Quite unfortunate that the days of cars being able to take a little abuse are over. I would send his parents the bill. NOBODY should be bouncing balls off your car. That's inconsiderate at least. I don't care if they claim an acccident. One dent is an accident, several are sheer neglegance. (Sp?) Kids ought to be more respectful. The only way to teach them this in modern society is to sue the parents for their damages. My dad would have skinned me alive if I had whacked a ball and dented my neighbor's car. Rightfully so. We are raising a generation of wimps (parents and kids)
Please, hold them accountable. A teacher will thank you. Society will bless you.

Jim

 

Lee - you might try the diplomatic approach and talk to the kid directly. I have my doubts about the likelihood of the kid putting that many dents in your HHR's hood and fender - unless he was using it as a target, AND he is an extremely good hitter.

 

I was thinking about it this morning, and I must have been crazy not to have said anything about it all summer, even before I noticed the dings. They life directly accross the street from me. The kids would stand at the bottom of their driveway, with the pitcher in the middle of the narrow one-way street. So when the batter hit the ball, it was right at my car which was parked in my driveway about 60 feet away. In fact, they used to place 2nd base right in front of my bumper. A good line drive would certainly hit my car. My wife told me that her alarm was set off by the kids several times, and she parks in front of the house, in right field. Since our cars dont have that time of motion alarm, mine was never triggered.

Keep in mind that these are not major dents, or I would have noticed them right away. They are just little indentations that you have to look for. They are like ripples. Most people probably would not even care, but I do.

What I have to do is tell my neighbor that I am bringing my car into the body shop. Then I will point out that when they were looking over my car for the estimate they noticed all of the dings on the hood and fender and asked if anybody plays ball near my car. The tough part will be when my neighbor inevitably asks where his kids are supposed to play-but that is not my problem. They can play in the street facing traffic. This way the balls are not being hit in the direction of parked cars.

 

All I can say is at 30 MPG that my Number One Complaint with my HRR, the so called "Metal" used to build this thing! I was at the Car Wash and the Detailer didn't get the Side Door closed all the way? Hmm, No Handle on the Side Panel Door, he then closes it with his Palm, Instant Dent where the Handle would be! Heck I Swear if you look at these things Cross Eyed a Dent will appear! I've used the Paintless Dent Removal process to remove small sized waves or indentations with Great Success! I have been called anal when I comes to where I park my vehicle and could only imagine what it would look like if I didn't care about how others have little respect for others property!

I would recommend just keeping a better eye on your ride and tell the kids and the parents, "You Wana Play Ball, Go to the Park"...

 

I believe a real close fart might dent todays cars

 

Lee - I'd gently walk up to one of the kids or some of them and not accuse, but just mention that there are some dents in the car. "They probably didn't come from you guys, but would you keep a look out for my car and make sure no one puts any dents it it - it's my favorite toy." (big smile) Indirectly, they will understand, and also know you're sort of watching - not necessarly them. That way, you don't get the parents involved and you befriend them. Bet the results will be fine, and no animosity will develop. You can actually come off as "cool" rather than a "pr**k".

 

Yeh Lee, You Get More Bees with Honey... You wouldn't want to upset "ANYONE" that might have just got done using your HHR as a Back Stop!