12,500 miles, park away from anything that might swing into the car. Some a-hole manages to get me, anyway. I parked next to an empty handicapped spot, the ones with the three foot wide division between spots. I come out of the store, and there's a car in the spot, not too close, so I ignore it.
When I get home, I realize I now have a 3 inch vertical crease in my right rear quarter panel. Damn!
Dent Wizard wants $160 to fix it - anybody ever use them? Anybody find a cheaper alternative? The car is leased and I'll have to fix it eventually, but I know if I fix it now, some other a-hole will nail it again. I'm pissed!

 

I've heard good things about Dent Wizards. Haven't used them personally, but I think the WRX will have a date with them in the near future.

Is it $160 for just that one dent, or do they do it as a $160-per-visit-and-twang every panel straight. Someone told me it's the latter, ifso I'd tried and wait a little while if you can cope with the scar on your vehicle for a little while... that way, if any other shameless villains maim your vehicle, you can get it back to looking pretty with minimal wallet weight reduction.

 

Now that I put on the NRA sticker, I don't get door dings.

My advice is to get used to walking, as I ususally park 100+ yards from the door at most discount and grocery stores. I also try to park by those grassy islands found in most lots for the sake of "landscaping," since they will protect your car on 1-2 sides.

 

Minimal wallet weight reduction.. lol.. I'm sorry about the dent dude.. that sucks. I know this might sound stupid but have you tried a plunger? Don't laugh.. it's true, if the dent isn't too bad you can usually take it out with a plunger.. I've done it many times, it obviously won't help if the paint is chipped but at least it'll get the dent out.. I'm sure you know how, just stick the plunger on the dent and make sure the suction is doing it's job and as soon as it's firmly on there.. just pull with all your strength.. I'm pretty sure someone is gonna put the " " symbol while quoting my post but it's worth a shot.. try it and keep us posted..

 

Funny enough, I did try some small suction cups to pull the crease out. Dent Wizard tells me that they can't use suction on creases, only perfectly round dings. Could be a load of horsecrap, but I don't want to make it any worse than it already is.

They told me each repair is charged separately. I have heard of other shops charging per body panel and they smooth the whole thing, regardless of the number of dings/creases/etc.

None of this would have happened if I just left the car home, in the garage, under cover. That wouldn't be much fun though.

 

Local dent wizard charges by the panel. $160 is better than have a body shop do it i bet


Where is Huntersville? I'm in the triad

 

160 bucks for one dent!

damn... i can get all the panals on my car rubbed out for 100.

 

Hey Rob-
Huntersville is up on Lake Norman, about 20 miles North of Charlotte's uptown area.

 

Use the Dent Wizard, Thos guys are amazing.

 

Damn, I never park next to anyone Especially handicapped spots!!!! Just think of what happends when a "handicapped" driver parks in that spot - You have some old decrepid **** pulling up on some crazy angle with a huge Cadillac, 6" from your car. Its got HUGE *** doors that swing ALL the way out because they are too slow and disabled to get out of a partially opened door. The big door swings open, and crashes into your car.. They dont even hear it because their hearing aide isnt turned up.. nor do they even care because they are more concerned with getting their walker setup.

Dent Doctors charge like $50-200 depending on the severity of the dent. Ive heard good things about them. See if u can find one in your area.

 

Yeah, that is probably what happened - swung the door out, didn't even know it. Still, damn inconsiderate of the disabled... Thought that 3 foot buffer between the spots would help. Not.