My sweet ride is totaled, should I buy it back?

No idea what I'm going to do for my next car. I have title in hand and am the second owner. I have done all major maintenance per nutzabutboltz and here on this forum including EGR circuit. Oil changes, alignment, etc. all done at dealership. I don't necessarily want to spend major bucks on a new car but at the same time am not super strapped for cash - although life is currently unstable given the current economy and the nature of my work (not a 9-5 situation).

I was not at fault so this is not an issue at all. I'm dealing with the other party's insurance (USAA) and currently battling them to give me a proper fair market value since they lowballed me on the ACV (~$9k when it should be $12-13k...I have all documentation and compatible car values to reinforce a higher ACV, but may need to take them to district court if they refuse). No major repairs in the car's lifespan, just replacing the 12V accessory battery when it died. Car has been an absolute tank.

At the initial inspection without tearing the car apart, which normally reveals more damage, a collision shop that is part of a Toyota dealership has already estimated almost $8k in damage....this does not include the battery which still needs to be diagnosed, etc. If the salvage price is super low it may be worth it, but anything higher than $1.5-$2k seems like it may not be worth it for the reasons you are pointing out.....man.

 

I agree with you, but my understanding is that going after time lost looking for another vehicle is going to be difficult. They can help me with a higher total loss value, injury, etc....but billing them for valuing time sounds like a lost cause since the car isn't explicitly used for work. If you know different, please point me in the right direction.