<---another rear end victim.

Brake light mod is a great idea. Just be aware that if you have an 05, you may not be able to do it.

 

Thanks Jim! That's the question I was about to ask. What will determine whether I can do the mod on my 05 Mini Cooper??

 

I don't know if anyone's figured out how to do the brakelight mod on 05's--it seems MINI has changed the wiring/coupling to the taillights.

 

Thanks Jim for the quick response!!! After going down on my 03 HD Ultra Classic (that the Mini replaced) last November, I want to be seen as much as possible. Almost died in that little mishap and couldn't stand another 8 month rehab!!

If anyone finds out whether we can and how to do it, I would greatly appreciate the info.

 

I did have luck with the diminished value compensation and I didn't even ask for it! Luckily the damage to lil' blue was very minor (the bumper cracked and was replaced, and there was no additional damage to the underside, cost a little over $500). I received a check in the mail from STATE FARM for $112 for the diminished value.

IMO, people follow so closely to us mini's, especially suv's, because they have a sense of security, being able to see completely around us, over us, etc. They just don't realize that we can STOP ON A DIME! The lady that rear-ended lil' blue was driving a SUBURBAN!

 

minired, thanks for sharing your diminished value story...you had it easy.

i was told by the insurance company to submit a formal letter supporting my argument for diminished value so here are some ideas based on what i've read:

vehicle is only 8 months old
carfax report will show accident damage which lowers resale value

i could only think of the above so any other input would be appreciated.

 

Unfortunately I'm in the club also.... My 2 year anniversary is very soon.

$1200+ in damage
New rear hatch
New rear bumper skin

Based on the noise inside during the accident... I thought the tough little car was hurt a lot worse, so I was surprised to find that little damage.

Two years later and all is still good on the car.

Time heals all wounds... (ok, maybe not all, but this one we should all get over)

 

I DID have it easy, and now I know why. It's because I live in Georgia, and the issue was decided in the Georgia Supreme Court. Washington State has similar regulations. However, the Florida Supreme Court has overturned such a case, claiming that if the repairs were done properly, then the car should not be diminished in value. If you do a Google search on diminished value compensation, there are tons of sites out there to help you with your claim and give you more info, although a lot of the sites want a fee. I suggest taking a look at them to give you ideas on what to put in your letter, or you may just want to pay the fee to help you with your claim.

Good luck!

 

just an update for everyone regarding my diminished value claim.

after sending my request letter by registered mail and many voicemails later, i was finally able to get 20% of the damage value as compensation. not as high as i had wanted, but given the amount of time invested, i think it's a reasonable return.

some hope for those who are in a similar position.

 

I recently moved to Montreal, Quebec, Canada from the San Francisco Bay area. With the first real winter snow storm, I discovered what a real trooper this car is in the snow. However, even though I am was actually watching in my rear view mirror as I came up to a stop light in near blizzard conditions, I got to watch the truck with trailer in tow, behind me, fail to slow down enough to stop somewhere other than where I was currently sitting. The man had the sense to at least pull into the oncoming traffic lane instead of sending me into the intersection. He actually pulled up right beside me. I just shook my head at him. We all came out lucky on that one. As someone else already said, you can be lit up like a Christmas tree, but if they ain't lookin'...
Not necessarily related but much needed info. for cold weather (and I mean COLD WEATHER) and the mini. I am having unlimited problems with things freezing up.

Cheers

 

Well, A friend of mine was rear ended in her mini about an hour ago :(.. another EB/W mini hit from behind. She is ok, but NJ drivers need to learn how to hit the brakes.

 

I seem that the MINI has the advantage of short stopping distances ( we don't hear much on MINIs rear ending others) However, then the car behind you has ti stop short without the same advantage... Blam

 

It seems that My mini, and hers were both hit, while already stopped, and waiting for a few seconds at a light. People need to learn how to pay attention.

 

Hello,

Given how everyone likes to joke about the size of the MINI, and all the "actual size" and "1:1 scale" window stickers I see, I'd say that people are mistaking actual distances based on the MINI's apparent size.

They see a small car, and don't realize that they're actually quite close to a full-size MINI, rather than a comfortable distance from a full-size car.

Here's an idea for a MINI bumper sticker:

"Please admire my car from A COMPLETE STOP!"

 

Matthewz I Love that!

 

I believe that I will be cutting that out of Vinyl tomorrow!!!!

 

Sorry to hear about your accident. I'm glad to hear that you are ok!

I was rear ended Thanksgiving weekend. The cost of the damage was 800 and it took them 4 days to do.

 

Sorry to hear about the accident I was almost hit today in the walmart parking lot by a kid who ran a stop sign and darted infront of me through the middle of the parking spaces. We definately have the luck of great stopping power in the MINIs... in any other car it would've been devistating. I hope you get your baby back soon

 

whatever you do, DONT TAKE YOUR CAR TO SUBURBAN COLISION in euclid ohio.they have had my Karmann Ghia SINCE AUG. LAST YEAR to paint it, it was an insurance claim, the cars paint was tinted from a fire in the shop it was in when my new engine was put in. it wa a 3900 job and the jerkoff manager there keep putting me off. i want to try and sue for loss of use now.

 

Almost got hit the other day by a Ford Excursion backing out of a parking space. Couldn't see me, I assume!

 

One of the reasons (I think/personal opinion) so many get rear ended it the braking ability of these cars (except for those already stopped). My wife points out all the time that I brake much later than I had to in my Dodge Ram 4 x 4. I have seen my wife brace many times when I stop at a light only to see a car behind my deparately trying to stop as fast as my MINI. I think many people tailgating are relying on the front car's lights as a sign to brake but when tailgating a MINI seeing the lights is already too late. Oh well, let em eat bumper and pray they don't kill anyone then I can justify the body kit and wider wheels


Gotta concentrate on the good, glad everyone has come out okay.

PS - In NE Florida, braking for yellow lights may get you shot.