TJohnson

I was an adjuster for Progressive for 4 years and there are a couple of things I would do before accepting or declining any offer from the ins company.

First off, the damage does NOT have to exceed the value of the car to be totalled. Most adjusters look for 75-80% of the value to total it out. Especially on older cars.

So say the car is worth 5000 in their book or their minds. The damage only has to be $3700 or so to total it. I've personally totalled customers cars with 50% of the value in damage. It all depends on the situation.

Second, go get your own estimate. Look at the one that was done to see exactly what they claim needs to be fixed. Sometimes the damage that looks the slightest cosmetically (trunk, bumper, lights, etc) can end up being a HUGE hassle later on because of the underlying damage you can't see until the car is taken apart.

I agree w/ OLT in that you need to be very careful and find out why the company is being so quick to total it. There may be something there you don't know or they aren't telling you. Be careful, do your homework, get your own estimate, and get any and all data and info they will give you, and then make your decision.

exodus_2

iTrader: (15)

yeah but it's more likely 70% of the value exceeds they considered total loss.

LEX_MAN

iTrader: (2)

I wouldnt buy a totaled car,but if i know the reason the car was totaled,especialy small problem like this one,i'l probably keep the car.

But try to do your best fighting the insurance company.My brother got hit by an on coming traffic(suv) and they only gave him 70% because they said he didnt try to stop like he should have.......They will try to rip you off any way they can.

C-Thrilla

You don't that wrecked hunk of junk now thats it's all totalled, I'll tell you what I'll take it off your hands, uh 300 bucks for that pile of scrap metal.
LOL
jk
Lucky!
I got hit in the front corner took off some paint and got $1300 bought a full body kit. It's in the paint shop now.
I say keep it! A C.F. rear would be cool if you have an excuse like this to buy one. The frame damage shouldn't be bad I've seen alot worse.

Dv8

**** it, get a cheap kit, half *** hang it, get a new used trunk lid, zeus fasten the **** on and build a battle car.

Throw it on a frame rack, see if it really is tweaked, god only knows.

SHOLEXMAN

LOL this isn't a damn Honda with APC stickers! This is one the higher end man haha. See i you can get some money for the car to repair it ,but don't have it totaled out that is just stupid. Don't be greedy and take the totaled amount. Don't do a 1jz swap either cause the amount just for the swap isn't worth it. If you do it and have no money to fix the body what then? Have a busted car with a cool engine I'll pass.

shanesc400

take the money. keep the car...

amorphous

iTrader: (1)

Well I can understand why they did total it. The rear body panel is probably damaged from the hit it looks. both trunk hinges are shot as well as you have to replace the shocks for the trunk struts. you need a rear deck lid, they have to blend into the quarter panels and up and over through the roof. Replace deck lid emblems, remove and re install quarter glass, remove and install tail lights. seriously I think that the job is probably around the 5-6 thousand dollar range if you have a good shop do it and not Macco.

infiniti24

iTrader: (10)

Yes I agree there is a lot more to fixing ther car then what it seems. Yes you can skimp on parts but in the end your car still isnt fixed and you have to deal with it. Also for a good paint job I would repaint the entire thing due to its age. That on its own is at least 7K for a good paint job

TecnoSmurf

iTrader: (2)

If the area where the trunk locks down isn't messed up then he is looking at 800 dollars to fix.

New foam, impact bar, bar mounts, bumper, trunk lid, paint. The insurance places have CRAZY prices because they deal with the average person. Having the insurance place do it is like having the dealer work on your car.

Drive around to like 10 different places in town and have them take a look at it. Ask what parts they would replace.

When you do get it fixed look at the prices of the parts their charging you then go around and see if you can do better.

roy1928

what happened to the car that gave it that dent?

1985zcar

iTrader: (1)

Is the frame inside of the trunk damaged? That would be my guess as to why it's 3,500 dollars in damage. Have you thought about that?

1JZGTE

no frame damage...need new tails, deck lid, lock cylinder & paint.

BLovesc

If they total it out ask them how much to buy your car back(its usually a few hundred bucks) do that and then you will have a car and money to replace the broken stuff yourself and have extra cash. No cf trunk tho thats gross

SickSC3

iTrader: (3)

That suxs.....