Jovinki

Hello everyone. Haven't been around much lately as my Acura sat off and on for about a year until my daughter started to drive it. The car is a 2007 TL-S with manual transmission. Has 155,000 miles on it. Long story short, lady hit her at an angle in the driver side rear door and rear quarter. My daughter is fine and no airbags deployed.
Because the inner structure on the rear quarter is crumpled, and that inner structure is $4700, Geico wants to total. They are offering me $8300. The buy back is $1600.
So, here's the situation and question. The shop thinks, thinks, they can repair the inner panel structure and do the rest of the repairs for about $6000. So, I would about break even getting the car repaired, assuming they don't find any other issues. I know this car, having owned it for 5 years, has a newer clutch, timing belt, AC, power steering, etc. Basically everything mechanical on the engine is newer or replaced in the past five years. Since the car would be a considered a total loss, would it even be worth insuring after the repairs? Kansas doesn't issue salvage titles on cars older than six years, so it would show a loss on a Carfax, but not a salvage.
Would it be worth anything after this?
So, what would you do? I owe nothing on the car, so it that money would go right into something else. My daughter really loves the car, but I don't know that I would ever trust it again.
So there is my situation. I would really like some opinions from the group!
Thanks,
jb

thoiboi

I'd keep it if Geico is going to total it..

dopeboy1

take the 8300 or even try to negotiate for more

Midnight Mystery

It can be repaired, I'd try it!

08KBP_VA

Have you asked your insurance company if they will even reinsure it after its declared a total loss? Whats process to register a total loss car in your state and can you? Those are 2 critical question I'd answer 1st.

I went through this dilemma a couple years ago but my damage was more extensive but all undercarriage and I decided not to dump the money into it to repair so I bought it back and parted it. To me the car would never be the same and too many unknowns given potential for hidden damage to push the estimate/cost way higher. I decided not to chance it and throw good money after bad plus the car wouldnt be worth half your investment.

My .02. YMMV

gatrhumpy

iTrader: (1)

Also, know that when (or if) you try to sell it you'll get way less for a totaled car.

The Chucker

Maybe buy it back for the $1,600 and list it on Craigslist for $1,000+ more as is? A rear/side hit 6-speed with a good maintenance history should bring that with no problem-especially if it is still drivable.

thoiboi

in CA, Insurance companies will only provide liability insurance for cars with a salvage title.

Pair of TLs

dj5

Take the $8300 and move on to something newer with lower miles.

Jovinki

My insurance company would provide full coverage on a rebuild, but it wouldn't be worth it because of the reduced value. And they recommend against it. So made no sense to try to rebuild. Going to move on to something else or spend a grand or two on my long suffering '05 TL and have her use that. Being a fairly competent mechanic, my heart wanted to buy it back and part it out, but as a single father and also building a house, I just am taking the money and running.
Thanks to everyone for their opinions and time.

thoiboi

part out?

Midnight Mystery

If it's not bad, it may end up being auctioned to a rebuilder, then resold later on...



OP didn't want the car, but that doesn't mean it should be parted and scrapped, our 3gens are only becoming more rare and will have a fallowing again, esp. being a TypeS 6-speed!



I don't like new cars, so I'm on board to keep every single older car on the road, if they are still in decent condition...


But in this care, OP probably made the right call, I wish him the best!


Now, fix up your 05 and do what it takes to make your daughter happy!