Rep Power: 0

hey everyone. I started a thread yesterday, but t was too general I think.

So I got t-boned by someone who ran the stop sign. I spoke with the insurance adjuster, and they don't seem too optimistic the car can be saved. i'm waiting to hear from an appraiser to make an appt to get it priced.

to be honest, I'd rather have this car get repaired than to shop for another cheapish reliable car. this thing had everything working power locks, doors, windows, mirrors, and perfect ac.

as of now, the car starts, but it sprang a coolant leak somewhere, so it can't be driven to get the doors fixed. but when i drove it home, it started and drove fine. the doors are stuck and cannot be opened. the driver's side appears to respond to the power lock except it doesn't actually move up and down as it should. the power windows seems to work fine.

google search seems to suggest the price of replacing the door can be as high as 2000 bucks, but that's can't be right... is it? if i could get the coolant leak fixed, i bet it will drive for another year or two no problem with unusable door.(not sure if it's legal in california)

what will be the most cost effective way to deal with this?

 
Rep Power: 126

This will most likely be written off. There looks to be more than just superficial damage around the doors. I'd plan on getting a different car, then be pleasantly surprised if it gets repaired by insurance.

 
Rep Power: 0

the windows aren't broke, which means above the impact, everything should be ok. but that fact it doesn't open seems to suggest the center support between the front and the rear door (whatever it's called) might be bent. Not sure if that's fixable.

The main problem is obviously money. things are not really well for me and to get a another car with power windows and perfect ac is not going to be easy.

 
Rep Power: 126

If that part of the frame is damaged (which it seems to be given you can’t open the door), it’s a write-off for sure. Wayyyy too much labor will go into fixing it. Don’t do anything until you get your appraisal.

Why are power windows such a priority? I’ve had cars in the past with crank windows and it made virtually no difference. I totally get the news for AC though

 
Rep Power: 0

I guess if it came to it,, i could live without power windows. but ac is a must. and 2001 civic with all its criticisms has been for the most part pretty reliable given that it had over 190k when i bought it and i put on about 10k since i got it about 5 years ago. i really don't drive it much, only for groceries and medical appt etc. guess i'm really not looking forward to car shopping again.

 
Rep Power: 367

wait for insurance reply. But be prepared

 
Rep Power: 223

Unfortunately it will be written off, my 05 got hit right in the driver's front wheel. Looked like it only needed a fender replaced, but all the structure/subframe underneath was damaged

 
Rep Power: 0

ok heard back from the appraiser and the adjuster. they're offering if I were to retain the car and see if the coolant leak is fixable while I seek out a replacement, then

ACV: $3,697.00
Tax: $242.96
DMV: $23.00
Salvage: $752.09
Total: $3,210.87
To Owner: $3,210.87

if I were to let them take it

AAA Retain:

ACV: $3,697.00
Tax: $305.00
DMV: $152.00
Total: $4,154.00
To Owner: $4,154.00

Not sure if this include the injury damages. Probably not, but I'll try to check tomorrow. They were saying 900 bucks for the injuries.

What do you all think?

 
Rep Power: 223

They'll give you $4100 for the car? I'd start shopping

 
Rep Power: 126

Yeah, there are definitely better cars for $4000 in my opinion

 
Rep Power: 0

ok.. well,, what I was thinking is to keep the car and fit the coolant leak and rive it around until i find a replacement. otherwise i have no ride to anywhere, let alone to shop for a replacement. i'm really divided.

i could probably fix the coolant leak for less than 300? then i would be essentially getting 3100 bucks (4100 - salvage + coolant fix ), or so to find the replacement instead of 4100.

 
Rep Power: 367

have you checked where the coolant is leaking from?

 
Rep Power: 0

I tried to check, but couldn't really tell where it was coming from. but the only hit was from the side,and prior to the hit, i had literally 0 problems with the cooling system. it might just be a loose hose or something, at least i'm hoping?

 
Rep Power: 223

Potentially cracked rad, you need to figure out where it's coming from