So my wife rear ended a SUV. Bumper went under, grill and hood got pushed back pretty good.

The interior is in excellent condition, the rest of the car is in excellent condition. Always garaged. Transmission was rebuilt about 20K ago, front wheel bearings replaced, new tires and brakes. My next repair was going to be the alternator. Body shops are saying $2500 - $3000 to repair. Engine has 170K on it.

Part it out? Sell it as is? Repair it?

What would it be worth?

https://picasaweb.google.com/1100003...86160121557890

https://picasaweb.google.com/1100003...86163068918322

 

What's the situation on insurance? Do you have it (comp / collision)?

If you DO, then they may total it due to cost of repairs vs cost of car.

If not...then I don't know...I might fix it, but with front end damage it'll never be the exact same...however, don't look like the steering stuff got mauled too badly..may be ok.

 

well with the value of the car it isn't worth repairing unless you plan it keep it until the wheels fall off. Maybe the pics aren't showing all the damage but that does not look like 2500 work of work(maybe they are quoting all from nissan parts). How many estimates did you get? In the end its all about what its worth to you.

If you really want to repair it(sounds like you do) try getting some of the damage parts from the junkyard(like the hood, headlights, etc.) the main thing I would get from nissan is the radiator support.

good luck

 

Dont repair it too many miles..... parting it out and finding sellers/negotiating w these cheapskates is very time consuming. I wouldn't do that ever again. Selling it as it is is the least complicated route. Looks like the airbags have not deployed...

 

I agree those quotes are high if you can get it done for ~1k go for it. Parts look like a couple hundred and I've had my hood damaged worse and they were able to repair it.. but hoods are so cheap.

 

great question unfortunatly only u have the answer... i recently had to pretty much sell my stratus to a salvage yard. Thats after i put a new engine in it last year this time got the engine from a pick and pull got lucky anfd got a really good one. The harmonic balancer went out, due to frustration i went out drop ten stacks and got a max. If u love the car get more quotes, if not in the budget sell it for a certain amount leaving room for reapairs that will be better than parting it out my opinion

 

Trade her in for one that keeps her eyes on the road.

 

 

That only looks worse then it really is. A hood, upper rad support, bumper cover, lights and a few other misc. parts. Get some more quotes, make sure the shop is using LKQ or aftermarket parts. The ask yourself if you can buy another car for the price of the repair that will be in the same mechanical and cosmetic condition as what you now have?

 

The problem is the radiator support is welded to the frame of the car I could get parts for about $300 - $500 but the welding crap is bothering me. Is the radiator support removable without cutting?

 

Maybe I missed the most important part. How is your wife?

 

She was not injured, no seat belt and all. She is a tough chick though. She is mean too! Thanks for asking!!! :-)