What would you do? Totaled but (maybe) fixable Gen 2

If the hatch is the only thing that needs replacement, that should be an easy find on the used market. In CA, I have friends that can't sell this part, since there is not much demand for it, can be had for $200 or less. The front end parts are the harder parts to find.

Since it took you a long time to find a good gen 2, and yours only has 160k miles. I would fix it.

 

I have everything right here on the property to fix that car in one afternoon generally 8.make sure of it. I'm getting a lil low on some stuff now . Another coming any minute . Anyone know anybody that wants an Aprilia S500 for near free in like new condition?

 

If I were you, I'd plan a trip down to Durham and have @Tombukt2 do it for you... Or just have a friend or family member with more skills assist you. Swapping out the rear hatch door is as easy as unscrewing 4 bolts and unplugging a wiring harness. It's a very easy job.

 

Yeah I changed my whole hatch to avoid putting a glass in. zPA is a haul

 

so it was going to cost you $300 net, and now what?
is the car great otherwise? 160k is low mileage, and if it doesn't burn oil and there's no rust, I'd be willing to put in a few grande.
plan on battery replacement in the near future if it hasn't been done

 

For a 4K estimated fix; I'm pretty sure it's a little bit more "bent" than just a rear hatch - unless all body shops out there are crooks. Seems to me that the body shop would've gave you a used replacement option and waived your deductible. That's what they do around here with a cheap car that someone wants to keep and fix. They even match the paint; so you avoid the salvage title brand on your pink slip. But all that's out the window, since the insurance company paid out and branded the car title.

Just my two cents.....

 

None of that trim will be worth worrying about you're going to get it off of used car hopefully I don't care what PA says been they stuff in Pa before . Of course the car is going to be in replaced shape . It's just lightweight damage . This is something you attempt in the driveway . It's really easy . Even by yourself

 

I'm thinking that estimate's a little tall myself... Was the shop in question one you picked or was it recommended by the insurance company?
If it was theirs, you may want to take a good set of pictures and do a little shopping around. Im with Mr. Tombukt2 on this one; your car
sounds like it's worth the legwork. Can you post a photo or two of the damage? Just me, I hate to see insurance companies get anything
other than a bad reputation...

 

This is the correct answer... The cost of running a legit body shop is profoundly expensive and primarily focuses on cars that are less than 5 years old. So bringing in a Prius that's 20 years old means they know the value of the car is likely going to be lower than the cost of repairs if they replace with brand new parts and matching paint. There's nothing smart about putting super expensive brand new parts on a 20 year old car!

 

Before spending the money to fix it up, I'd suggest you get an estimate on how much more expensive car insurance would be on a salvage-titled car than a clean-titled car. I have no personal experience but Google AI says it might be 20%-40% more expensive (which then increases your total cost of ownership which means you might be better off with another car that's clean-titled). If you're comfortable paying more on future auto insurance premiums on your current salvage car, then go ahead and look into fixing it up.
Otherwise, use the $3700 to help purchase another car. And if you're purchasing another Gen2 Prius, you can use the current salvage car as a donor car for parts to help fix/replace anything on the newly purchased Gen2 Prius. Or maybe just sell the salvage car for parts or minor cash at a salvage yard, if you don't want the hassle.

 

Let's see some pictures that'll put this to rest really quick if just cosmetic . Then should be no brainer