My Viva Was Involved In An Accident

...and it was not pretty at all. I apologize for not writing for so long as I'm currently working (finally not an undergraduate), and let my job be a secret for now. Back to the main point, while my car was parked at the place where I worked, an Isuzu Trooper suddenly reversed on its own and hit my car. I was parking approximately 2m from the stupid wagon, and it left a huge dent on my car and on my wallet.

Back view

Front view

How it looked like the next day

The damage can be considered as major, as both doors needed changing, including the rear window pane that was shattered badly. I was quoted with original Perodua parts, and both doors costs around RM900 (RM450 each), not including spraying, installation and window glass replacement. As the driver of the Isuzu and I decided to split the bill of repairing the car, I went looking for replacement parts from Mira Avy. 

I changed both doors and all windows with Avy parts. The doors costed RM200 and all 4 windows costed RM150, both including transportation costs to Sibu, as these items was imported from Kuching. For those interested, you can check out ScGarage or Lianal Lai on Facebook for more details.

Some may ask why do I need to buy all 4 windows when only 1 was broken. There are 2 reasons why.

1. The cost of changing one window is the same as buying all 4 Avy windows.

2. Mira Avy window glass has UV protection, and factory Cromax tint. The rear windows are dark and can be considered as privacy glass.

Both doors and windows came to Sibu after 2 days, and it was packaged properly. I had to install it the next night as I was busy with some training at the office in the morning. I asked help from a friend of mine, Fendie, to assist me in installing the doors.

Transplant in progress

The doors are basically plug and play, as the doors that I bought had original Japanese wiring in it, and everything else is just cleaning, unscrewing and screwing all the nuts and bolts. The Avy doors are heavier if compared to the original Viva doors as Avy doors have better materials and better soundproofing, which makes it somehow a minor upgrade from all the cost-cutting that Perodua has made with the Viva.

The Mira Avy doors & windows after installation

After installation, the car was sent to a car spraying shop at Sungai Antu the following afternoon.

Polishing in progress

The spraying took 3 days, and the car was polished after a week, as the clearcoat needs time to dry completely before it is able to be polished.

Sent for tinting

After all of it has been completed, the car was sent for tinting. I am not used to driving clear glass cars, and I like the privacy of dark and tinted windows.

All in all, the repair costed me;

Doors & Windows + postage = RM350

Installation = RM100

Spraying & Polishing = RM400

Tint (4 doors) = RM45

Grand Total = RM895

I believe there is always a silver lining beneath the clouds. After this accident, I know a lot more about cars, how poorly done are our Malaysian cars to cut cost, and how to change doors and windows by myself. Hopefully that this won't repeat itself again. As much as I love the Viva, if it is involved in another accident like this, perhaps it's time to sell it off. Perhaps luck has run out from this car.

Keep updated on my next project - installing projector LED fog lamps with angel eye rings!

Till then, happy DIY-ing, and save more so that you can spend on other things on your car!