Hey guys,

Unfortunately last week I was involved in a car accident with a stupid budget truck slamming his brakes in front of me on the highway and even admitting he was at fault, but none of that matters in Texas, because I am at fault for hitting him from behind. Of course the truck had little to no damage and my car took the brunt of it. It's a 2007 base model with 152k miles, paid off and in excellent mechanical condition. The only thing I was about to replace on it next was the motor mounts, but it wasn't an emergency or anything. I don't want to go through my insurance because I don't want my rates to go up and for the what the car is worth and repairing, just doesn't seem justified to me to drop money. I have received quotes from 1800k-3k to replace it and I don't think my car is worth more than 500 bucks at this point with the damage.

Should I fork out the cash and replace it and continue driving with no car note and save up for my next car purchase, which would be next summer? Or should I sell as is, and buy another car cash? Or just buy something that is 4-5 years old and have a low car note? Here are the pics attached. I was also thinking of getting the parts from ebay and salvage yards and just pay someone to paint and put the parts back on.

Hood Damage

Bumper, headlight and fender need to be replaced

 

I'd shop around for a shop which will put used parts on. Down in Texas said parts should be available rust-free so you should be good to go.

 

on facebook marketplace and craiglist you should be able to find a complete front end with the hood, fenders, bumpers and headlamps. It's best to swap both fenders, hood and bumper from the same car so you won't notice any color differences esp if you are not going to get them painted! Car-part.com should also be of use.

this looks like your paint:

Color Code: NH-658P . Carbon Gray Pearl Metallic

 

Get a headlight, remove bumper, take a heat gun to damaged area and you'll be able to work the cover back into position.
There's certain products to use on the cover, but just use some fiberglass on the back and be finished.
When off, work on the fender to get back to position, install headlight and drive the car.

Now if you want it fixed correctly, hope you have deep pockets.

 

You need to look for a parts car in your area. If not, your options get thin

 

- there's bunch of headlights on ebay for ~$150
- fender - either leave it, get one from junkyard, or get one "pre-painted" from ebay ($200) (over year ago I went with pre-painted option and still have no problems)
- there are used hoods for ~$350 on ebay, but I would suggest visiting some local junkyards with a buddy to help you swap the hood if you find one
- I probably would leave the bumper

Or if you want to go cheapest route possible, just get a headlight and you are set. Do it yourself for even more savings!

 

I would fix the damage.


however I would gladly offer you more than $500 for the car (with damage) =P

 

Replace what?! You keep saying replace it and not discussing what the repairs would cost and which are necessary.

 

Peter6 has the right idea! fix what he stated above and enjoy the car again

 

Source parts from the suggested sources and go from there.