need suggestions....

[rock_doctor]

Hi all,

I am in need of a few suggestions. We had a serious accident over the weekend. The details are too bizarre to go into (so let me tell you about it) basically a guy hit us head on (sort of, in the turn signal area of the front) as we were turning through an intersection. The bizarre part was that it was a two lane road and the lane coming at us was blocked by a guy (several cars actually) who were waiting for us to clear the intersection so they could turn the opposite direction we were turning. The guy who hit us was apparently passing the guys waiting, by passing them in the shoulder. So he hit us at highway speed and with enough force to *spin* the X close to 180 deg in the intersection and thereby sling shot himself off into the woods like a ping pong ball. I understand from the dozen witnesses it was something to see... (trying to keep a sense of humor about this situation...)

The damage was isolated to the front end. All doors open and close normally and nothing that was sitting inside the truck was damaged (including us). Another interesting fact...both airbags did go off but I did have to reach around the deflating airbag to turn off the engine. It was still running, I though they had inertia switches on the fuel injection system??? Anyway, my insurance company told me to take the truck to anybody I wanted to get it repaired (never had an accident *ever*) so they are going to be somewhat flexible about it. My question is, dealer or not??? The truck only has ~20k on it and it is still under warranty and I do want this truck to last forever or at least until I can’t get diesel anymore... What is the best course of action?
Thanks, I appreciate the help.

[mike650]

Gosh, that sucks; hope you and your family are ok!!??!!

If it were me and I would definitely go through the Ford Dealer, especially if it is still under warranty. I do not know where you live so I can not give any recommendations as to the Ford dealership to go to but you may want one that is atleast Blue Oval Certified.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/dealersh...ueoval/locate/

Take care!!

[gtodriverblake]

Absolutely go to the dealer! I ran independant body shop for years and always felt that the dealer had the edge on us when it came to collisions with technical/mecahanical repairs. We did great for body and minor mechanical but the dealer knows all the specs for extensive damage. He also has immediate access to parts and will keep a history of what repairs went wrong.

If you use the dealer, there will never be a question when it comes to future warranty claims. The dealer wont be able to say that the body shop that repaired your X two years ago screwed this up.

Don't rely on doors that appear to be opening and closing right to assume there isn't a frame alignment issue. The frame should still be lazered to insure it is within tolerance.

Talkk to a few of your friends to see if your local dealer is competent. If you get negative feedback search out a dealer that is close to your hometown.

Blake

[rock_doctor]

I agree with both of you I want it to go to a ford dealer I just need to find one... The truck is currently just north of Atlantic City (NJ) and there is a large commercial dealer in maple shade (Holman, which is about 40 miles away) so I think I may shoot for them and take a chance they are a good dealer. Hoping that since they have nothing by SD with PSD's on their lot they will know the trucks well.

Thanks for the suggestions, I guess I kind of knew the answer but needed to hear it from somebody else.

thanks

[DUNC]

I am glad that nobody got hurt. Your X just paid for itself. Just think same time.... different vehicle.

If your insurance company says that can take anywhere then do go to a dealer. They are not as fast to give it back but you have the warranty, the parts ( insist on new ) and recourse if necessary.
DUNC

[rock_doctor]

No the X was well spent money!!!! We went back today to get our stuff out of it. I was completely stunned...I actually stood there and stared at it thinking I was seeing an optical illusion... Walking up the drivers side the front end (axle bumper etc) is sticking better then a foot out, so the front clip is completely shoved a foot out of square (the drivers side tire was even with the mirror). If they even tried to fix it I would not take it. If the frame is a little twisted then that can be taken care of but when it goes straight and then turns 10 or 20 degrees to the left. Not gonna happen... So I expect a fight from them since it is two yrs old last month and only 23k on the clock but we will contact our favorite ford salesman and try to get a 6.0L PSD X (probably a 04 with rebates) the same trim level, the same everything and just pay the difference. What are you going to do? My mom says it gave its life to protect us... Dam good truck! On the other side the S10 that did all the damage was smashed to the back of the front wheel wells, there is not even enough left of that truck to salvage parts. Sad day but like you said we are fine a little bruised but fine otherwise. Thanks to all who posted I will keep you up to date. I don't want to waste server space but who knows the posts may help somebody else in the same situation or who is thinking about buying an X.

mark

[JADFPE]

Glad to hear your family is okay. The vehicle can be replaced.

John