never lend your car to a mate

[mr_tony]

Especially if they're not insured fully comp, and stack it into a signpost. :Shoot:

It's been a trial over the last few weeks trying to sort this one out, so I can only present this as a cautionary tale. Never, no matter how much you trust them, let your mates drive your motor on just 3rd party. It's way too much hassle to sort out when it goes wrong. It's bloody expensive, time consuming and downright depressing.

In fact the only thing thats cheering me up, is the thought of going car shopping! (anyone got any recommendations?)

see here
http://ltsc.brinkster.net/images/car/after1.jpg

here (underneath - bent suspension/axle/sils ouch)
http://ltsc.brinkster.net/images/car/after2.jpg

and here
http://ltsc.brinkster.net/images/car/after3.jpg

Looks like the end of the road for the taxi, several breakers yards are now quoting for the carcass. Should be shot of it by the weekend. If you want to see what it used to look like check out my profile for a pic if it screeching around Folembray in happier times.

[blatant plug]
If any of you enterprising types out there fancy buying it and doing it up (or just buying the thing for the 276Bhp 3.6 AMG V6 lump to drop in your westie) then give me a call. 3000 quid secures the wreck. No damage to front of car at all.[/plug]