Originally Posted By: mjk
...It just depends on how anal you are about looks vs functionality...
I definitely value function over cosmetics, but I must admit that I have a breaking point when the cosmetics can get too rough that I can't bear the sight of it on one of my only two family vehicles. An example: earlier in the thread, I'd mentioned the driver side mirror having been knocked off the driver door a couple months before the wreck. While I'd duck taped the thing back on there, it was really nagging at me to do a proper fix that didn't involve any tape or epoxy (i.e. replace the entire assembly with the same paint color as car, even if from a salvage yard or aftermarket). Now this is saying a lot coming from a guy who used to wash his vehicles at least 4 times per month and wax his vehicles at least 6 times per year, not to mention interior cleaning with similar "obsessive" frequency.
Originally Posted By: krismoriah72
...I called the local aftermarket crash parts place and come up with $900 for hood, bumper, headlight and turnsignal accessory. I called local body shop and if I bring those items in, they will paint for $300. So $1200 and I am responsible for putting the parts on.
That sounds pretty attractive.
Originally Posted By: krismoriah72
...The claims adjuster called after a couple of days and told me to take it to get estimates. First place I took it to was a preferred repair facility of my insurance company so if they say X then its X.
$3178.26 was my estimate.
BTW, who's the insurer?
Originally Posted By: krismoriah72
...So how did your car get totaled and mine gets fixed?
An excellent question indeed. I suspect the answer lies, at least partly, in us presumably having different insurers. The other difference, which may not be relevant, is that my damage occurred while both vehicles were in motion whereas yours was parked.
Originally Posted By: cptbarkey
dont take my word for it. their inventory of cars are online, and their price list is too.
http://www.wrenchapart.com/
Thanks for mentioning this. Perhaps I'm dense, but I only found their vehicle inventory, but not their parts inventory and prices, at this site. No big deal though. I still believe you. Thanks again for mentioning it.
Originally Posted By: KitaCam
THIS was totaled...both fender quarter panels shot...as well as bumper and trunk lid...not to mention the damage to the trunk itself...
Damage $3400 on a 13-year old Altima with 195k miles...got $2650 less $250 deductible...you can tell by the shine that I liked that car...
Agreed. It sucks to lose something like that with so much sweat equity.