[mitchntx]

This new truck must be a magnet.

The driver's rear door was nailed by an opening door from a car next to me in the parking lot. Damn!

In the other guy's defense, he left a note with a contact number and the wind was gusting like crazy and he claims the wind caught the door when he opened his.

[mitchntx]

I got his check today for the full amount and we bank at the same bank ...

I was in a meeting and he left it in an envelope with a note.

I think I will cash the check, do the PDR and see.

If the PDR is acceptable, then I'll call him back and tell him I owe HIM some cash. If it still looks too bad, then I'll have it repaired for sure and make up the difference between the estimate, less the PDR attempt.

[johns68]

You are a man of rare integrity in this day and age, Mitch. As is the gentleman who dinged your door.

If the PDR job looks good, but the vinyl tape stripe being scuffed/torn is the issue, most paint shops sub out the vinyl stripes to an independent, who might be able to replace the vinyl stripe on that door very economically. $30 to $40 bucks would be my guess, based on what it cost to do our entire truck. Of course, manufacturers play games with making patterns and colors available to independents for the first few years ...

[johns68]

Oh, BTW: I was at a Honda dealer tonight, looking at trading my wife's Tahoe in, and was hit with a question that "might" make a difference to you. They asked if it had had any paint or body work over $300, and it seemed to make a difference to them. Since a parking lot incident caved in the driver's door, causing a new door skin and paint I had to answer "yes". Maybe a slightly imperfect PDR job might be worth being able to smile and and say "nope" some day.

Of course, they still only offered me half the KBB trade-in value, so dealership used car managers mainly don't play by the rules, anyway. I hate being lowballed!

[trackbird]

Mitch,

That sounds like a perfect solution and exactly what I think makes sense. You are a true gentleman sir and I salute you.

Of course, they still only offered me half the KBB trade-in value, so dealership used car managers mainly don't play by the rules, anyway. I hate being lowballed!

Tell him you'll take his offer and you'll give him (insert 50% of selling price for new car here) for his car..... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I sold cars for a living many years ago (at several dealers and 14 total name plates). (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)