BeZerK2112

iTrader: (2)

OK guys. My neighbor got into a small accident with her Maxima. Her daughter was driving behind a school bus and the bus slammed on its brakes. No one was in the bus and everyone is fine but the car suffered some damage.

I'm trying to figure out if I should attempt the repair or part out the car. It is in great mechanical condition, in fact she was still able to drive the car home after the accident. I recently replaced some struts, mounts, bushings, and it has new tires all the way around with about 1 k on them. From what I can tell the only major part to replace would be the front apron but I don't know how hard that would be to replace. heres a list of what I think it need:

Front Fender right
Front fender left
Headlight assembly left
headlight assembly right
Radiator support right
Radiator support left
Radiator support Lower
Radiator support upper
Radiator
Grill
Hood
Battery

Most of this I can pick up local or at a junk yard. But is it going to be worth it in the end. Should I just part it out for everyone?

Tell me what you think!

oldngivout

iTrader: (8)

You should add LH & RH marker lamps, as well as AC condenser to your list.

That really is a lot of damage and parts to replace. Initial looks can be deceiving. The only way THEY are going to come out good on this - if YOU source used parts and do the work for free.

Mistertones

I would say it all depends on the mileage of the car. If it's too high, I'd part it out. It doesn't look too bad though. Once you tear everything down, it doesn't look as bad..

[s3]

iTrader: (1)

Part out, not worth it.

You will spend more than $1000 in parts alone. Cheaper if you get ebay/junkyard junk but for certain things I would recommend against ebay/junkyard (radiator suppor, AC stuff).

Don't forget repainting.

Togglehead

If youre ambitious enough for body repair...you might be ambitious enough to buy a cheap decent body 4th gen with a blown motor or something and swap parts.

Would probably end up cheaper in the long run....since, IMO, cars that have been hit just never feel the same after...

BeZerK2112

iTrader: (2)

I know the labor involved. I dont have a job and dont do much all day so it would at least give me something to do. But I think I'm leaning towards parting it out or selling the car as a whole. Just looking for some options and opinions.

Webhead

I dont think its worth fixing, but it depends on the owner

ThaMax

iTrader: (2)

From personal experience the lower rad support will be the toughest thing to replace, especially trying to do it on a really tight budget. Unless you've got a good set of drill bits, pneumatic tools and a welder, I'd be wary of trying to fix this all by yourself.

BeZerK2112

iTrader: (2)

Thats the exact information I was wondering. Thanks for the input! Part out soon to come!

imports_only1

i would part it out or sell it. looks can be deceiving....once you start tearing everything apart, you will probably realize that you need more parts to replace. for a car that old, it's not worth it. even if you source your parts from junk yards, you're still looking at close to 1K or more plus painting, the time sourcing the parts, and gas money. not worth it.

JAY25

iTrader: (38)

Wish you were my neighbor, Id tell you to come get the complete front end off a 99 I got in my yard, yes that includes fenders!!

99BlackMaxMS

iTrader: (85)

I would part it out, seeing that the whole radiator support will need to be replaced along with the hood, fenders, headlights, etc.

You'd make more money and save yourself some headaches by parting it out IMO.