posted 10-11-2002 10:35 AM                  

Please allow me to vent...

I bought my Inca Gold the end of June this year. After months of thinkin about it, I finally went through with the deal. Everything was "Purrrfect" - until I moved. In August, I moved into some luxury apartments close to Downtown Dallas. Close to work, close to the action, etc.

Complex Info :
-Large 4 story complex with 4 level attached garages at each end. "Secure" gated community with gates to entrance of garage as well. I park on the 4th floor.

-Security on duty

incident #0.5 - August 2002:
*Doesn't really have to do with the rest of this post, just a chance for me to get some more sympathy

Someone backs into my car at the parking garage at work - passenger side bumper - only bumper needs to be replaced. The guy was cool about it and left his contact info. I got check from his Insurance to repair.

incident #1 - July 2002:
My Kat, still "bumper-fied" (bumper repair not yet done)...
During my first night at the new complex, someone keyed the driver's door, only about 3 inches long or so, nonetheless, I was maaaad. Some of you might remember the post I posted the very next morning - thanks for the sympathetic replies - got some more

My apartment management said they were not liable - since I signed a garage lease addendum. I decided to live with it and proceed no further in the matter. After all, the first scratch is always protection from other scratches on new cars - right?

incident #2 - August 2002:
My Kat, still "bumper-fied" (bumper repair not yet done), semi-keyed (still keyed on door)...
Came out to my Kat one morning and found new "body lines."
The culprits had keyed around the whole car - the only thing left untouched was the drivers quarter panel - oh, and they also busted out the passenger side taillight.

*I learned that another car was keyed that same weekend - 2002 Escalade, so I assumed the complex would be aware of the problem.

Once again, my complex gave me the same response...They are not liable. I did get the manager to pay half my deductible ($250), but I really did not want to file against my own insurance-but what was I to do? The damages were estimated at araoung $4000 - $5000, and would require a complete paint job on the Kat - due to the pearl and matching. And 4-6 weeks shop time w/no rental insurance. I know the difference between good and bad paintwork, so I was already getting disappointed with the whole idea of a new coat on my 2 month old Kat. Still waiting for Insurance check to start repairs.

incident #3 - October 2002:
My Kat, still "bumper-fied" (bumper repair not yet done), semi-keyed (still keyed on door), completely-keyed (you get the idea)...
This morning I walked out to my already "scarred" Kat and noticed the latest...3 cuts in the convertible top.
Now what do I do? I have a feeling that if I go to the complex again, I will get the same response.

Is there not some kind of inferred liability that the complex has to assume, since the complex has security on duty and/or the provide a gated community?

Where we (my Kat and I) are today:
My Kat, still "bumper-fied" (bumper repair not yet done), semi-keyed (still keyed on door), completely-keyed (you get the idea), and sliced(hope it doesnt rain)...

I like my car and I like my apartment, but can I have both- without spending a few grand extra a month for repairs?

What are my options at this point? Is there anything I can do legally? Like get some action taked against my complex?

option 1:
Put the car in the shop for Month and pay for the top out of pocket, and then hope/prey that the whole thing doesnt happen again.

option 2:
File new claim for top, and risk getting my Insurance canceled and then put the car in the shop for Month and hope/prey that the whole thing doesnt happen again.

option ...

Thanks for your ear(s)-
-George

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>\\\\2002 INCA Gold ////<

posted 10-11-2002 10:47 AM                    

Unless the manager keyed your car I don't think you have any case against them.(especially if expressly written in a contract you signed).

At most apartments, you leave cars out, exposed, and fair game for anyone. The same would hold true if you experienced a hail storm at that complex. Would the management be liable because of the storm?

The question I would have is, "Why after the first or second incident did you still stay there?"

posted 10-11-2002 11:35 AM                  

The apartment complex isn't liable for anything. You signed a waiver. It will cost you more in legal fees which you cannot recover because of the signed waiver than the repair bill would cost you.

My advice:

The folks doing the damage to the vehicle are for near certain a the same person or group of persons each time. I hesitate to say kids, but it is most likely the case.

Purchase a wireless video camera that transmits from the garage to where your apartment is. Something like a wireless smoke detector that you velcro to the ceiling or something that looks like emergency lighting. Oddly enough, I manufacture them too and can help you price-wise as a "buddy deal".

Keep your VCR recording 24/7. If you want a 24hr realtime timelapse vcr I can loan you one for the time being.

Eventually, you will catch the kids when they "strike" next.

Once they strike, they probably live in the complex, have them arrested and use the tape as evidence.

My phone is 585-889-2321, I'm in the office about half of the time. The other half of the time, my cell # is 585-749-3338.

Regards,

posted 10-11-2002 11:49 AM                  

I see your point that the complex probably should not be at fault, but the fact that they don't let residents know/warn about "bad activity" in the complex.

I guess the main reasons for not moving would be moving hassles and lease agreement, but the "moving expenses" are starting to look insignificant, and I have a feeling that I could get the management to let me out of the lease.

I am looking into some storage places down the street, so see if they have garages for lease to pack up my Kat when not in use. Or I could buy a trailer and use it as a "private" garage.

Honestly, as you can probably tell by my long posting(s), I just wanted to vent.

I just don't understand Vadalism. Theft I get-maybe the perp was hungry. The possiblity that this could be the acts of a neighbor just get to me.

I know there is probably no "real" answer here.
The main thing is to get my Kat back in action and lookin mean - asap

I have been wanting to attend some Texas POA functions, but my Kat has been "under the weather" pretty much since I have had it. I WILL meet you Texas Prowlers one day.

Looking forward:
Does anyone have an idea of how much to replace the top?

Thanks again for your time.

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>\\\\2002 INCA Gold ////<

posted 10-11-2002 02:28 PM                  

Amazingly-I get that question a lot.
No ex's nearby, and I have not Pi-- anyone off...I don't think.

I know Inca Gold is a controversial color here on POA-but could it be that controversial out in the real world

Maybe someone just hates the color or hates the look of a Prowler with the top up.

???

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>\\\\2002 INCA Gold ////<

posted 10-11-2002 03:45 PM                    

Oooops tried to delete teh dup pot but it wouldn't let me ... sorry

posted 10-11-2002 06:50 PM                  

That really stinks about your cat. Move to Wildoming we have our own form of justice out here. Actually I leave the keys in most of my cars all day and rarely lock my door. The trailer sounds like a good idea to me and I hope they catch whomever is doing this. I don't get it either why are people so mean.

posted 10-12-2002 01:18 PM                  

When I live in Florida, I lived in an Apt Complex and I always parked the car in the garage with the door locked and car cover one it.

Maybe you should move?

posted 10-14-2002 09:35 AM                  

I am going to talk to my apt management company today. I am going to ask if she can let me out of my lease without any penalties. I figure while my Kat is in the shop probably 6 weeks now. I will look to buy a house-I could use the the tax write-off

On the bright side, I can always use this opportunity to go all custom. I was thinking about getting the whole car painted with Colorshift paint. (at least if some people really didn't like the Inca Gold, they can just look at my Kat from a different angle!) .

-But First, I am going to spend a few hundred dollars on a paging alarm system.

Thanks again,
-George

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>\\\\2002 INCA Gold ////<

posted 10-14-2002 10:49 AM                  

The Colorshift paint requires you to carry a special insurance just on the paint, Because if you scratch one part of the car the whole car needs to be repainted. The paint can not me matched or blending.

Here are some color options:

1. Deep deep Candy Apple red (Corvette's Candy Apple)
2. Cuda Green!! wow that would be unique.
3. Candy dark green
4. Prowler Purple (You knew that was coming)
5. Wavey American Flag (Stas and Stripes)
6. NOT Inca Gold. LOL!!!