By the way, my dad’s Lexus was hit by a person with no insurance.
The '98 LS is most likely history
- Thread starter paulo57509
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AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
And? Not everyone wants to drive a wrecked car. Especially when they've owned it since 2007.
I was in a similar situation as you.
One of my 2007 Honda Odysseys was rear ended while waiting at a red light.
Insurance company of the other driver declared it a total loss. Only wanted to offer me about 4,900 for it.
I really made the case on how much sentimental value the car had, and that I want to get it fixed.
A highly respected body shop in my area quoted $8800 to fix it properly, as the rear hatch has a dent, and rear bumper was pushed in.
After escalating at the Insurance company to managers who were decision makers, and stating my case,
they offered my $6,000 which I accepted.
I then took the car to my local mechanic who unfreed the rear hatch and the car totally usable and driveable,
and we'll probably keep the car for another 100,000 miles, and madea $6,000 profit on the whole event.
I think you're wrong; it's not based on "blue book value". In my experience, in a total loss situation, the insurance co. runs comps across the same model (usually at least 3) with as close to the same features / miles / etc. that are for sale today. They make adjustments for mileage, missing features, etc. Sure you don't get the same car back, but for older cars it tends to work out in one's favor.
Nothing scientific about it, search for the nearest three cars. Add them all together, divide by three, then apply adjustments. If you feel stiffed, show the insurance company why.
I think on older cars, there is more of a vulnerability, because the condition and prices vary so much. I know that they run comps, and use a guide to values, but their job is to pay as little as possible. I certainly wish the best for the original poster. I was in a situation where the insurer totaled out a car that I am sure is still on the road, and was an easy fix. The payout was only okay.
Won't go to the crusher but a salvidge yard where the highest bidder gets the car.
I thought it was driveable, some owners would put a hasp lock on the trunk and drive it as is.
These cars have a reputation of mimicking some of the best Mercedes cruisers. Long legs, low rpm, heavy chassis and they just eat up miles. The cabin feels a little small for the size of the vehicle, and their tech seems a little dated for the age, but for the things that count, it’s like driving a bank vault. Someone can get another 300k miles out of this one.
Spoke with the insurance company (Costco) yesterday. Because they don't have local offices, it'll be a few days before an adjuster gets back to me. There are a few ways that this can play out depending on what happens with the other parties involved.
I'm leaning towards having it repaired. The $500 deductible is preferable to having a car payment of that much for 60 months.
I did ask as to what happens if I want the car repaired; who pays for what? Our car was hit and pushed into a Taco. I really don't think I should pay for anything. I trust them to go after the other guy's insurance company; if there's another company to go after. This is a whole different can of worms that needs to be shook out. More on this later.
They did tell me that I'm free to go to any body shop of my choosing (I think this is a law in CA). They did give me a few names of local shops that other policy holders have used that are highly rated; lifetime guarantee for as long as I own the car.
I'm leaning towards having it repaired. The $500 deductible is preferable to having a car payment of that much for 60 months.
I did ask as to what happens if I want the car repaired; who pays for what? Our car was hit and pushed into a Taco. I really don't think I should pay for anything. I trust them to go after the other guy's insurance company; if there's another company to go after. This is a whole different can of worms that needs to be shook out. More on this later.
They did tell me that I'm free to go to any body shop of my choosing (I think this is a law in CA). They did give me a few names of local shops that other policy holders have used that are highly rated; lifetime guarantee for as long as I own the car.
Insurance is considering it a total loss (surprise, surprise). No details yet, but basic options are retention with payout, or let them have it with a larger payout. Payout including reimbursement of the collision deductible.
I'm strongly leaning towards letting them have it. I've gone the payout and retention with the Safari and it's a 30-day PITA with the CA DMV to get a salvage title to be able to insure it.
Kinda sad to see it go, but never fall in love vehicles or politicians. You'll always be disappointed somewhere down the road.
I'm strongly leaning towards letting them have it. I've gone the payout and retention with the Safari and it's a 30-day PITA with the CA DMV to get a salvage title to be able to insure it.
Kinda sad to see it go, but never fall in love vehicles or politicians. You'll always be disappointed somewhere down the road.
They don't build cars like this anymore. My bet is that you could easily double your money if you kept and sold the car as-is. Just put it on bring a trailer and it will be gone in 48 hours.
So there’s damage to the front and back? Do you have any pics of the front end?
Depending on the severity, I’d lean towards keeping it but didn’t realize the front also had damage from your other posts.
If you are somewhat handy, pull the rear bumper cover, reinforcement bar, and trunk interior trim and find a gritty shop that will pull the rear body panel back out for a few hundred dollars. The bumper cover will still be scraped up but the trunk should latch and sit flush.
I'm way past wanting to keep and repair the damage. I went through this before and it's not worth the time or money.
As the days go by, I'm getting an uneasy feeling as to how the process is proceeding. IMO, there's potential for this to go off the rails. I'm currently seeking legal council.
As the days go by, I'm getting an uneasy feeling as to how the process is proceeding. IMO, there's potential for this to go off the rails. I'm currently seeking legal council.
That was a great car!
Did the other driver that struck your car have a valid driver's license and insurance card? Also I hope your wife got a photo of him AND the license plate on his car. Sounds like a probable revoked license holder with no valid insurance. Your basic nightmare. Good luck. Hope you get to save the car.
And the hits just keep on coming. I'm checking for, "Kick Me" signs stuck to my back. The Highlander got rear ended while I was sitting at a stop light on Friday, 8/23. I crawled underneath and there's no apparent mechanical damage. The dude offered me money. I took $300 cash.
The bumper cover has taken a hit before I purchased the vehicle. It takes a lot of punishment. The UT sensors are still aimed and work properly.
The tow service hired by the insurance company is picking the Lexus up this afternoon. They already have the title in hand. I should get a wire transfer as soon as everything clears.
The bumper cover has taken a hit before I purchased the vehicle. It takes a lot of punishment. The UT sensors are still aimed and work properly.
The tow service hired by the insurance company is picking the Lexus up this afternoon. They already have the title in hand. I should get a wire transfer as soon as everything clears.
The LS400 is officially off the books; the wire transfer showed up this morning. Still dealing with the injury; things are moving in a positive direction.
The hunt for a replacement vehicle will begin shortly. Nothing out there really piques my interest.
The hunt for a replacement vehicle will begin shortly. Nothing out there really piques my interest.
2002 LS430; not a lot of options, other than an out of date navigation. Which is good. Too nice to pass up.
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That car will last a lifetime! Congratulations
that is a crazy cool story about your fix