Witnessed the Door Dinging - WWND (What Would NAM Do)?
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,010
Likes: 11
From: Ridgefield, CT
In the U.S. this is unbelievably easy since most drivers park as close to their final destinations as possible so that neither they nor their type 2 diabetic, rotund children have to aggravate their deep vein thromboses by walking. This is good for those of us who don't want their cars destroyed by lazy, quadruple-chinned breeders because it usually results in groups of empty spaces being left at the most outlying points of reasonably-sized parking lots.
Funny stuff ...and sadly, all too true.
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville, AL
WARNING: Off-topic Diatribe Coming.
The only t.v. judge that acted like a real judge was the original--Judge Wapner. The rest of these guys are imposters acting for t.v., not dispassionate dispensers of impartial justice.
Sorry. But these guys are as irritating as door dings.
The only t.v. judge that acted like a real judge was the original--Judge Wapner. The rest of these guys are imposters acting for t.v., not dispassionate dispensers of impartial justice.
Sorry. But these guys are as irritating as door dings.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
From: Syracuse, New York
You did the right thing. You were very fortunate that you saw it happen or you would be out of luck like most of us in a situation like this. I found my Porsche 911 got 'egged' a couple of nights ago and the paint was cut in several spots. If I knew who did it they would pay for the repair. Accountability and respect for the property of others is important.
John D.
about to order an '09 MCS
John D.
about to order an '09 MCS
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: USA
If I found that another car had parked near me on even three or four different occasions, I would not assume that the winning strategy must be to give up on that idea entirely and go park amongst the beaters of the lazy. Another car's door is simply more likely to make contact with your car if you sandwich your car between others every time you park than if you at least trying to improve the situation by parking farther away. Most people simply do no want to park far away, regardless of whatever anomalies you experienced, so parking far afield is still the best way to go.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
You only parked far away from other cars twice?
If I found that another car had parked near me on even three or four different occasions, I would not assume that the winning strategy must be to give up on that idea entirely and go park amongst the beaters of the lazy. Another car's door is simply more likely to make contact with your car if you sandwich your car between others every time you park than if you at least trying to improve the situation by parking farther away. Most people simply do no want to park far away, regardless of whatever anomalies you experienced, so parking far afield is still the best\ way to go.
If I found that another car had parked near me on even three or four different occasions, I would not assume that the winning strategy must be to give up on that idea entirely and go park amongst the beaters of the lazy. Another car's door is simply more likely to make contact with your car if you sandwich your car between others every time you park than if you at least trying to improve the situation by parking farther away. Most people simply do no want to park far away, regardless of whatever anomalies you experienced, so parking far afield is still the best\ way to go.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: USA
First, I think you handled it perfectly. If someone (or their kids) damages your car (accidently or not), they should be responsible for the repair. As long as they pay for your damage, I think you did the right thing.
This is true but there's always one idiot that will ruin it for us. Many years ago (MANY) I had a mustang. I just did an allover paintjob and wetsanded and buffed it.
I had it done for 3 days (the car was perfect and BLACK) and I went to a Sam's Club. It was 10am and there was hardly any cars in this HUGE parking lot.
I still parked at the FAR end and was only in the store of 10-15 minutes.
When I came out, there was a beatup, rusted, POS orange toyota corolla parked less than 8" from my brand new paintjob.
I immediately looked at the passenger door and sure enough, there was a dent the size of a baseball with orange paint on my door. The entire parking was literally empty (about 7 acres worth) and this moron had to purposely hit my car.
So I backed my car up and moved it about another foot away from his driver's door. I rolled down the passenger window, sat on top of the door edge and with both feet, put the biggest dent I could muster into his driver's door.
I took his wiper blade, spun the blade around backward and slammed it into his windshield cracking his glass.
I left a note telling him if I ever saw him out again, I would do more than that to him and not just the car.
Like I said, that was many years ago when I was young and full of **** and vinegar. Had it been an accident, I would have been upset but when someone purposely damages my car, whoa unto them.
That was when I was in my early 20's, now at almost 46, I still park at the far end of the parking lot and I am still just as **** about my paint.
Mark
This is true but there's always one idiot that will ruin it for us. Many years ago (MANY) I had a mustang. I just did an allover paintjob and wetsanded and buffed it.
I had it done for 3 days (the car was perfect and BLACK) and I went to a Sam's Club. It was 10am and there was hardly any cars in this HUGE parking lot.
I still parked at the FAR end and was only in the store of 10-15 minutes.
When I came out, there was a beatup, rusted, POS orange toyota corolla parked less than 8" from my brand new paintjob.
I immediately looked at the passenger door and sure enough, there was a dent the size of a baseball with orange paint on my door. The entire parking was literally empty (about 7 acres worth) and this moron had to purposely hit my car.
So I backed my car up and moved it about another foot away from his driver's door. I rolled down the passenger window, sat on top of the door edge and with both feet, put the biggest dent I could muster into his driver's door.
I took his wiper blade, spun the blade around backward and slammed it into his windshield cracking his glass.
I left a note telling him if I ever saw him out again, I would do more than that to him and not just the car.
Like I said, that was many years ago when I was young and full of **** and vinegar. Had it been an accident, I would have been upset but when someone purposely damages my car, whoa unto them.
That was when I was in my early 20's, now at almost 46, I still park at the far end of the parking lot and I am still just as **** about my paint.
Mark
You would be a big hit over on the Z forums where they post exuberantly about what they do in response to their cars being damaged by vandals or the careless. It's like Atlantic City meets Abu Graib.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: USA
No actually I park in the nether regions virtually all of the time. I guess if I look at it different I've been lucky enough to have only two inconsiderate ba$tard$ dinge my car. And maybe I should find it a privelege to assist rotund children with their type 2 diabetes and their lazy, quadruple-chinned breeders, I mean, parents by helping them find my car parked in outer mongolia. Walking to their favorite restaurants may provide some exercise from where I park.....
I'm not proud of my actions now (though I'd probably do the same thing...lol) but I believe in an eye for an eye.
There's a simple rule in life...
Give respect, get respect!
You ****** my stuff up, I'll ****** you or yours up.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
Of course disregard the time I was on one of my motorcycles. Someone ran a stop sign and almost hit me. And he looked at me the whole time, knowing I was there, but just figured I was a motorcycle, so who cares.
So I caught up to him at the next stop, a red light. I yelled at him and he had this sheet eating grin on his face [confident that since his window was up I could not do anything.]
So first I pounded and pushed on his side mirror until it broke off. Then for good measure I grabbed his radio antenna and swung it back and forth until it snapped off. Both looked pathetic hanging by their cables. The guy was a wuss and just sat there with a look of shock, praying that I was not going to turn my attention to him. Light turned green and I calmly rode up a Pacific Heights hill feeling justice had been served and lessons learned.
But you still should control your temper.
Last edited by MichaelSF; Jul 30, 2008 at 07:47 AM.
My other car is a 71 Triumph TR6 and last summer a woman in a large SUV pulled into the parking lot and despite the abundance of parking spaces away from my car she saw the need to park rather close. I was in a store talking to the business owner when I happened to be outside the store front getting ready to leave. The woman came out and I was pleasantly surprised to see her have her daughter climb in from the drivers side instead of the passenger side. From where I was standing her SUV completely hid my car. My pleasant surprise took a turn for the worse when she proceeded to back out of the spot by cutting the wheel and turning her tire into the side of my car. She put the SUV into drive and pulled back into the spot and looked at me and asked me if that was my car? She said she had seen the car when she pulled in but forgot it was there when she went to back out.
The surprising part was that the damage wasnt nearly as bad as might have been expected. Partially because the impact was directly between the front fender and the drivers door and because back in the early 70's crumple zones and thinner body sheet metal werent used.
She paid the average of two estimates for repair without reporting it to her insurance company, after I faxed her a copy of the two estimates and after I clarified for her that the fender was the body part on the side of the car and the bumper was on the front and back of the car.
The surprising part was that the damage wasnt nearly as bad as might have been expected. Partially because the impact was directly between the front fender and the drivers door and because back in the early 70's crumple zones and thinner body sheet metal werent used.
She paid the average of two estimates for repair without reporting it to her insurance company, after I faxed her a copy of the two estimates and after I clarified for her that the fender was the body part on the side of the car and the bumper was on the front and back of the car.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
From: Twin Cities, MN
If someone damages your vehicle they are responsible for the cost of repair. It doesn't matter that they weren't driving when the damage occurred they are still liable and it is entirely appropriate to ask for their contact and insurance information.
On a side note... Police reports are usually not required unless the cost of repair exceeds $1000 or someone has been injured so the police usually won't take the time to deal with door dings.
On a side note... Police reports are usually not required unless the cost of repair exceeds $1000 or someone has been injured so the police usually won't take the time to deal with door dings.
Agreed, but around here they will still take basic information and file it so that the other person cant claim later on..."Accident? What accident?"
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Lake Zurich, IL
You did the right thing in my opinion, as did the driver of the other car. She is at least taking responsibility. Good for her. It will be interesting to hear if you ever get your deductable back after the repair is made...
I had a guy ding my truck while I wasn't around, He left a note on my windshield and paid for the damages ($400). I thanked him for his honesty and integrity, both or which seem to be pretty rare these days. Sent him a christmas card! He should have Carma on his side now.
Of course, I've had another ding where I confronted the driver when he came out and he denyed everything, even when we lined up the ding with his door. I should have called the police... but I didn't actually SEE it happen.
I had a guy ding my truck while I wasn't around, He left a note on my windshield and paid for the damages ($400). I thanked him for his honesty and integrity, both or which seem to be pretty rare these days. Sent him a christmas card! He should have Carma on his side now.
Of course, I've had another ding where I confronted the driver when he came out and he denyed everything, even when we lined up the ding with his door. I should have called the police... but I didn't actually SEE it happen.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,037
Likes: 0
From: Planet CROC
I agree on your confronting the parent, who is responsible. Whenever we parked in a lot, the first thing we told our kids was to watch the other cars, do not hit them with the door. From the age of six. And now that they're all grown, we still issue the warning out of habit. They never opened the door into another car.
It's the parent's job to raise the kids right. That's why it's called parenting.
CROC 411
It's the parent's job to raise the kids right. That's why it's called parenting.
CROC 411
I would ensure I was tactful, but I certainly would have done the same as you - +1 to all the responses here, and +11111111111 ad infinitum w/ the responsible parenting as well...Unfortunately, we have to teach the PARENTS who aren't already on board with the "responsibility" idea first.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 4
From: Youngsville, NC, USA
You did the right thing. In fact, you showed great restraint.
2 times i've parked in close quarters (not with the mini) and
2 times i've come back to the whole side of my car scraped.
A person I work with parked her new 911 carrara at the edge
of the sam's parking lot (huge, empty), is walking in, and a
redneck grandma deuchebag parks right beside her, and WHAP.
She had to have done it on purpose. So this girl walks back
and starts a conversation with "i saw you do that" and the
redneck grandma deuschebag is of course like "what?".
Well, in the end, my friend is like, look, i'm not going to make
you pay for it, I just want you to admit you're a fkin c**t.
A friend of mine way back he was going to OCS in the reserves
at the time so he was pretty pumped up, this dude makes him
fall over on his bike (dude was in car, basically ran him over
on the sideswipe). My friend catches up to him at the light
(I wasn't there this was related to me by my other friend).
Pulls him out through the window and slams him on the hood of the car.
I park in the hinterlands.
If there is no safe spot I no longer stop.
When you have a small car more often than not, it is not
a door ding, it is the whole side of your car gone.
2 times i've parked in close quarters (not with the mini) and
2 times i've come back to the whole side of my car scraped.
A person I work with parked her new 911 carrara at the edge
of the sam's parking lot (huge, empty), is walking in, and a
redneck grandma deuchebag parks right beside her, and WHAP.
She had to have done it on purpose. So this girl walks back
and starts a conversation with "i saw you do that" and the
redneck grandma deuschebag is of course like "what?".
Well, in the end, my friend is like, look, i'm not going to make
you pay for it, I just want you to admit you're a fkin c**t.
A friend of mine way back he was going to OCS in the reserves
at the time so he was pretty pumped up, this dude makes him
fall over on his bike (dude was in car, basically ran him over
on the sideswipe). My friend catches up to him at the light
(I wasn't there this was related to me by my other friend).
Pulls him out through the window and slams him on the hood of the car.
I park in the hinterlands.
If there is no safe spot I no longer stop.
When you have a small car more often than not, it is not
a door ding, it is the whole side of your car gone.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: USA
My pleasant surprise took a turn for the worse when she proceeded to back out of the spot by cutting the wheel and turning her tire into the side of my car. She put the SUV into drive and pulled back into the spot and looked at me and asked me if that was my car? She said she had seen the car when she pulled in but forgot it was there when she went to back out.
I would have handled it (I hope) just like the OP.
We got really lucky a number of years back, when my wife was learning to drive (in a VW Cabriolet). Pulling out of a parking space in a minimart parking lot, she turned too soon and dragged her front bumper along the side of the car next to us. Ripped off the bumper, and made a nice long scrape on the side of that car. The car's owner was sitting inside reading a book at the time.
Of course we jumped out and were very apologetic. Clearly our fault, and a nasty foul. He started chuckling and said "I bought this car from an 80 year old lady who was going blind. See all these dents? I don't think a few more will really bother me..."
Which is why I'm very forgiving of door dings to my 4Runner. Touch the MINI, though, and I don't know that much forgiveness will remain...
We got really lucky a number of years back, when my wife was learning to drive (in a VW Cabriolet). Pulling out of a parking space in a minimart parking lot, she turned too soon and dragged her front bumper along the side of the car next to us. Ripped off the bumper, and made a nice long scrape on the side of that car. The car's owner was sitting inside reading a book at the time.
Of course we jumped out and were very apologetic. Clearly our fault, and a nasty foul. He started chuckling and said "I bought this car from an 80 year old lady who was going blind. See all these dents? I don't think a few more will really bother me..."
Which is why I'm very forgiving of door dings to my 4Runner. Touch the MINI, though, and I don't know that much forgiveness will remain...
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Elgin, IL
I usually treat bastards like this with a healthy gorilla kick to their sidepanel or door. Sometimes I'll key the door and when i'm ultimately pissed i'll make use of my bottle or brake fluid I carry in the trunk. Just pour it on various bits of car. It removes paint almost instantly :D
I have no love for inconsiderate lasy butt bastards who don't care about other people's property
although I don't care about MINI as much as I cared about my Subaru. Plus MINI doors appear to be more resistant to the dings than the Subaru was. That car had the worse paint quality and metal thickness. I dented a fender when waxing and scratched door with my fingernail
I have no love for inconsiderate lasy butt bastards who don't care about other people's property
although I don't care about MINI as much as I cared about my Subaru. Plus MINI doors appear to be more resistant to the dings than the Subaru was. That car had the worse paint quality and metal thickness. I dented a fender when waxing and scratched door with my fingernail
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 0
From: Fernandina Beach, FL
I went out of my way to go to the furthest reaches of the garage where very few cars ever park.
I even found a space next to a concrete wall that would not only protect the passenger side but it
would also allow me to scoot closer to that side leaving over 6ft of space on the drivers side.
Could you believe that when I came back out there was a family van parked partially in my space
But at least there was a happy ending to this story and there was no damage found on my MINI.
But should I have to resort to your system of "a Dent for a Dent" I don't think this person would
ever have noticed judging by all the scratches and dents already on this major P.O.S.
Removing the valve stems might have been the only way to get this persons attention but again
I don't think this type of driver would have noticed the deflated tires till someone else pointed it out after the driver arrived at home.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: USA
I had a nice space at the office picked out at the end of a row far from the building that allowed me to bias the car all the way to one side, with the wheels almost right on the line on the side at the end. Damned if a POS minivan, complete with numerous dings, dents, and scrapes. wasn't parked over the line on the other side into my space within an hour (I was watching it and could see it from my workspace). Had to go out and move immediately.
Last edited by mcs22004; Jul 30, 2008 at 10:06 AM. Reason: tyop
Don't know about you guys, but I get pretty nervous just DRIVING beside POSs! Like on the highway or road, when you're driving next to, behind, or in front of, a car that has OBVIOUSLY NOT been "loved" or even been given a consideration -- or how about them fenders about to fall off???? Or the sidepanels rotting on the frame as we watch!?!? -- I tend to give them L*O*T*S of room...
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
Don't know about you guys, but I get pretty nervous just DRIVING beside POSs! Like on the highway or road, when you're driving next to, behind, or in front of, a car that has OBVIOUSLY NOT been "loved" or even been given a consideration -- or how about them fenders about to fall off???? Or the sidepanels rotting on the frame as we watch!?!? -- I tend to give them L*O*T*S of room...
But that is one of hundreds of things I look for and look out for on the road to avoid accidents. Part of this comes from the fact that I ride motorcycles which teaches us defensive tactics.