Suicidal wildlife

[Nick Jones]

One of the hazards of country living is "wandering wildlife". Usually smallish and/or avoidable.

However, last night a large deer jumped a hedge and landed in the road about 10 feet in front of me. As I was doing about 45 at the time all my braking was done after the impact..... which was quite considerable .

The car ('96 D2 4.2QS) has suffered
Bumper is thoroughly shattered on the O/S and all 3 grill inserts lost
O/S headlight glass smashed and mounts broken. No working bulbs.
O/S headlight frame broken
O/S indicator lens gone (still works though!)
Grill stove in with dent in the centre of the bonnet just above it.
A/C condensor bowed and bearing the imprint of the gearbox cooler

Still runs and drives ok, no coolant leaks. The wing seems undamaged and the bonnet opens and closes normally.

Bearing in mind that this was a bit of a heap before the mishap and the MoT is due in about a month, it's fate hangs in the balance. Even used parts for repair are likely to cost more than it's worth. Insurance is pointless as it will be written off with only a very minor payout after excess etc and not worth increased premiums thereafter.......

Constructive thoughts welcomed.....

Nick

PS, no there is no venison in the freezer. It was a bit beat up and there didn't seem much point in ruining my boot carpet as well.