> Most are likely impact damage. Door starts to close. Driver
> instinctively kicks it open -- at the map pockets....
>
> So the answer to my original question is to find vulnerable
> parts that have been gently used, and continue to use them gently?

No need to try to find gently used ones. I now have brand new OEM
replacement map pockets available again directly from Germany, in black
only, made from the original molds. These had been discontinued for years.
They would certainly outlast used ones, and at $29 (half of the original
price) they're relatively inexpensive.

http://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=28186713301C

Another popular item is our aftermarket version for $19 each, which we
import from the UK. Many people add one to the passenger front door. Others
buy a pair for both front doors (epecially if their stock one is cracked
anyway).

http://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=J12374

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com
  (215)  234-VWVW

_____________________________________________
Toll-Free for Orders by PART # :  1-866-BUS-DEPOT