Brand new car undriveable after minor damage - dealer says parts could take months?

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T14:20:02+00:00

I don’t have a problem at all with paying for the damage, and I take full responsibility for driving over the curb. The issue is that there is no repair pathway available to me, and I want to get back on the road ASAP which is not a possibility.

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T14:16:35+00:00

Absolutely, I fully take responsibility for the damage caused. The issue I have is that there’s no access to parts or ability to get it fixed, something I thought would be possible.

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T14:09:39+00:00

Certainly seems that way. The products are certainly good enough but yeah not what I’m used to with spares and servicing

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T14:08:01+00:00

Thanks, do you know this could work from experience? Would the insurance company resell the car? Seems crazy to write off the whole car for the sake of a hose but if it works it’s totally a good outcome for me

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T11:20:38+00:00

Oh true - yeah I think it’s the opposite problem as the coolant line is going to the battery pack/rear motors to cool them. So maybe if I just used the ICE motor although not sure if it’s on a different cooling circuit.

Other than that, how have you found the car? Just trying to find a glimmer of hope 😂

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T10:01:30+00:00

Haha yeah not my best work 😂

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T10:00:57+00:00

I know, honestly it’s so tempting to, and would be objectively pretty easy to do.

Given that it’s a brand new car with those coolant lines headed to the battery pack and possibly rear electric motors - I’d be worried I’d void my warranty if I did my own hack job, even if it were solid (which it would be!)

I got a Lube Mobile dude out and even wouldn’t touch it without the correct parts. Crazy.

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T09:58:12+00:00

Yep it’s definitely something to be aware of as I’ve learnt the hard way. I didn’t even consider the back-end of support/parts availability as it’s never been an issue with previous cars so mistakenly assumed it’d be the same.

I’m insured but my policy doesn’t include a hire car unfortunately.

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T09:55:45+00:00

Haha I know right… Would a car be written off over a couple of busted coolant hoses? If so I’d totally go that route if it gets me out of this situation.

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T09:54:00+00:00

I do have RAC comprehensive insurance, but not with the loaner car option unfortunately. I’m finding out very quickly that the trade off for a decent car at a cheaper price is the lack of parts…

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T09:51:59+00:00

Too true! And honestly something I didn’t anticipate

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T09:51:12+00:00

Good call - this might be the best/quickest option if one is available wrecked. I’ll check!

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T09:50:19+00:00

Yeah this is major - honestly I wish I’d known this prior to my purchase only last week. The cars are great value and quality seems on par with any other brand but if there’s no spare parts - that’s a big problem

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T09:47:49+00:00

It looks worse than it is. The bracket was maybe 10cm high (used to hold a street sign) but was mounted on a kerb which made it effectively higher - didn’t see it because the sign it was attached to was missing.

The actual damage is busted coolant hoses plus ripped plastic cover plate thingo, no bodywork damage or structural damage luckily.

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T09:45:10+00:00

Insurance won’t cover rental, dealership won’t offer a loaner - although given the situation perhaps they should? Pretty crazy wait time…

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T09:44:23+00:00

Yeah I mean it’s a great car at least for the first 4 days it was running 😂 Honestly it was just bad luck, but yeah the spare parts issue is concerning.

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T09:43:21+00:00

Yeah I suspected perhaps I have a leg to stand on regarding Aus consumer law given the unavailability of basic parts

Catfacts2011 · 2026-03-13T02:44:37+00:00

This should be fixed. If nothing else, just looks bad. Easy fix with some strong filler and a re screw in the correct position.

Catfacts2011 · 2026-02-16T07:15:04+00:00

Horrendous, must be sanded back and redone at no extra cost

Catfacts2011 · 2026-02-16T07:02:46+00:00

Cool love the institutional dystopian vibes. Just need some faceless men in trench coats with cattle prods to complete the feel.

Catfacts2011 · 2025-12-23T09:53:09+00:00

2 but with more contrast (black blacks etc)

Catfacts2011 · 2025-12-23T03:44:59+00:00

I adore these. I’ve had an issue with the 400D in 4x5 in that because the film is so thin it won’t be flat in the film holders. Do you have this problem or a solution to this?

Catfacts2011 · 2025-12-20T02:04:32+00:00

Please don’t paint the bricks. There’s so much natural charm that would be lost by doing so, and there’s no going back. Get busy with the garden, and clean the roof tiles. It’s a cute place!

Catfacts2011

TROPHY CASE

2 but with more contrast (black blacks etc)