive a very shortened version of my original reply...

The gist is, 30k, even on an MC Stradale is a hell of a lot. Yes carbons have to be replaced as a pair, but to do 30k is going some...

To give perspective, I've just repaired a customer GTS for circa 12k, included replace bumper, grilles, air conveyer, wishbones, wheel, tyres, windscreen, headlight washers, headlights, front frame member, and repairs to wing and bonnet. It was also outside of insurance so used bumper and headlights were used, but still, no where near 30K!!!

[KenC]

TISPKJ said:

Hi, I would think seriously about who repairs the car for you, as I am sure you are aware they have increased in value significantly recenly and many say will continue to do so.
Basis the above I would have someone like the team that are doing the F40 rebuild on CS or the boys that did mcl F1 for the chap on here.
In theory it should help the hit your going to take on it being accident damaged to my mind.

It is a Masser, not a Ferrari.

[chedelic]

s99ane said:

Speak to John at GT Cars Ltd in Warrington. Knows these cars well. Also you could speak to another John at MCR (Manchester Car Refurb) excellent in body work etc.

Thanks mate!

Berlinetta said:

So for the third time, after 2 failed attempts to post, forgive a very shortened version of my original reply...

The gist is, 30k, even on an MC Stradale is a hell of a lot. Yes carbons have to be replaced as a pair, but to do 30k is going some...

To give perspective, I've just repaired a customer GTS for circa 12k, included replace bumper, grilles, air conveyer, wishbones, wheel, tyres, windscreen, headlight washers, headlights, front frame member, and repairs to wing and bonnet. It was also outside of insurance so used bumper and headlights were used, but still, no where near 30K!!!

This is why I asked in the first place. It's not a question of affordability, I just want a fair deal. I went into the kerb, no noticeable physical damage to the exterior apart from the wheel itself - so 30k was a bit of a surprise.

[TISPKJ]

Just spent 20 mins trying to delete with no signal sorry :-)
Was hoping in vain someone wouldn't spot

Edited by TISPKJ on Tuesday 8th October 18:40

[sjc]

Pop onto www.sportsmaserati.co.uk and ask on there.Very helpful bunch.