Zaairman wrote:I think you should have kept the $2500 and left the dent...
Alcolawl wrote:Ok guys I'm really stuck on this one and need some help, because I'm in a terrible position right now.
Long story short, a good friend of mine a few days ago freaked out and punched the living @!#$ out of my car, moved it into the street, poured beer all over it and drew penises on the windshield. I, of course, was fuming at the sight of this and wanted to kill him after assuming he did it. No one who stayed the night at his house wanted to fess up to who did it, so I went to the State Police. The State Police sorted things out in a matter of hours and my friend admitted to doing it. He immediately afterwards texted me saying he'd pay for the damages and felt extremely bad about it because he knows I love my Cavalier.
Here's the problem: It's been estimated by two shops at around $2500.... Now I'm pissed at this kid, I've never been so angry in my entire life, and yet, I'm not a heartless person. $2500 is a crazy amount of money, but the damage just can't be ignored. Every time I look at my car, instead of smiling and being happy that I bought it, I immediately look at the dent and become disappointed and depressed. I avoided to break the news to him for at least a day because I was afraid of what he would say, and after texting him the estimate amounts today, his reaction is exactly what I thought it would be.. Disbelief and outrage. He then proceeded to text me about the value of our friendship and that he can't believe I'm making him pay for this, as it's basically all he has to his name. This puts me in a terrible spot. I do value this friendship but it hasn't always been a smooth ride, last year he basically ruined my summer because of a girl and I slipped into depression for a few weeks. We've gotten past that but since then, it's always been kinda awkward. So now he's guilt tripping me into just leaving the damage how it is. That's really not what I wanted to hear from him.
I'm not sure what to do here to be honest. I don't wanna ruin his life by taking all of his money, but I want the damages fixed and I'm sure as hell not paying even 1 cent of that. Bottom line is, he shouldn't have done this to my car, and even though he might have been a little drunk, he still has to take responsibility for his actions. He's done so over the phone, and even the State Trooper said he sounded pretty sincere, but I don't think he though it'd cost that much. And Frankly, neither did I. I don't wanna lose a friend, but I love my car, and this damage lowers the value considerably and looks terrible. The only thing I can think of is that he borrows money from his parents. MY grandma offered to lend money towards the cause and then my friend could pay it back overtime, but he's going back to school at the end of the month and wont have a job.
What should I do guys, I need some serious help here. Is there anyway that he can pay the damages back with some kinda payment plan? I'm not sure what else can be done. Something must be possible to get my car back to new and at the same time make sure that this kid doesn't kill himself after handing away his life savings.
Terence Dangerfield wrote:Please disregard that post. I saw the first post and failed to keep reading lol. FAIL on my behalf. This scenario just made me a bit miffed and so I jumped to responding haha. Forgive me. Glad everything worked out and that you two could retain your friendship. Cheers.Alcolawl wrote:Ok guys I'm really stuck on this one and need some help, because I'm in a terrible position right now.
Long story short, a good friend of mine a few days ago freaked out and punched the living @!#$ out of my car, moved it into the street, poured beer all over it and drew penises on the windshield. I, of course, was fuming at the sight of this and wanted to kill him after assuming he did it. No one who stayed the night at his house wanted to fess up to who did it, so I went to the State Police. The State Police sorted things out in a matter of hours and my friend admitted to doing it. He immediately afterwards texted me saying he'd pay for the damages and felt extremely bad about it because he knows I love my Cavalier.
Here's the problem: It's been estimated by two shops at around $2500.... Now I'm pissed at this kid, I've never been so angry in my entire life, and yet, I'm not a heartless person. $2500 is a crazy amount of money, but the damage just can't be ignored. Every time I look at my car, instead of smiling and being happy that I bought it, I immediately look at the dent and become disappointed and depressed. I avoided to break the news to him for at least a day because I was afraid of what he would say, and after texting him the estimate amounts today, his reaction is exactly what I thought it would be.. Disbelief and outrage. He then proceeded to text me about the value of our friendship and that he can't believe I'm making him pay for this, as it's basically all he has to his name. This puts me in a terrible spot. I do value this friendship but it hasn't always been a smooth ride, last year he basically ruined my summer because of a girl and I slipped into depression for a few weeks. We've gotten past that but since then, it's always been kinda awkward. So now he's guilt tripping me into just leaving the damage how it is. That's really not what I wanted to hear from him.
I'm not sure what to do here to be honest. I don't wanna ruin his life by taking all of his money, but I want the damages fixed and I'm sure as hell not paying even 1 cent of that. Bottom line is, he shouldn't have done this to my car, and even though he might have been a little drunk, he still has to take responsibility for his actions. He's done so over the phone, and even the State Trooper said he sounded pretty sincere, but I don't think he though it'd cost that much. And Frankly, neither did I. I don't wanna lose a friend, but I love my car, and this damage lowers the value considerably and looks terrible. The only thing I can think of is that he borrows money from his parents. MY grandma offered to lend money towards the cause and then my friend could pay it back overtime, but he's going back to school at the end of the month and wont have a job.
What should I do guys, I need some serious help here. Is there anyway that he can pay the damages back with some kinda payment plan? I'm not sure what else can be done. Something must be possible to get my car back to new and at the same time make sure that this kid doesn't kill himself after handing away his life savings.
I for one give you props. Why? Because if ANYONE did that to my car, I would be in jail. I protect my baby and if it's not yours, dont touch it unless I tell you to. Break that rule and your jaw gets broke. You have amazing self control if you can avoid beating the living daylights out of this dude. I would definitely make him pay for it. A true friend wont do that to you and would pay regardless if it is all he has. I dont wanna hear "It was the alcohols fault" because if you are that drunk, its time for you to never drink again. Either get your money or take him to court. I understand you are sympathetic as am I, but I do have a very short fuse that can be lit really quick lol. However, there is a fine line and this guy has done more than crossed it. This guy has crossed the equator in my opinion. Thats the best advice I can give you. Cheers.