First Time Car Buyer/Car Accident Please Help

Welcome, and that's a total bummer! I was in an accident two weeks after I got the 2007 brand new. It was still on its first tank of gas. It sucked. Since its value was still pretty high, it was repaired and I'm still driving it.

Unfortunately, as they get older, their value tends to be close to or below the cost of repairs (which are always higher than one might think they'd be). I'm certainly not experienced in the autobody business, but it does sound reasonable that it could cost several thousand for a shop to return it to proper condition.

If you have DIY ability or know someone who does, it might be that replacing the front bumper cover, hood and RF fender could put you in a decent situation. The A/C system could be fairly costly to fix, depending on exactly what happened. The condenser may have busted, so it may need a condenser replacement and refrigerant recharge. Also, a disclaimer that if not properly repaired, the car may not offer the original level of protection in the future.

The warranty may or may not cover accident damage--it depends on the terms. I don't know whether it'd be best to get the refund on the warranty or not.

If it were me, I'd be tempted to keep driving it. I probably wouldn't do the professional repair, but I might try to tinker on portions of it over time.

 

Bailey, welcome to the site and sorry about the circumstances. I can't view the photos due to the site's software problems.

A warranty covers the defects in the car. It does not cover damage to the car. Get the refund.

Those who can't afford the loss can't afford to not have insurance.

Unless you specified used parts the estimates are based on new parts, repairing damage to the frame and painting the car so it will be returned to "like new" condition.

A large portion of the estimate is for labor. The people working on the car want to be paid. If you know what to do and have the facilities then DIY.

Ask the local vo-tech school if the body shop class can work on the car and source as many used parts as you can. Seek out a local car club and ask for advice.

The problem with the air conditioner may be trivial but probably isn't. Since the door won't open the car needs to be straightened and that headlight probably isn't in its original position.

I'm with Tanglefoot on this one. The car's too good to scrap but isn't worth restoring. My vote is for used parts and live with the mismatched paint. At least you'll be able to find your car in the lot and other drivers may leave you more space.

Keep us posted.

 

What they said. The real money is in the labor to straighten everything that was compromised as a result of the accident so that all the components back together as they were intended. With the upper rad support caved in as it is, I wouldn't be surprised it took other frame components with it. There is more to do than simply replacing bumper covers and body panels. If you have itemized estimates from each shop post those up. As usual good advice from TF and JimN.