Right now I'm not sure.
The shop I took the car to swears the car will be as good as new after repairs. I think I will try to live with it once it's back, see how it feels.
If it feels good, I'll probably keep it. I really like the BRZ.

In terms of the next car to get, I was giving a 2009+ BMW Z4 a very close look. I understand it's a very different car compared to the BRZ, but I think I'll really enjoy open top motoring come summer time, and the hardtop should be good enough to feel as a coupe during winter months. A turbo 4-banger Z4 w/ 6-speed weighs 3200lbs, not too much heavier than a BRZ, and looks like it's as light as it gets for hardtop verts. Also, Z4s are pretty great at depreciating by 60% in 3-4 years, and CPO cars can be affordable. I haven't driven one yet, so I'm not sure if I'll be ok with the steering, but so far I like the looks and the idea of the car.

See above. Not as sure anymore. I'll give the car a fair chance once it's back.

FYI, BMW didn't introduce the 4-cylinder turbo version of the Z4 until the 2012 model year. All of the new body style Z4's prior to that were 3.0l turbo or NA versions and they weighed more than 3200 lbs. I owned 3 versions of the prior generation Z4 (conv, hardtop and M) and have driven the later generation car. The latest version is more of a grand touring car and not so much a sports car.

I was pretty close. It looked very similar to the damage I had.

I said 2009+ because I'd be ok with the NA 6-cylinder engine as well if I can find it w/ a 6-speed. It's not that much heavier than a turbo 4, from what I read, but yeah, it slips into 3300s.

I think I might be ok with a GT car as long as it can predictably handle. Unfortunately that's usually hard to tell from a short test drive.

Anyway, right now I've stopped thinking about other cars... Really excited to get my car back in 4 weeks!

Yep, you're right.

it really shouldn't either, your cars value is around 20-22k in the eyes of insurance, the threshold to total a car is anywhere between 70-90% depending on the company.

also, be ready to fight for that diminished claim. After the repair is done, go into your local dealer, ask them to give you a quote for trade in value (without disclosing the accident) once you get that, ask them to give you a new one with the knowledge of the accident. Take this number and use it to try and get that much for the diminished value claim.

best of luck.

A PRHT Miata shoukd weigh less than 3,200 lbs (a bunch less I'd think). Prices are super affordable compared to the BMW, both in initial purchase price and maintenance. But its a different car than a Z4, and you should buy what you like bc you'll be the one driving it every day (not us!).

The body shop could dona great job. My other car got rear ended and had $8k worth of damage. After the 1 month repair, you can't tell its been in an accident. 5 years later now and everything still works fine, etc. Resale will likely be not as good.

As for how much damage the car needs to have before insurance totals it - probably close to its value. Maybe 80%? So if the car is worth $20k used, damage would need to be $16k before totaling. And getting a car totaled is not always the best bc you just get whatever value insurance puts on your car. If you bought the car new recently, it coukd be worth less than what you owe on it (which would mean you'd need to pay off the difference yourself, and then have no car). Also its possible the insurance payout wouldn't cover buying a used car in similar condition/mileage. So getting it fixed might be a very good thing.

Here's the car after the structural repairs - going to be painted tomorrow morning.

http://i.imgur.com/bgM42fN.jpg

Expecting to get the car back next week.

Curious how well the paint will come out.

hope everything comes out perfect and you keep the car. it looked very clean in its prime, and with todays advance repair shops it should drive and look like new hopefully.

Got the car back today. So far so good. Paint is perfect. Body looks perfect, too. Checked under the trunk mat and the spare tire - paint and seals look factory-quality.

I'll post pictures of the car after the repairs, probably this weekend.

Good to hear!

Any luck with diminished value? I am not about going after someone with a frivolous lawsuit, but as others have said diminished value is real. If/when you do go to sell the car I expect it will be worth $2-3k less than a car that has never been in an accident.

Once the body shop gets the final bill of repairs approved by the insurance, I'll provide this document to an expert for an estimate of diminished value. Then I can go talk to insurance about it.

Here are the pictures of the car from this weekend:
http://i.imgur.com/EeOoapi.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/XZemMrf.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dlwkDGJ.jpg

Now to show the parts that show that the car had some body work done:
The new weld under the rear window:
http://i.imgur.com/BbsQBH5.jpg

The factory weld on the other side:
http://i.imgur.com/Xo3GfKj.jpg

The new weld in the trunk by the taillight:
http://i.imgur.com/jNnGeGN.jpg

Same spot on the other side with a factory weld:
http://i.imgur.com/IMJ6Pr3.jpg

The gas cap area has some new welds too:
http://i.imgur.com/vM6lXi4.jpg

I am very happy with the body shop's work.