Is it totaled? If not, will it be the same?

[mynameisnick4]

So last night I had a girl turn left crossing through my lane while I had a green light and the right of way. Both of our front drivers side hit each other, there was enough force for her car to do a complete 180 and hit the car behind her. Both front airbags were deployed.

The car is a lease and everything has been reported to the insurance companies, now its just a matter of waiting out the process. Now my fear is whether or not it will be totaled, and if it isn't will the car ever drive the same.

[Tcoat]

Really hard to tell. Sometimes the damage looks massive but no vital parts were harmed.
Of course on the other hand it can look fine and there be horrible structural damage (rare in the age of cars designed to crumple though).
Really just a wait and see case from what I can tell by your pics.
At least everybody is OK!

[aakash]

Totaled

[Brndn704]

If one wheel is turned and the other is straight, then yes, you're more than likely totaled.

[Jond63]

With the airbags I'm going to guess totaled, but if not most likely a good body shop can get it like new. I had smashed my STi pretty good into a pole a few years ago, no airbags but slight front frame support damage. They put it on the rack and pulled it all straight, built it all back up better than it was when I brought it in. Just do due diligence in picking out the body shop.

[Rally]

Yea it's not lookin good. But yea glad to here everyone was safe

[KNS]

Crap, sorry for your misfortune...

For so few cars like these out there there sure seems to be a lot of accidents in them. Be safe you guys!

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by KNS

Crap, sorry for your misfortune...

For so few cars like these out there there sure seems to be a lot of accidents in them. Be safe you guys!

It seems like lots because we hear about them. Bet in reality it is so far under the 1% mark that it is miniscule.

Many of what we do hear about seem to be getting rear ended so it wouldn't really matter what the car is if somebody is going to drive into the back of you.

What impresses me is that we hear of these pretty nasty accidents but never hear of any serious injuries (I am sure there are some but don't hear about them) and this says a lot about the safety of the car.

[KNS]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

It seems like lots because we hear about them. Bet in reality it is so far under the 1% mark that it is miniscule.

Many of what we do hear about seem to be getting rear ended so it wouldn't really matter what the car is if somebody is going to drive into the back of you.

What impresses me is that we hear of these pretty nasty accidents but never hear of any serious injuries (I am sure there are some but don't hear about them) and this says a lot about the safety of the car.

Perhaps, but I'm on two other car forums and there seems to be more accidents over here.

[8R6]

damn!! that sucks sorry to hear/see. glad everyone is okay though and no major injuries

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by KNS

Perhaps, but I'm on two other car forums and there seems to be more accidents over here.

I think the "seems" word is accurate.
Too many variables to be any form of scientific study.
Maybe more people here, more willing to share info, etc, etc.
Without actual hard data the perceived concern could be way off base.

[Diode Dynamics]

It's tough to tell from the pictures, but that does appear to be totaled IMO

Make sure you get yourself checked out too! You may not be hurting now, but pain and soreness can surface a few days later

Nick C.

[8R6]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

I think the "seems" word is accurate.
Too many variables to be any form of scientific study.
Maybe more people here, more willing to share info, etc, etc.
Without actual hard data the perceived concern could be way off base.

agreed.

on a tangent note, "internet peoples" can all be rocking the same wheels and have it considered played out on the internets... but in reality, depending on where you live, you might be the only one with it and so to you, you might be thinking "hows this played out? i get compliments all the time and never see it on the road and blah blah blah"

perception can be reality, but not the other way around.

[rice_classic]

To really simplify things.. a car is just a tub of metal with suspension pieces bolted to it and aligned appropriately so it rolls straight down the road.

So let's assume the cost of repairs don't total it out and lets assume there's no structural frame damage. Yes, even Unibody's have a structural "frame".

So if the points at which the suspension mount to are all in their original position and all the repairs result in no visible remnants of the accident then (other than the carfax) it's as good as new in terms of functionality and aesthetics.

It's just metal and molded plastics. So to answer your question: "Will it be the same?" the answer is, yes and no. Yes, it will be the same if good repairs are performed but No, because the accident will be on a carfax report even if the car isn't totaled and thus the resale value will be affected even if the look, feel, performance of the car isn't.

Sorry for the bad luck. She was turning left, make sure her insurance pays for it.


edit: I agree with others above though.. It looks totaled: AKA the cost of repairs most likely exceed the cost of the vehicle.