mailbox and vibe dont make a good match

[ashleymc_38]

So last night I was going to my fathers house with my b/f to go pick up his mail cause he is on vacation. It was dark and raining and my b/f was like "just pull up next to the mailbox and i'll stick my arm out and get it." So that I just did and as I was pulling away all i hear is a big screech going across the side of my car and all I was in total shock, speechless. So, as I am sitting here still in total awe the next day and so pissed off that this happened, is there any way that you can make the scratches at least look minimal? I'll have to try to take a picture of them today to post, so that i'll try to do. But for right now, any one have some advice?

[Raven]

They're on the passenger side and you're the driver so don't walk around the other side of the car. If the scratches are deep enough to feel with you fingernail, a body shop is probably your only choice. If you're lucky they may be able to buff them out, otherwise they will need to paint the whole damaged panel for the colour to match.$$$$$

[ashleymc_38]

Ya, I was kind of scared of that They are pretty bad and I'm just so pissed that it had to happen. I feel so stupid but I guess everything happens for a reason They are pretty deep cause you can so feel the roughness of the scratches. My dad just put this mailbox up last week too! This is why all friggin mailboxes should be plastic.

[Mathias]

We got a car keyed when it was bout 1 year old. Deep scratches, just like yours are bound to be if it was loud enough to "SCREECH".Act quickly. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but I'd get after it unlesss you're in Arizona. Rust forms quickly, and "rust never sleeps".Here's what isn't obvious to most people, but that's how it works:You can repaint the affected body panels and make them look like new. If you have it done on your own nickel, the cost will likely be about 70% of what your ins co gets charged... just the way things work. Don't report it on your insurance. If you pulled THAT (removed), you might pull another one... I had a 'close encounter' or two when I was little.. and you will pay the cost of repair and then some on your premiums, Trust me on that one.Secondly, if you have it fixed, the value of your car is going to take a $500 hit, minimum. If and when you trade it in, any dealer is going to be able to tell it's been painted. No matter how well it's done. And the next thing they're going to think is "accident" and hit you $1500 low. Now you have to convince them it's just a scratch etc. etc. I wouldn't do it.If you leave it, it's gonna rust. Best bet is to have the scratches filled professionally. I don't think "buffing" is going to do anything for you, but get with a good pro and see what they say. The scratches are going to be somewhat unsightly, and it's also gonna be a $500 hit, but at least you're not paying $800 to have it fixed.If the scratches really bother you, get ready for full repaints on the affected panels, and understand that your car will now scream "accident" to anyone in the automotive brotherhood.Good luck,-Mathias

[ashleymc_38]

Heres a pic of the scratch, its not the highest quality since it was taken from my phone, but still, you can see the damage.

Attached files

[mcgusto82]

that looks pretty nasty. but it doesn't look like it should cost too much.

[joholste]

you might be able to get one of the scratch paint filler pens at like an advance auto parts, car quest, or autozone or something

[Tubaryan12]

Quote, originally posted by joholste »you might be able to get one of the scratch paint filler pens at like an advance auto parts, car quest, or autozone or somethingMot if it is Abyss...it doesn't match, and neither doest the stuff you get from the dealer. The dealer stuff looks like the regular black with more glitter in it.

[Digger]

I would get a few estiments and get it fixed by a shop.

[KNINE]

You're not the first person to drive into a mailbox. One winter I backed my Monte Carlo into my truck because I was running late for work and didn't take the time to scrape the ice off my back window. I had two vehicles to fix and nobody to blame but myself! Live and learn.

[binary]

good thing when I backed into a mailbox - it was in a company truck. No hit on my insurance... woot!Get it fixed professionally, and keep it for a really long time. Then when you're ready to trade it in the value won't be squat anyway.And you'll have a sweet looking car for a long time.

[ToolGuy]

Ouch! That sucks! I would definitely get some tough up paint on that it looks like it is down to the metal or primer and you do not want it to start rusting! That should hold it over until you get it professionally done if you do that later.

[J-freakie]

I was thinking about putting clean nail polish over it to prevent the rust. Would that work?? Ohh, and just for the record, I did not yell at her dan

[melders]

ouch that sucks....sorry to hear this happened. since it is pretty much a toyota, fix it asap so it dont rust...ive seen a lot of rusted out toyotas