Hey guys. Today I was rear ended pretty hard by a distracted driver while I was stopped in bumper to bumper traffic in my RL. Here's some pics of the damage, I feel like this will be a total loss- but maybe some of you guys who've been in this situation (or similar) with your cars can provide some insight? What concerns me the most is what I see in the 2nd picture. Looks like the rear core support is bent out of shape but I could be wrong. As you can see there's also damage to the hood and front bumper as well, when I pulled off to the side, the car was running fine but not driving straight at all.

Car has about 110k miles and is an 06. Before this happened, the car didn't have any damage or flaws at all so this sucks, not even a door ding. I had just changed all the all fluids and did the timing belt/WP maybe 2 months ago, plus all of the aftermarket parts on the car. I am hoping maybe insurance can take this into consideration if they do total it out. I am not expecting to get much as I know these cars aren't worth a lot, but I'm hoping I can get at least enough to get into another nice one. Thanks in advance for any comments/input.

 

Based on how things buckled behind the bumper and things got bent, I'm going with yes on the total loss. That's not to say you can't buy it back from the insurance and repair it for much cheaper (READ: Slap on new bumper covers and tail lights)

Does the trunk open and close normally? If it doesn't it's almost certainly totaled and the repair would be more expensive if you buy it back.

 

And I just noticed the bent hood so things might have shifted below it. I'm going with yes.

 

Thanks Project. Yeah I have to agree with you, it was an extremely hard hit. To answer your question, at the scene of the accident I popped the trunk to get my gym bag and work laptop out and I couldn’t get it to close after. It felt like it was hitting the body as I was trying to shut it.

I am pretty upset about all of this, I’ve had it for about two years now and I had planned to keep this car for a while longer as it was completely sorted out mechanically and I had it how I wanted it cosmetically. Now I have to start all over!

 

I'm going through a similar situation with my '07 right now and my body shop is up to $4K without a trunk lid or hood replacement. If I were you, I'd let them total it, buy it back (usually for $4-500) and get it repaired. Don't know about salvage titles in VA but in TN, that's not an issue. If you do keep it, I'd try to get that rear A-Spec underbody spoiler back because there may be limited quantities of those still available. Good luck---

 

Sorry to hear that, it’s a terrible situation. I have a feeling my car will cost the same or more to repair which is why I think it’s totaled. To be honest, I probably won’t buy it back, I just don’t have the time to put into it to get it sorted out. I’ve already started browsing for a replacement vehicle. I just had the front a-spec underbody spoiler on it which I bought new from Acura early this year, the rear was just the stock bumper. Thanks very much for the input and good luck with your car

 

This is the problem with a well maintained OLD car. The book value of the car does not take into account that the car is in perfect condition.

 

Just to update everyone- car was deemed a total loss. I’ll be pulling my tags and a spec underbody spoiler within the next day or two and it’ll be towed to the salvage yard I wish I could pull the A-Spec wheels and sell them but they won’t allow it since they factored it into the value of the car. My car sustained over $7k in repairs from this accident.

 

Ouch :/ I'm sorry man! They did the same thing with my Camry, I could only pull off certain things since I involved an appraiser and most things I was getting paid back for.

 

Yes, exactly the case with me. They actually added a good amount of money for the “chrome” as they called them A spec wheels.

On the bright side, I’ll be back in the Acura game soon. I am looking and ready to buy an 07-08 TL Type S now!

 

Yes - definitely total loss... what you can definitely insist on is monetary damage (how much it would be to fix it). Often insurances do agree with this and give you money while you keep the car.
Worth exploring this option because I think with some used parts available you can certainly bring this car back to life.
If you crave more performance-oriented car, go for total damage and get ready to pay up for Type S because those are rarely below 10k - which I don't think you will get that much for RL....

Good luck - report back what you end up doing at the end of all ...

 

Very true. I just don't have the resources/time to get it right so I'd be better off just starting over with a new car. I wish I could show you guys the list of repairs from the estimate, the car is in a really bad way. And you're exactly right about the Type S! It's a more expensive car but believe it or not, to my surprise- my RL was valued at $8,300 with 109k miles by insurance. I just need to wait until all this is all settled and search for the right one.

The RLs final resting spot before it is put in the salvage yard... I pulled my tags and all my aftermarket LED bulbs from the inside and locked it up for the last time. I actually started it and it cranked right up and sounded perfect as always. So sad to see it go out like this man...

 

I hear ya man! I felt the same way with the Camry. It started right up, drove itself onto the tow truck and everything.... Very sad moment to walk away from your car. Ultimately it did it's job and you're still here. That's always the best way to remember it!

 

Quick question. You were carrying full coverage on your insurance, correct? Sorry about your car........

 

That really does suck. Beautiful car. As soon as I saw the hood was sprung, I knew it was Game Over.

You did do well to get $8,300 for it. And to be philosophical, it gave its life for yours. These cars do that well, too.

 

Yes full coverage!

Thanks very much, I really enjoyed and put a lot of money into that car. I'm glad it paid off somewhat with the insurance payout- although I would rather have my car back than the money lol.

 

What are you planning on getting now?

 

I am going to probably pick up an 07-08 TL Type S. I’ve been considering an 04-07 CTS-V as well, but with all the traffic I deal with on my commute and the bad winter weather we sometimes get, I think getting another Acura will be a better choice. I’m just waiting to find the right one.

 

Great choice. Will you be buying a manual or auto?

 

Yeah I’ve always liked them, I wish I could get my hands on a manual- but they seem too hard to find without a bunch of miles and I need to get into something sooner rather than later. Paying for this rental is getting expensive lol

 

Great idea! A TL-S would be a great car to replace the RL. It is a bit sporty compared to the RL. Have you considered an IS350? Too small, probably.

 

Hey guys- just to update, I ended up locking in an ‘05 Cadillac CTS-V with 41k miles. I go to pick it up this weekend. I’m not expecting it to hold up like an Acura, but for the deal I got I really couldn’t pass it up. I’ll still be checking this board often as I’ll always be a fan of these cars

 

Plenty of vroom. Enjoy!

 

Definitely check back and post pics!!!

 

 

Ok guys- Here's the RLs replacement. '05 CTS-V- 41k miles on the clock. VERY different experience than the RL. Interior and build quality are not comparable whatsoever to the RL, but this thing is a blast to drive! No plans whatsoever other than tint and addressing the couple of minor flaws that it has.

 

The interior build quality is galaxies apart. But who can contest an LS engine! Congrats!!

 

Nice ride!

How's the MPG?

 

Yeah, the interior is going to take some getting used to lol. The upper dash pad is cracked and there are a few buttons inside that have worn that need replacing. Other than that it’s not bad. And yes the LS6 is awesome, plenty of power lol.

Thanks man. Seems to be about the same as the RL. Pretty decent on highway, tanks in the city lol