My Week-Old ZL1 Meets Mayhem

[BigBoyBlue]

Just like one of the Mayhem commercials, my car had some freak crap happen to it. I'm pulling out of my workplace's building's underground garage. Going up the last hill, I see a Tow Truck (not flatbed) pulling an X3. He looked like he was pulling out into the street, when all of a sudden the X3 becomes unattached to his truck. It rolls back about 10-12ft. right into my front bumper. I couldn't back up, as there was a Range Rover behind me. Anyway, the 1-2 seconds of the SUV rolling back felt like an eternity, as I said to myself "are you f%$#ing kidding me?". I get out and the tow truck driver has the nerve to blame me by claiming "I was too close". I almost strangled him, but I realized that I am not a Brooklyn-raised brawler anymore and I have to act like a professional. Thankfully the cops came. The tow truck driver called me "a redneck" which was funny, considering I'm born and raised in New York City. The cops were so interested in my car and asked all questions about it's power and stuff. They knew it was the tow truck's fault and that my dad and brother were on the job with the NYPD so they were pretty cool giving me advice on how to avoid the speeding cameras that are so prevalent in the DC area.

So the damage only seems to be my bumper and grill. The hood is fine. I looked in by the radiator and I don't see any damage to it either. I see a little scratch on the front spoiler, which I could live with.

So thankfully I know a good body shop that I'm friends with the owner. Is there anything I should look for? I'm worried about replacing the front spoiler, as the body shop may not be able to fit it as well as the factory. Are my worries warranted?

I'll post a pic once my phone gets recharged.

[SPOOKYGUNNER]

JUST MAKE SURE THAT SOMEONE DOES A FULL INSPECTION ON THE DAMAGE TO MAKE SURE YOU GET ALLTHE DAMAGE REPLACED. DEALER MAY BE THE BEST BET TO DISASSEMBLE THE FRONT END TO MAKE SURE OF ALL THE DAMAGE.
WHAT AN IDIOT TOWTRUCK DRIVER.
I WAS PISSED BECAUSE I GOT A COUPLE OF DOOR DINGS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE(STILL CANT REMEMBER PARKING THAT CLOSE TO SOMEONE ELSE....MINOR COMPARED TO WHAT YOU EXPERIENCED!!)

[2012-1822]

First of all, you said you aren't that guy "anymore." Me too, I have to tell myself that daily as I transition from a gambling kingpin into a college grad looking for a job in finance. It's a different world to me.

But anyway, I really can't answer your questions other than what Spookygunner said. I personally would like to have a dealership strip the thing apart on the front and look. Then I'd want compensation for depreciation on the vehicle given that it is so new. That's my opinion.

[OldScoolCamaro]

...shit happens as they say, I guess your used to that being from NYC....I feel your pain. Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. I am from Jersey and deal with the Mayhem principle on a daily basis. Not minimizing your plight, but Murphy was an optomist...just sayin'

[bowtiefamily]

He was supposed to strap the wheels and then put safety chains on. Looks like you neck hurts too.....lol just kidding. Good luck with the repairs. I have to say if he got out of his truck and started in I would have had a hard time holding back too. So good job!

[BigBoyBlue]

Is the car's value screwed for life now? It's only the bumper, so hopefully it looks like I just had it taken off and sprayed for rock chips. I wouldn't think the car is considered as being in an accident if only the bumper is damaged.

[ZED SLED]

Originally Posted by BigBoyBlue

Is the car's value screwed for life now? It's only the bumper, so hopefully it looks like I just had it taken off and sprayed for rock chips. I wouldn't think the car is considered as being in an accident if only the bumper is damaged.

When placing your claim ask about diminished value for compensation to cover the difference between a previously wrecked vehicle and one that isn't when trying to sell the car. For something this minor it may not apply. Do a google search on diminished value for more info. Always good to go up against your insurance company with some ammo.

[DRKS1D3]

Good luck OP. That tow truck driver seems like a real d*ckhead! He blames you for the X3 coming loose from his truck and then proceeds to call you names. Wow! Good job keeping your temper under control.

[Matt@510]

Thats sucks glad your ok and the damage is minimal.

[Mil]

Originally Posted by BigBoyBlue

Is the car's value screwed for life now? It's only the bumper, so hopefully it looks like I just had it taken off and sprayed for rock chips. I wouldn't think the car is considered as being in an accident if only the bumper is damaged.

I think you're safe. Diminished value i think only applies if a vehicle had sustained any sort of damage that compromise its original structural integrity; like a bent frame/ sub frame. In your case it sounds like its only cosmetic.

[BigBoyBlue]

Thanks, everyone. It looks like it is just the front bumper. Thankfully, the hood looks ok. I just hope they put the bumper on right!!!

[Oz ZL-1]

Originally Posted by BigBoyBlue

Thanks, everyone. It looks like it is just the front bumper. Thankfully, the hood looks ok. I just hope they put the bumper on right!!!

Well, maybe not totally worthless, but everyone wants to know how bad the damage is....

[jessrayo]

I think Mayhem feels a little too comfortable around me also. Don't worry, my car is as good as new after my little ding and mine was probably worse than yours because that little bugger went under the bumper frame. Sorry dude, but it fixes up really good.

[Jay_LHD3]

That sucks.