Not-so-tiny repair bills on low speed collisions article

[jwight]

This is one of the photos appearing along with the article in our local newspaper today. Looks like a right front fender and (maybe) the service flap. Not up on current prices but I'm guessing less than $500 for both plus you DIY the change so no labor cost. Within most of our deductible limits so no cost to your insurer, no rate increase, etc.

[Neonspinnazz]

That damage makes that smart look evil, study it for awhile and you'll see what I mean...

As for the article. go ahead and say how unsafe smarts are, crash stories are true proof that the smart is a mobile fallout shelter.

Maybe if people think it's unsafe they'll not tailgate...

[kdfcogwheel]

I just had a pretty ugly dent pulled out of the Driver's side tridion cell earlier this week. It required sanding and repainting, etc. The total cost $755.16. Without the aid of a magnifying glass I couldn't tell that it was ever damaged. The only way would be to inspect the placards inside the door jamb and see that they were masked off and I counted three really small (maybe 1/2 of a millimeter) paint blemishes (a dust particle or so). They repainted the entire cell on the driver's side.

[SubSlr88]

FWIW - only one microcar in the bunch; all the rest are sub-compacts or minicars. smart is the only micro there but am glad to see that it earned an 'acceptable' rating. Especially after that IIHS fiasco with the head-on collision test with a heavier vehicle. . . duh? Pure physics at work there. . .

[fpage77]

Originally Posted by kdfcogwheel

I just had a pretty ugly dent pulled out of the Driver's side tridion cell earlier this week. It required sanding and repainting, etc. The total cost $755.16. Without the aid of a magnifying glass I couldn't tell that it was ever damaged. The only way would be to inspect the placards inside the door jamb and see that they were masked off and I counted three really small (maybe 1/2 of a millimeter) paint blemishes (a dust particle or so). They repainted the entire cell on the driver's side.

I thought if the Trideon was damaged that compromised the safety cell? The metal in that area will never perform exactly the same again after being pulled and kanoodled back into position.

[Krootie]

After listening to the report on the TV News - it sounds as if everyone should avoid purchasing "small' cars. Oh, . . . be very afraid. Wished they showed the ratings:

[Krootie]

Wished rfernatt would change his avatar into a "garden gnome" or something with a summer theme or how 'bout Star Trek? LOL

[SmartView2009]

Perhaps people should stop crashing into each other? That is the kind of armor that I would choose to carry with me everyday. Crash avoidance equipment anyone? When your only tool is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. (or something like that)

[Suze]

Just saw this on the Nightly. I recorded it with my digi cam from tv. Lame, I know.

YouTube - MVI 1665

YouTube - MVI 1665

[HGB]

I am miffed with this story while reading this post here, I was just watching the news with the cars hitting this makeshift bumper.
First, of all any standard type of car would be severely damaged if only one side is hit.
Second, the height of the impact was into the grill not the bumper below it.
Third, the reason behind the test is...? Who knows, but it's scare tactics like this that prevent people from even considering a smaller car.
Fourth, years ago the same test were made with American vans, etc. and the damage was in the thousands also at such slow speeds. The exception was the beetle which then cost $300 to fix.
Fourth, from the top view the makeshift bumper did not flex at all, unlike another vehicle's.
Finally, why do you need a solid bumper ? Unless you live in the heart of a city and there is no guarantee either. Your little car will be attacked from all sides then.

One more for the road... Did they crash 4 different smarts for example? If one smart hits something once, it is then compromised already when it hits the second time and gets worse with the third and fourth. Would someone enlighten me please.