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Hi, I’ve got a 2011 6MT sedan with 71K miles. Was rear ended a couple days ago and at first I thought it was just bumper and trunk lid. But upon further inspection I see that the bar under the bumper is pushed in more on the right side, the trunk itself is pushed in, the metal under the right side of the trunk carpet is bent (not sure if this is frame or not), and the right rear quarter panel is dented pretty badly. Although I drove home, the exhaust was noticeably louder as well and I think it’s bent/broken at some point on the right side.
FWIW, it felt like a harder hit than the damage would appear, and both me and my two teens who were with me had mild whiplash. No airbag deployed however. I’m also in VA, where the rule is 75% of the value in repairs to be a complete loss.
Am I crazy for thinking this car might be totaled? I kinda hope it is as I’d hate to drive a car with frame damage. Or is that not what I’m seeing here and it is easily repaired?
Last edited by dentalstud; Dec 9, 2018 at 09:17 PM.
I had a similar impact, and they fixed it. Wasn't cheap, but I wasn't the one paying, so who cares.
/edit actually twice. pulled up my docs. first time it was $8600, second time $13000. worse impact second time, but it was all fixed both times.
oh, and i have exactly the same photo as you do, the last one showing the rear crumple zone collapsed.
the only sucky part was driving a rental for a month. makes you appreciate your car more though. and i could park the rental anywhere without worrying about dings, so that was nice i guess.
Last edited by codeflux; Dec 10, 2018 at 12:16 AM.
Sorry about your car, and glad you are all okay. I agree with you about it can be much worse than it looks. Structural integrity can be compromised with even mild impacts. Finding a competent body shop to repair those are starting to be few and far between, at least in my neck of the woods. Slartibartfast is right. Your insurance adjuster will make the determination of total loss.
Car is totaled. Insurance is offering $13,654 and that’s after negotiations, or 2783 less if I keep the car. Could I easily sell this car to a junk/salvage yard for well over $2800, or do you recommend letting them have it and take the full settlement?
I would take the cash and buy a new car.
More than likely your car will have a salvage title attached to it.
That will make it harder to sell later.
Some insurance companies wont offer comprehensive and/or collision with a salvage title.
Car is totaled. Insurance is offering $13,654 and that’s after negotiations, or 2783 less if I keep the car. Could I easily sell this car to a junk/salvage yard for well over $2800, or do you recommend letting them have it and take the full settlement?
if you have the space I’d take the car and part it out. Lots of parts in that 6spd sport that folks want. Brakes alone net, what, $800+ round these parts? Sport seats are a nice upgrade for those that want the adjustable bolsters and thigh support. Steering rack, maybe the LSD? The list goes on and on.
if you were closer to MN, I’d give you $2800 for it and sell the empty shell to the scrapper.
