got the police report today. "Estimated speed" of the guy who hit me was between 40-50MPH. In the "narrative" section..."Driver 1 said he reached down for his water and the next thing he knew the airbags were in his face"....toucher never even braked. That's pretty much the only way this car has $40K worth of damage....full speed collision where I get smashed between two cars.

Amazingly...the interior cabin of the car had no signs of collapse. So in essence the car crumbled around me but kept me safe at the same time. I'm definitely a Lexus customer for life!

 

Sounds like the GS not only kept you safe, but probably saved the guy's life you hit you. Can you imagine if he hit that Avalanche at 40-50 without braking? The Civic would have slide right up under it and the driver would have had a face full of Avalanche bumper.

 

Not to take away from the safety of the Lexus, but I really do believe that BMW and Mercedes cars are equally safe. My Dad had a head-on collision driving a 1994 325i cabriolet into a 1997 Toyota Four-Runner in the fog about 12 years ago. Police estimated the impact velocity at 60mph. He was able to get out of the car and go home. Given how small the 1994 BMW 325i is relative to a four-runner, this is a pretty astonishing story.

All of these top 3 luxury brands have incredible safety standards.

 

To be a total loss, the repair cost has to be 70% of the fair value.
Looking at the pictures, it's definitely totalled. Glad you are OK.
The insurance company will move quickly to avoid additional rental cost.
Good luck.

 

I showed that picture to my friend who works at a Toyota contracted body shop.

he said that will buff right out. no probs.

 

Nothing like a good Lambswool pad eh?

 

Apparently there was an electrical fire in my engine...shorted out the entire electrical system. How safe should I feel that the sill plates have not been damaged by said fire? If I choose not to go retrieve them...can I expect to get compensated for those parts from the at-fault driver's insurance? (assuming I have the receipts) Also, do I consider the cost of installation with the claim on those?

 

it all depends on your insurance policy and if they cover after market parts.

 

anything notice anything about this car that I should stay away from...

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...id=AT-10F02EA2

deal looks "too good to be true" yeah it's 2008, but it's the 460 with ML, and only 2,440 miles.

 

Wow! that was one big accident. I wonder how the civic's front turned out. I'm guessing it's a total loss too.

I've been in a car accident and it's a pain in the butt. Glad to hear that you're fine.

 

I pulled the carfax and its clean and the miles appear to be accurate

Worth taking the time to go look at it

If you want to PM me a fax # I can send a copy of the report to you.

 

Yes the price

 

Yes price is a bit on the high side but you can negotiate.

Extra Clean Retail is 40,100 including mileage adjustment. This does not include certification.

Auction/Wholesale - 32,275 (average book)

 

I think your wholesale price is not right. Carmax offered me 36000 for my car this month. Mine is identical to one in ad but has 10700 miles on it and 30 months left on the new car warranty (in service date was May 09)

 

Trust me its correct and I can probably buy the car for less at the auction in Chicago since RWD doesnt sell well in the midwest.

Carmax is probably right on the money to buy it from you (private party).They will retail the car for ~ 40k.