Dear all,

Last winter some very bad individual slammed into the driver's side quarter panel, giving it a large dent (more like a crater); damage was also incurred to the trunk of the car, because of the dent the hood doesn't close properly and as consequence any significant rainfall creates a lake in the tire-well and water also finds it's way into the tail-light. To top it all off - no insurance information.

A bodyshop estimated approx. $800 worth of damage, and I'd like to figure out a way to bring that price down. I've paid upwards of $1500 for repairs this year (brakes needed replacing), and so my budget is rather tight... It would be wonderful if there was a way to bring that price down. Are there any sites to purchase quarter panels? If so, are there any specifications that I should be aware of? The body shop said they would charge less if I could find cheaper parts.

This car has tried to do it's best for me, and the last thing I want is for the car to rust away before the transmission goes out.

If you want pictures of the damage, let me know - I can take some. The dent looks too deep for putty to do any good.

Cordially,
Katherine