It's going to cost $400 to replace my car's side mirror

[flamingyouth]

Previous thread here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=1788453&mesg_id=1788453

I took it into the shop, thinking all I needed was the mirror part, but the motor also needs to be replaced. Plus, the part isn't in stock, so I won't even have the freaking mirror until Tuesday. It's not fun driving on the freeway without a side mirror. I would desperately like to get my hands on the asshole(s) who did this.

Incidentally, I also need new front brake pads. :(

[Fenris]

1. Dealerships, honey, have a high mark up on parts.

Perhaps you should consider a second opinion. The motor situation complicates things, but I would see what a mechanic would charge before going with the dealership. Just a thought. Though they might want more.:(:loveya:

[flamingyouth]

3. I'm getting a migraine

But I think I will call around. There are lots of weird little Volvo mechanics around town.

Hey, why aren't you in class? :evilgrin:

[Fenris]

Class?

:evilgrin:

[flamingyouth]

7. OK, I just called three independent places

All of them said, "Ouch. That's really expensive. About $400." :grr:

[Fenris]

9. Auto repair is a fucking joke.

;)

[flamingyouth]

10. ARGH!

I am not happy. x(

[Fenris]

12. But your avatar is so cheery!

He looks like he's going to sing a ragtime song and tip his hat wildly!:D

[flamingyouth]

14. Cheery? The Great Stone Face Keaton?

Ha! :D

[Fenris]

17. It's the porkpie hat!

It just screams "Hooray!" :D

[flamingyouth]

19. It's actually a Panama hat

I think, therefore, it is unenthusiastically muttering, "Ole" or something like that.
:cry:

[Richardo]

20. Kudos on the Keaton avatar...

...my favorite silent film star and all-around comedian. :thumbsup:
Sorry about the mirror, fy. :(

[flamingyouth]

21. He's my favorite silent comedian as well

In fact, I think I might watch "One Week" today - I think that would cheer me up! :D The train tracks scene is classic. :thumbsup:

[eyesroll]

2. Ouch. Sorry to hear that.

I (being a dumbass) de-mirrored my driver's side by backing out of my garage too closely. It was about $150, since I've got manual mirrors.

I had to drive to work via side streets, using duct tape to hold the mirror on (freeway speeds were too fast).

:hug:

[flamingyouth]

16. Unfortunately, I can't avoid the freeway going to work

Unless I could get someone to take me across Lake Washington by boat. :D

[Lorien]

4. Got an estimate of $600 to fix my car antenna

now the drivers side window doesn't work either. Screw it!

I say tape a hand mirror to that side. Who cares what it looks like-that it works is all that matters. I also have an extra wide review mirror that helps a lot-makes blind spots disappear. You might check out an online car accessories site for one.

[flvegan]

5. Try a junkyard/barely used auto parts place

Betcha they have it much cheaper.

Sorry some assclown broke your mirror.

[cally]

6. Look into getting used parts from an auto salvage yard

and get a small local mechanic to install it. Our mirror came off (my daughter just started driving and well) and that's what we did. It was MUCH less expensive.

[hlthe2b]

8. I had that happen in a parking lot...

parked as far out as possible in the specifically designated compact car area, since I'm trying to walk more to lose weight. However, it seems a person in an oversized SUV decided to park next to me (:mad:), while continuing to talk on their cell phone and took out my mirror--also electric.

I had the good fortune to have had it witnessed by someone who left a detailed note on my car with the offenders' license number, which I was able to trace. I eventually got my money... I repaid the karmic favor while walking my dog a few nights ago, when I saw an SUV parallel park in to too small a space and back into the car behind. I noticed the car's owner entering the car as I was returning from my walk and stopped to ask if they had noticed any damage on their car-- explaining what I'd witnessed. It was dark, so I don't know if there was major damage, but the guy was very grateful that I had let him know in time to check and confront the offending vehicle's owner if necessary.

[flamingyouth]

13. You're lucky someone saw it

And good for you for paying the karmic debt.:hi:

[jmowreader]

11. Start calling junkyards

My wife managed to knock the mirror off the side of her Prizm. The dealer wanted well over $100 for it. I went to a junkyard and spent $20 for both mirrors.

A motorized mirror will be a bit more expensive, but still not dealer price. And they're not difficult to install if you have a socket set and a flat-tip screwdriver to get the inner panel off.

[arwalden]

15. Ouch!!!

And to think that I was p-o'd at my Chrysler dealership because they wanted $16.00 for the little clip that holds the sun-visor in place. I went to a junk yard and got TWO replacements for a mere $5. (It was well worth the 6 or 7 minutes it took to wander the junkyard looking for a Sebring.)

-- Allen

P.S. (((BIG HUGS!))) Sorry that this happened to you!! How much is your deductible? (And what do you drive? A Jaguar? That seems awfully high for just a mirror.)

[flamingyouth]

18. I'm going to check on my comprehensive deductible

And it's a 2000 Volvo S70. I called a bunch of independent mechanics, all of whom matched the price and said they were hard to find junked. :(

[miss_kitty]

22. junkyard. that's where my last one came from

I am a lazy ass and just came back from my bi-annual CT Scan, so i haven't read everything. I hope you make a police report for this...we're becoming very adamant about it down here.

sorry about your mirror. I hate people.

except people here :hi:

[flamingyouth]

23. I'm going to file a police report

Unfortunately, the car is not here at the moment. But I'm going to call anyway.

Oh, BTW, there was a dead mouse on my porch this morning. A lovely gift from my cat - he always knows how to cheer me up! :hi:

On edit - I hope your CT scan went well.

[miss_kitty]

24. Oh i'm sure it did

I doubt though with all the CT scans I've had it'd be safe for me to become a flight attendant...

[tigereye]

25. hey FY sorry to hear about your travails

hope things improve. You Volvo driver, you! ;) Actually a number of my friends drive Volvos - used ones - and they always follow the comment that they have a Volvo by saying it is "used." Kind of funny actually, like they should be embarrassed. They are really safe cars, though.

[Magrittes Pipe]

26. Damn, Lisa.

That's fucked. :(

:hug: