I did use PayPal. The seller is NOT refusing to work with me. We spoke on the phone last night and then again via text message. He asked me to post up on forums to see if it can be fixed and if so to see how much it might cost.
I sent him photos, then also sent him links to the threads that I started on the subject- here, NASIOC [subaru forum where I bought it], and
DIYMA.
I am trying to determine if it can be fixed (responses seem to indicate that it can be fixed but that it might not be cost-effective) and if so how much it will cost.
If it CANNOT be fixed, I am looking for suggestions on how would be the best way to handle resolving this. Do I return it all, and if so, at whose expense? What amount should he refund? Full price? Price minus shipping? Only the cost of the enclosure?
So at this point I am seeking opinions on what is a fair resolution to this. I have never had something arrive like this and NOT have been damaged by clear abuse in shipment AND not fully insured. If it were fully insured, then I would be fine just filing the claim on it, but as the item was under-insured, it is very important that the resolution is as fair as possible to me and the seller.
If this was a simple fix that I could do myself and it cost less than $100 I'd have him file the claim, give me the money, and I'd go on. But the fix may be more than $100 and may not be successful.
So any suggestions?