Look what my son did to my new Z4
- Thread starter bulmor
- Start date
Since everyone was so supportive, I thought it only fair that I gave everyone an update.
The car was written off, apparently £7k of damage, but obviously that is putting everything back together with new parts etc. The initially offered me £4.4k less the £350 access. Since to buy a like for like replacement was minimum £6.5k I refused this. After some hard negotiation (and a little touch of ombudsman), we finally settled on £5.7k less excess = £5.3k in my pocket. I did ask as many of you suggested re keeping the car, however they were only willing to sell back to me for £2k. Having done the maths, plus needing a car which, once thrown in the pot with my honest interpretation of mechanical skills and owned tools..... I felt the numbers simply didn't add up. So with much regret had to let her go (Sorry Tim).
Since the money I received simply wasn't enough and, the fact that I am now pretty skint (I had just spent out £900 getting her tip top before the event), I was unable to find a suitable replacement with the correct mileage/year/extras etc. I suspect this is mainly down to seasonal fluctuations as much as anything.
Know doubt with a little criticism from some club members, we ended up replacing the car with a SLK 350, that I was able to pick up within the money I had. The car has a great deal of electrics on it, with a few not working. Therefore this was the perfect opportunity for me to get a vehicle within budget, that was roadworthy (so could get to work), with some additional extras not working that I would be able to sort once my money situation has improved. Ended up getting her for £4550. Can give you guys an honest 'user (rather than numbers)' comparison if you wish.
Anyway, just wanted to thank everyone for their support. It was a really difficult time for us, not least that the problems were created by my son which left me sitting somewhere between anger and sorrow, with no idea which way I was supposed to think about it. Believe it or not, it was you guys who helped me process stuff, for which I am eternally grateful.
I appreciate that getting the SLK may kinda exclude me from some of the discussions on here (birds of a feather and all that), however I don't think my Z4 days are over. I think if I get another, I will go for a Z4M, but not yet, just not yet.
Thanks guys, you've been brilliant
The car was written off, apparently £7k of damage, but obviously that is putting everything back together with new parts etc. The initially offered me £4.4k less the £350 access. Since to buy a like for like replacement was minimum £6.5k I refused this. After some hard negotiation (and a little touch of ombudsman), we finally settled on £5.7k less excess = £5.3k in my pocket. I did ask as many of you suggested re keeping the car, however they were only willing to sell back to me for £2k. Having done the maths, plus needing a car which, once thrown in the pot with my honest interpretation of mechanical skills and owned tools..... I felt the numbers simply didn't add up. So with much regret had to let her go (Sorry Tim).
Since the money I received simply wasn't enough and, the fact that I am now pretty skint (I had just spent out £900 getting her tip top before the event), I was unable to find a suitable replacement with the correct mileage/year/extras etc. I suspect this is mainly down to seasonal fluctuations as much as anything.
Know doubt with a little criticism from some club members, we ended up replacing the car with a SLK 350, that I was able to pick up within the money I had. The car has a great deal of electrics on it, with a few not working. Therefore this was the perfect opportunity for me to get a vehicle within budget, that was roadworthy (so could get to work), with some additional extras not working that I would be able to sort once my money situation has improved. Ended up getting her for £4550. Can give you guys an honest 'user (rather than numbers)' comparison if you wish.
Anyway, just wanted to thank everyone for their support. It was a really difficult time for us, not least that the problems were created by my son which left me sitting somewhere between anger and sorrow, with no idea which way I was supposed to think about it. Believe it or not, it was you guys who helped me process stuff, for which I am eternally grateful.
I appreciate that getting the SLK may kinda exclude me from some of the discussions on here (birds of a feather and all that), however I don't think my Z4 days are over. I think if I get another, I will go for a Z4M, but not yet, just not yet.
Thanks guys, you've been brilliant
Hopefully this episode is now all sorted and you can draw a line under it and move on. Must have been a nightmare few weeks for you. I think you'll find that many of us appreciate good cars regardless from which manufacturer they come from and I'm sure that a SLK350 will have many admirers on here, so let's see some pictures!
North West Surrey
Great to read an update OP! 
SLK 350 sounds like a good option - convertible but a metal roof. (A bit like an E89)!
Good to see that you have dealt with events in a very positive fashion!
Hope you enjoy the SLK, but surely photos are overdue! :lol:
SLK 350 sounds like a good option - convertible but a metal roof.
(A bit like an E89)!Good to see that you have dealt with events in a very positive fashion!
Hope you enjoy the SLK, but surely photos are overdue! :lol:
Tragic story man, but i'd wager you've come out this end stronger & wiser after the event, and dude there's not at all wrong with an SLK350 and if you're ever out driving round top down and think to yourself "this ain't no z4" just think to yourself ...coulda been worse, coulda been an mx5!! Lol
Would like to see some pics Mark and a write up review comparison
A
Anonymous
Guest
Glad you in the end got it sorted bud
As id have tied him to the back and taken him for a long drive myself
Plus childish, but id find something that's important to him and video myself destroying it
Karma
Hope it's all sorted buddy as id be in shock
As id have tied him to the back and taken him for a long drive myself
Plus childish, but id find something that's important to him and video myself destroying it
Karma
Hope it's all sorted buddy as id be in shock
OntarioZed
Member
Wow, unbelievable! I, as you, have only had my Z4 for a short time, bit I am in love with the car. I tuck her in every night in the garage and tell her I'll see her tomorrow and I can't imagine someone doing that to my car and living to tell about it. However, you are much more important than your car because you are here to love and serve others.
These cars bring out the joy in us as we drive them and care for them, which ultimately makes us happier humans. You did the right thing by not getting involved my friend, as I'm reminded by a quote I read recently: When you don't know what to do, ask your self this question - "What would love do now?"
Wishing you, your family and your son much love, happiness, and abundance (some of that abundance will come in the form of a repaired or new Z4!). Take care.
These cars bring out the joy in us as we drive them and care for them, which ultimately makes us happier humans. You did the right thing by not getting involved my friend, as I'm reminded by a quote I read recently: When you don't know what to do, ask your self this question - "What would love do now?"
Wishing you, your family and your son much love, happiness, and abundance (some of that abundance will come in the form of a repaired or new Z4!). Take care.
tomoz4white
Member
Wow - I haven't been on the forum for over a month and have just read every post in this thread. What a nightmare!
Back in the 80's there were a jealous group of lads (a year below me in School) and I was pretty much the 1st guy to buy a Ford Capri in my year (aged 17). It was parked outside a friends house and we hopped into town (night club days) and I slept around his place. Woke up on the Sunday morning to return home and my Capri had been keyed and received some baseball bat treatment - it was wrecked. I never had any proof who damaged the vehicle but I have forever been nervous about parking my car anywhere - 29 years later!
So I know how you must have been feeling but probably a MILLION TIMES worse for you in view that it was flesh and blood,
Glad to read the last few pages that you have purchased a new toy. Enjoy it mate and I hope your son one day will somehow pay you back with respect and some love, albeit it is hard to imagine that will happen in the short term,
Keep the wheels spinning fella.
Tomo
Back in the 80's there were a jealous group of lads (a year below me in School) and I was pretty much the 1st guy to buy a Ford Capri in my year (aged 17). It was parked outside a friends house and we hopped into town (night club days) and I slept around his place. Woke up on the Sunday morning to return home and my Capri had been keyed and received some baseball bat treatment - it was wrecked. I never had any proof who damaged the vehicle but I have forever been nervous about parking my car anywhere - 29 years later!
So I know how you must have been feeling but probably a MILLION TIMES worse for you in view that it was flesh and blood,
Glad to read the last few pages that you have purchased a new toy. Enjoy it mate and I hope your son one day will somehow pay you back with respect and some love, albeit it is hard to imagine that will happen in the short term,
Keep the wheels spinning fella.
Tomo
