What exactly are "industry standards" for auto repair?
05-09-2003, 04:54 PM
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What exactly are "industry standards" for auto repair?
Over a year ago, I had a little mishap in my 928 and it required some bodywork. The post about the stuck throttle got me thinking about this.
Anyways... I've noticed that the area in which the car was repaired is looking pretty crappy, so bad that the entire headlight area looks as though in never received enough paint and is flaking. Also, as the damage was to the front of the car, it seems that my hood keeps lining up less and less, to the point it seems to stick up a little now. Hood should be straight, as it is a new one.
The work, which was done at Bernard Import Bodyworks in Bellevue, WA (been said to be very reputable) is supposed to be warrantied for the duration of my ownership of the car, and if the quality is not to "industry standards" amends will be made.
So am I justified in thinking that a repair that cost 9K should at least include a competent paint job? And that the hood shouldn't be so poorly aligned?
Before I go talk to the repair shop myself, I was hoping I could fish for some advice here (hopefully no one here has ever had to have their 928 repaired though! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> ).
Thanks!
-jasono
Anyways... I've noticed that the area in which the car was repaired is looking pretty crappy, so bad that the entire headlight area looks as though in never received enough paint and is flaking. Also, as the damage was to the front of the car, it seems that my hood keeps lining up less and less, to the point it seems to stick up a little now. Hood should be straight, as it is a new one.
The work, which was done at Bernard Import Bodyworks in Bellevue, WA (been said to be very reputable) is supposed to be warrantied for the duration of my ownership of the car, and if the quality is not to "industry standards" amends will be made.
So am I justified in thinking that a repair that cost 9K should at least include a competent paint job? And that the hood shouldn't be so poorly aligned?
Before I go talk to the repair shop myself, I was hoping I could fish for some advice here (hopefully no one here has ever had to have their 928 repaired though! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> ).
Thanks!
-jasono
05-09-2003, 06:42 PM
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Jason -
Did YOU chose the shop for the work...or were you directed there by the insurance company?
If by the ins co's choice - I would start with THEM!
Also - Was the 'mishap' your fault - or someone elses? If not your fault - your insurance co can help you in dealing with the other driver's insurance.
Did YOU chose the shop for the work...or were you directed there by the insurance company?
If by the ins co's choice - I would start with THEM!
Also - Was the 'mishap' your fault - or someone elses? If not your fault - your insurance co can help you in dealing with the other driver's insurance.
05-09-2003, 07:04 PM
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Oh no it was all my fault (1 car accident at 25-30mph into an earthy embankment, fairly uneventful story). My insurance company allowed me to choose which shop the car went to, so I picked the one that was known to be most frequented by 'dinged' Porsches, BMW's, etc...
I only wonder because I have the bill for repair (somewhere near 9k) and it clearly states that if the repairs were not to 'industry standards' they would be redone free of charge. Basically the shop assures all of its work, but after a year mine is looking like they did a poor job on it (didn't properly prep for painting, didn't evenly apply paint, hood didn't stay adjusted).
It doubly concerns me because the car has not been driven that much since then (I'm in college, so I don't have to commute or drive long distances often) yet the repairs don't seem like they are going to age well.
I recently did speak with an insurance claims adjuster, and he said the shop was reputable and would most likely stand by their work and fix it if necessary, so I probably should just take the car back to them.
I know the car will never be perfect, but I at least want it looking decent.
-jason
I only wonder because I have the bill for repair (somewhere near 9k) and it clearly states that if the repairs were not to 'industry standards' they would be redone free of charge. Basically the shop assures all of its work, but after a year mine is looking like they did a poor job on it (didn't properly prep for painting, didn't evenly apply paint, hood didn't stay adjusted).
It doubly concerns me because the car has not been driven that much since then (I'm in college, so I don't have to commute or drive long distances often) yet the repairs don't seem like they are going to age well.
I recently did speak with an insurance claims adjuster, and he said the shop was reputable and would most likely stand by their work and fix it if necessary, so I probably should just take the car back to them.
I know the car will never be perfect, but I at least want it looking decent.
-jason
05-09-2003, 07:23 PM
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Jason -
based on your response...
I'd try the "nice" way first...take the car by the shop and ask to speak to the owner/manager about some 'concerns' you have...they may immediately take the blame and offer to fix. If that doesn't work...tell them that you would like them to fix the problems.
If they refuse:
Contact your insurance company...they should be willing to assist...
IF none of the above works - file suit in small claims court against the shop! The limit in WA is $4000.
based on your response...
I'd try the "nice" way first...take the car by the shop and ask to speak to the owner/manager about some 'concerns' you have...they may immediately take the blame and offer to fix. If that doesn't work...tell them that you would like them to fix the problems.
If they refuse:
Contact your insurance company...they should be willing to assist...
IF none of the above works - file suit in small claims court against the shop! The limit in WA is $4000.
05-09-2003, 07:45 PM
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Thanks for the response...
I'll probably stick with the nice way, as I don't want to deal with the small claims court. I'm sure it would never reach that point anyway...
I'll probably have to play the old man card (how pathetic having to ask dad for help) and send him in, as I've had very NEGATIVE experience trying to get anything done in the past, as no one wants to help a teenager it seems. (With the notable exception of the wonderful tire guys at Costco and the mechanics at Park Place Ltd., who actually treated me like a human when I bought tires/had work done.)
Again thanks!
-Jason
I'll probably stick with the nice way, as I don't want to deal with the small claims court. I'm sure it would never reach that point anyway...
I'll probably have to play the old man card (how pathetic having to ask dad for help) and send him in, as I've had very NEGATIVE experience trying to get anything done in the past, as no one wants to help a teenager it seems. (With the notable exception of the wonderful tire guys at Costco and the mechanics at Park Place Ltd., who actually treated me like a human when I bought tires/had work done.)
Again thanks!
-Jason
05-09-2003, 10:14 PM
#6
Play the Old Man card! Right or wrong they may think they'll be able to blow you off just cause your young.
Fact of the matter is that even if they have to do a partial re-spray and some panel adjustment, it's not going to actually cost them very much,BUT, they did make full profit 1st time around so they owe it to you to make it right.
Fact of the matter is that even if they have to do a partial re-spray and some panel adjustment, it's not going to actually cost them very much,BUT, they did make full profit 1st time around so they owe it to you to make it right.
05-09-2003, 10:40 PM
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I just have to get into this!! 
With all due respect to Mark.....don't count on your insurance co. to back you up. You would need to censor the description I have about my insurance co.(State Farm, which I have had for years and pay one of the lowest rates). I was hit in the rear while in my 914/6 while stopped at a red light by some dork. After claiming medpay until the case settled, and after FOUR orthopedic surgeons declared me injured and the accident the proximate cause of the injury, State Farm "asked" me to visit their paid ***** doctor for an exam. Following his "exam", he decided that I was not injured, and the accident was "low impact". He determined this after seeing photos (!) of my Porsche in the body shop. I reminded him that he was a doctor, not a body repairman, but he insisted he knew what low impact meant; the repair bill for pulling and straightening the six was $11,500.00 plus without paint and finish, just primer !!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> Low impact my okole!!
State Farm then decided to cease my medpay coverage based on their *****'s findings. This particular doctor has a reputation in this area with lawyers as just a ***** for the insurance companies, so it is not my opinion.
So I got my attorney to sue them for reinstatement. They complied finally and then asked me to compensate them
when I settled. Only problem is that the defense can use that doctor's findings to introduce doubt in the minds of the jurors. <img border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" title="" src="graemlins/cussing.gif" />
What they did to me is probably one of the most rotten things I've ever experienced...my own insurance co. with which I have made only minor towing and other party blame claims for years.
Now that I have required knee surgery and will probably require another, they still have the lack of respect to call me and ask me to pay them for jeopardizing my lawsuit after their ***** doctor said I wasn't injured!
Whew! Believe in anything but the insurance company! And don't fall for the "take it wherever you want it" for repair crap...they don't know your name after it's out of the shop if you did that. Pardon me while I go sit on a block of ice to cool off.
With all due respect to Mark.....don't count on your insurance co. to back you up. You would need to censor the description I have about my insurance co.(State Farm, which I have had for years and pay one of the lowest rates). I was hit in the rear while in my 914/6 while stopped at a red light by some dork. After claiming medpay until the case settled, and after FOUR orthopedic surgeons declared me injured and the accident the proximate cause of the injury, State Farm "asked" me to visit their paid ***** doctor for an exam. Following his "exam", he decided that I was not injured, and the accident was "low impact". He determined this after seeing photos (!) of my Porsche in the body shop. I reminded him that he was a doctor, not a body repairman, but he insisted he knew what low impact meant; the repair bill for pulling and straightening the six was $11,500.00 plus without paint and finish, just primer !!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> Low impact my okole!!
State Farm then decided to cease my medpay coverage based on their *****'s findings. This particular doctor has a reputation in this area with lawyers as just a ***** for the insurance companies, so it is not my opinion.
So I got my attorney to sue them for reinstatement. They complied finally and then asked me to compensate them
when I settled. Only problem is that the defense can use that doctor's findings to introduce doubt in the minds of the jurors. <img border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" title="" src="graemlins/cussing.gif" /> What they did to me is probably one of the most rotten things I've ever experienced...my own insurance co. with which I have made only minor towing and other party blame claims for years.
Now that I have required knee surgery and will probably require another, they still have the lack of respect to call me and ask me to pay them for jeopardizing my lawsuit after their ***** doctor said I wasn't injured!
Whew! Believe in anything but the insurance company! And don't fall for the "take it wherever you want it" for repair crap...they don't know your name after it's out of the shop if you did that. Pardon me while I go sit on a block of ice to cool off.
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05-15-2003, 12:06 AM
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Hey Ron_H,
I have State Farm too! And my mom is in the EXACT same situation due to two times she was rear ended! How funny! It's gotten so bad the case is now at the State Supreme Court level or something...
State Farm seems great if you need to get your car fixed, but when it comes to medical bills....
-jason
(sorry for reviving an old thread, I've been busy and never checked this)
I have State Farm too! And my mom is in the EXACT same situation due to two times she was rear ended! How funny! It's gotten so bad the case is now at the State Supreme Court level or something...
State Farm seems great if you need to get your car fixed, but when it comes to medical bills....
-jason
(sorry for reviving an old thread, I've been busy and never checked this)
05-15-2003, 02:54 AM
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Jason:
I wish your mom all the luck in the world. Really. If it comes down to it and she needs some documented support, email me and I will do whatever it takes to get her what history I have of my case. It borders on criminal behavior what they did to me. Lie through their teeth. I have videos taken during my surgery which was subsequent to State Farm's ***** doctor claiming I wasn't injured. I tell you I walked around like I had broken glass in one knee for months after he had said that. Then the other side uses it against me. May they all rot in hell for this kind of treatment. If your mom needs anything I can provide, including a statement or declaration, I would gladly provide it to help her. These scum deserve to get their #$%##&!!
Ron_H <img border="0" alt="[bigbye]" title="" src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" />
I wish your mom all the luck in the world. Really. If it comes down to it and she needs some documented support, email me and I will do whatever it takes to get her what history I have of my case. It borders on criminal behavior what they did to me. Lie through their teeth. I have videos taken during my surgery which was subsequent to State Farm's ***** doctor claiming I wasn't injured. I tell you I walked around like I had broken glass in one knee for months after he had said that. Then the other side uses it against me. May they all rot in hell for this kind of treatment. If your mom needs anything I can provide, including a statement or declaration, I would gladly provide it to help her. These scum deserve to get their #$%##&!!
Ron_H <img border="0" alt="[bigbye]" title="" src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" />