Got rear-ended today. Totalled or not?

[Eighty 6]

I think It looks worse than it actually is, mostly exterior damage, the Windows didn't break which is a good sign, the roof and beams seem to be aligned. Your airbags didn't go off did they? ( in the states that's a total if they do right?) and those presents blocking the rear view window not a great idea bro. Remove them then take the pics (for insurance purposes).

[DAEMANO]

Originally Posted by ipsum

The right rear fender is warped. The C-pillar bodywork is damaged on the right side as well.

The left C-pillar is damaged (see where the trunk lid was pushed into it).

Hard to see in the pics. From your description probably still not totaled. $8-$11k. Dunno if that's what you want to hear, but that's probably the outcome.

[ipsum]

Thanks for your responses guys. I'll update the thread on Monday with the estimates I get from a couple of body shops here.

I already lawyered up and if it's not totalled will be trying to get the diminished value compensation. The lawyer said that the car likely won't be totalled, but we'll see.

I am very sad and heartbroken; if the car is not totalled I will be selling it. After an accident like this it, driving my BRZ simply won't feel the same anymore. I will always be hearing new noises and will be paranoid about the way car drives, etc. It'll simply be too much stress to have every day.

[dgcam55]

Originally Posted by ipsum

Thanks for your responses guys. I'll update the thread on Monday with the estimates I get from a couple of body shops here.

I already lawyered up and if it's not totalled will be trying to get the diminished value compensation. The lawyer said that the car likely won't be totalled, but we'll see.

I am very sad and heartbroken; if the car is not totalled I will be selling it. After an accident like this it, driving my BRZ simply won't feel the same anymore. I will always be hearing new noises and will be paranoid about the way car drives, etc. It'll simply be too much stress to have every day.

I had a front crash in the snow in a new car that was only 6 months old & less than 6k miles. It was not totalled. I said the same thing - I'm selling it, but to my surprise the shop did well, and the car never developed any rattles/noises. I kept the car to 150k before selling it. Before deciding on what you will do, allow the shop to fix it and live with it for awhile & see. THEN decide.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by dgcam55

I had a front crash in the snow in a new car that was only 6 months old & less than 6k miles. It was not totalled. I said the same thing - I'm selling it, but to my surprise the shop did well, and the car never developed any rattles/noises. I kept the car to 150k before selling it. Before deciding on what you will do, allow the shop to fix it and live with it for awhile & see. THEN decide.

[Burrcold]

I had a similar accident. $10k damage.

IMG_1827 by Burrcold, on Flickr

[acetothermus]

Originally Posted by dgcam55

I had a front crash in the snow in a new car that was only 6 months old & less than 6k miles. It was not totaled. I said the same thing - I'm selling it, but to my surprise the shop did well, and the car never developed any rattles/noises. I kept the car to 150k before selling it. Before deciding on what you will do, allow the shop to fix it and live with it for awhile & see. THEN decide.

The logical part of my brain says this is the correct thing to do......However given the fact that I'm crazy CDO (I don't have OCD I have CDO because everything has its place...) I'd never be able to look at the car again without seeing the damage. I'd always be hearing rattles, and sounds that aren't right, fully knowing that they are most likely in my head. It's just the piece of mind knowing you're not driving around in a car that was wrecked.

I know it's crazy, but Even if the shop did the worlds best repair work...I'd still be looking to get rid of the car.

[asia_minor]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Why sell if it is repaired? You would take a horrid hit in value and the repair could make it as good as new.
A diminished value claim will make up for some of the loss and if well repaired then it will be just fine.

Me personally I'd never get over the fact it was mangled like that, even if the repair were perfect (OP has stated as much, too). It's financially unsound but I'm willing to pay for a peace of mind and lessening my admittedly intense amount of OCD when it comes to cars.

[Babel]

This is why I'm afraid to put any money into cars anymore, after my last subie got killed by a drunk fool total loss, after I just installed a touch screen player and invidia.

[ipsum]

Originally Posted by Babel

This is why I'm afraid to put any money into cars anymore, after my last subie got killed by a drunk fool total loss, after I just installed a touch screen player and invidia.

Yep. I'm now afraid of even getting attached to another car.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Babel

This is why I'm afraid to put any money into cars anymore, after my last subie got killed by a drunk fool total loss, after I just installed a touch screen player and invidia.

Originally Posted by ipsum

Yep. I'm now afraid of even getting attached to another car.

They are just cars.
They get smacked up, the mechanicals fail or they just rust away. One way or another you are going to lose it eventually.
You will then get a new one that is your pride and joy and then poof it is gone as well.
Then you get a new toy and... Well you get the message.
You will become used to it after you have had a few.

[mulekr1]

I'd say 6k if you know what you're doing to fix it.

[ipsum]

Sent the car to the body shop on a tow truck yesterday. Should have an estimate soon.

[pfaffendorn]

Originally Posted by olsonpg

But yeah, very similar damage and no total loss from my experience.

I couldn't stand to take pictures, but my almost new 2014 Limited got bashed in the front in a very similar way (of course, the pickup truck came at me at high speed -- in reverse . . .) These cars have crumple zones to protect you and the mechanicals, and my frame turned out to be perfect, even with a hood so tented you could sleep under it. I even drove it home on the highway at 60 mph, performing perfectly.

So. After a month of assembling pure Subaru parts and $7500 worth of work, I have my baby back in immaculate shape, and since I have no intention of selling it before I die (I'm 69), I don't care what the title or Carfax says.

So, buck up there, the chances are that it only looks worse than it actually is.