sorry to surface with bad news....

i got rear ended today while stopped at a light (well i was coming to a stop). damage is pretty bad but it could've been worse. the rear bumper is totally smashed and the exhaust/muffler is caved in. the rear hatch actually looks fine. it's almost like everything below the hatch is busted but above is fine. i was able to limp the car home (only 1 mile from home).

any ideas on where i should take it? I've seen ashburn collision mentioned a few times, i'd like somwhere closer to Falls Church but i'll have it towed out there if that's the consensus choice.

also any experience having aftermarket parts used instead of factory? Or can i pick up a stock exhaust from somebody trying to get rid of theirs and pocket the difference from the insurance? Is that ok?


as an aside, i'm beating myself a little because if i had run the light--it was a stale yellow, i wouldn't be in this situation. i know it would be against the law but that's little comfort now that i'm without a MINI.

the other guy's insurance should pay for everything, but there's a delay because of all the hurricane stuff, which put's things in perspective.

btw, his 95 dodge neon ended up with a busted radiator, caved in front bummper, both airbags deployed--busting both passenger and driver's windows. my foot was on the brake and my car still slid 2 car lengths, luckily the intersection is quite large (one reason i didn't run the yellow) so i was not pushed into oncoming traffic, thank goodness!

 

Sorry to hear about the accident. At least you're okay.

Only thing I can suggest is not taking it to Walker Mill Collision in Maryland.

Good luck w/ repairs.

 

I would say call your dealer and find out who they recommend. Since the other persons insurance will be covering it you should find a reputable shop that does excellent work. Also, if you do not have the aero kit now may be a good time to get one!

Sorry about your accident and am glad you were not seriously injured.

 

PM Sent - and so sorry to read about this.... Glad you are okay...

Donna

 

I haven't tried these folks yet but was referred to them. The referral said they do excellent work. They opened a second location around the corner that specializes in MINIs, among some other makes.

http://www.wagonwork.com/published/index.html

They are located on and just off Route 1, across from the Potomac Yard shopping center/theaters. If you get on Route 1 South from I395, it's about 5 - 10 minutes down on the right (Potomac Yard will be on your left).

john

 

I just got my Mini back from Ashburn Collison Center and the job they did was amazing. Thats the place that Sterling Mini recommended. There were several other Minis in the shop there also. I am very pleased with the job they did.

 

I used them back in 2001 for some body work on a non-MINI. They repainted and did body work on one side of the car after it was hit by a gate.

The work they did was very good, however they didn't meet their own deadlines... They finished the car a day after originally promised and didn't repair the pinstriping on the car until I pointed out that half the car was striped the the other half was not . However other than the striping and the delay they did a very good job, there was no evidence of damage after they completed the repair.

 

Many in the local BMW club are pleased by Springfield Auto Body - not too far for you. Their phone number is 703-569-5055 and new location is 8102 Alban Road, Springfield, VA 22150. The new facility gives them 14,000 sq.ft., two new paint booths and all the newest auto body repair equipment available.
Call Jim Scott (owner) or Jim Amery (Shop Manager) and tell them Barry Brown referred you - they sponsor his race car so his name has some pull! They'll take excellent care of you.
I'm out here in Western Loudoun County, and use Sting Ray's in Purcellville.

 

thanks for the replies! fortunately the insurance companies are treating me right! unfortunately the best shops are all busy right now. Ashburn collision can't get me in till 11/21! I'm going to wait it out, i'd rather it be done right then anything else.

sigh, not much i can do, i'm trying to be as zen as possible. there are a lot worse things in life that can happen then this.

it's making me realize how reliant i've become on my car, i own four bicycles, time to start using them again