Wednesday, when I was out researching tire and oil change prices, I was run into by a post from behind.
I had just left AUTO CENTRO and turned right on a road, that I didn’t know, thinking I could exit to another street and return home. As soon as I made my right I realized that this was a dead end. I put the car into reverse and backed up. Unfortunately I did not remember the post I had passed and I cut the car a little too sharp and hit it.
The net effect was a broken taillight assembly and a damaged right rear fender. It made my tire and oil change research, pretty darn expensive.
However, maybe something good will come out of that accident. When I went to Felipe Rodriguez today I asked the young man, that helped me with the oil change quotation, who he would recommend for bodywork. Obviously I have no plans on going to Auto Servicios de Chiriquí for an estimate.
I was told that to go to Taller Chiriquí and talk to Radamas Rodriguez. Taller Chiriquí is right across the street from Clinic Hospital Cattan.
I went and met with Senor Radamas. He took a look at my car and made a very reasonable quote for the repair. I asked him if I had any options other than Ricardo Perez to get the tail-lamp assembly. He made a couple calls and then gave me the name of a shop in the Frontera where I could get the part for about a ½ to a 1/3 of the local dealership.
When I get a chance, I will go to the frontera and see if I can get the part. If all goes as planned, I should be able to get the parts and the body repair for less than buying the part from Ricardo Perez. Time will tell.
I talked to Lilliam last night and she wants a friend of hers to take a look at the car for a second opinion. It is always a good idea if you know a local that is used to really getting things done cheaply to provide repair recommendations.
My opinion is that most body-shops are going to require you to be able to speak Spanish. There are English speaking options, such as the car dealers, but my hunch is that most locals will go for a less expensive option. In fact for the small amount of damage I have, it would probably be ignored.
I have to tell you that I got a severe scolding from Lilliam for putting a dent in her car. Ouch. That hurt more then the accident.