2005 175K or Repair Totalled 2008?

It’s not just the year that you want to consider but also the option package level on each. I think there are six different levels of options packages.

 

The Gen 2 will carry ya to 500K easily like my corolla's. All of them through 2003. 04 to 09 Prius is a Corolla with a lot of California designed extras basically . Was designed to teach USA folk how to drive and save resources etc . And boy did it work.for many .

 

What's the actual estimate for the body repair on the 08? Might be worth considering keeping that car and getting it fixed anyway, if there aren't any other major problems with it.

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that's what i'd do

 

if it's still running without any issues, you can buy it back from insurance (don't give them the title, just do a buy-back) and try fixing it yourself or find a shop. Collision shop nowadays are fully booked and takes months to get the repair done. If it's just a bumper cover or a trunk repair there are lots of them in the junkyard that you could scavenge around. The quarter panel repair requires some professional work though. 2 of my Priuses were from a front end collision and I got them dirt cheap since the DIY repair is not that expensive and easy too.

 

risk both ways, tough call

 

that damage is nothing and I can even repair it for less than $200 (or maybe a 100) Shops might be able to do it for $2-$3k I guess.
What's the 6k? is that the buy-back amount?

I am not sure if the numbers your showing is right off the bat. Insurance sometimes call it a total loss if the repair exceeds 60-75% of the value of the car. You have the right to buy it back unless it's deemed to be junked/salvaged. That's why in an accident it's always better to have it towed to your house rather than in a shop or insurance facility, you have more options on what to do with the car (remove important items such as car stereos/audio and other stuff you installed, even HV for the Prius)

If they are giving you 9k does that mean your car has more than 6k repairs?

 

$3,000 for a 2008 is a good deal but only if you have some repair skills or want to part it out. The damage looks minimal for a repair guy. Replacement of rear hatch is probably what’s driving the TL estimate. I’ve seen similar at junk yards where I can get all kinds of parts. That rear hatch actuator is worth $300 new or $75 used on eBay.

The OEM catalytic converter is worth $1000 or more and the rest of the car parts worth more. But not for the average schmoe.

 

shops and insurance companies are in cahoots together that's why we're paying high premiums on our insurance. Shops don't even accept work if it's not an order from an insurance company. I don't know the state laws in Nevada but a total loss doesn't mean a salvage title. If you follow what the insurance people tell you to do then they'll brand the title of the car as "salvage" if you send your title to them. In most cases take the money but don't send the title to them (if a buy-back), it will remain clean and you can have it repaired. If you don't have the skills or have a hard time to shop around for the repair, just take the money, lots of Prius for 9k that are still ok on the market. Finding a good one depends on your luck.

 

Exactly the problem with buying a use Prius these days. Like Dirty Harry would say, “Do you feel lucky? Well do you, punk?”

 

$200 or $100?? Hmmm, the bumper reinforcement itself requires replacement, probably $100 from salvage alone.

 

An '08 with 135K miles, moderate rear end damage: it'd be a shame to total it. Depends on your priorities, but consider post #6 options.

 

your salvage yard is a rip off or you're just not shopping wisely.. here's one of the yard close to me and even with the bumper cover and other bumper stuff it will not cost over $100, the trunk lid is only $35 + entrance fee and other environment/disposal fee. If the paint does not match, a $400 job from Maaco is good enough or find some hispanic painter in your area (small shops) they can do paint really well. With the extra money, damn a nice set of hydraulic shocks will make that Prius jump to life..

Liberty-Muncie Price List - Midway U Pull

 

if the title is salvage or branded, forget and don't spend money on it and just let the insurance take it. I believe the insurance will not actually salvage it but sell it an auction as a clean title and running car. You'll be spending a hell lot of time making that salvage title to a prior salvage title vehicle..you don't want to mess with DMV (especially the paperwork) If you probably live in Oklahoma or Nebraska I believe you can drive a salvage titled car (state doesn't care I guess)

 

Here in Indiana there is a shop that rebuilds Prii as a regular thing.

The state process for converting a 'salvage' to a 'rebuilt' brand seems to be to keep your parts receipts so you can show you didn't use stolen parts to rebuild it, and having someone from the state police come out and check and sign off. Then you send the signed-off paperwork to the BMV and wait for the new title.

It doesn't seem to be a huge deal really. It is probably easier for him because he does it a lot, the same state trooper usually comes out, etc.