1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2008 - Just got Rear Ended - Need Help

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by 40Pres, Jul 10, 2017.

  1. 40Pres

    40Pres New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2017
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    First, I'm a total noob so hello all. Now onto the goods.

    I just got rear ended today and the bumper and hatchback are toast. I have to wait to take it/tow it into the shop until the police report/insurance adjuster is finished, aprox 3-5 days. That said, since the hatchback won't shut, I believe the battery is being drained. Is there anyway to disconnect the appropriate battery(s) so I won't drain them with the vehicle just sitting in the driveway. It's not going anywhere for awhile. Thanks ahead of time for any info.
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,525
    8,429
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Just disconnect the 12v negative terminal.

    Or just let it drain, it'll need to eventually be towed away anyways
     
  3. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2010
    6,035
    3,855
    0
    Location:
    Rocky Mountains
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    If the hatch doesn't close, you've most likely got substantial damage. Start shopping for a new car. Hopefully you're insured.
     
  4. 40Pres

    40Pres New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2017
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Thanks for the info!
    I'm insured and won't be at fault. I was fearing that because of the hatch not shutting it might be something bigger like the subframe rather than just the bumper. Time will tell.
     
  5. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2007
    10,096
    4,817
    0
    Location:
    Clearwater, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Based on what I have seen here on a 2008 if the body is bent so bad the hatch won't close its totaled. Try to get them to total it out as thats a lot of bodywork.
     
    wrprice likes this.
  6. Paullllc

    Paullllc Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 17, 2015
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    oregon
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I have an 07 with two rear-ends in less than a year. First repair was a nightmare from time of accident to 2 months after repair. Same destruction as poster of thread, $3600.
    I think the second rear-end fixed all the issues from first! :p
     
  7. 40Pres

    40Pres New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2017
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Thanks, for all the info guys. Here is the update... The car has been deemed a total loss... :(:(:(
    However, they gave me two payout options.
    #1 Actual cash value: $6,412.50
    #2 Owner Retain Settlement: $5,210.50

    Again, it's a 2008 with 96k on it with package #6 voice nav, leather seats, ect, ect, ect...

    Questions:
    • Does this settlement seem fair and legit? Should I try to haggle for the extra? Quick look up on KBB lists $7,007 private party value.
    • Do I take the "Owner Retain Settlement" and try to fix? I got an estimate to fix and was $4600 but the guy was super honest and said he couldn't see about any damage underneath (leaf springs, ect..) until he starts ripping it apart.
    • Or do I take the "Owner Retain Settlement" and see if I could get more than the $1,202.00 they are offering for salvage? Does anyone even do this/crazy enough to do it?

    Again, thanks in advance for the input.
     
  8. 05PreeUs

    05PreeUs Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2016
    1,097
    563
    0
    Location:
    MSP
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    40,

    Your best option is to search CL and auction site(s) for comparables, specifically recently sold in your area. You can even try "Car Gurus" as they post the "Good-Fair-Poor" deal rating based on a number of factors.

    If you find the insurance offer low, by even a little bit, present your findings. If they are being fair, take the money!

    At the end of the day, only one question matters: What will it cost you to replace it, in your area?
     
    wrprice likes this.
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,525
    8,429
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Try to get more value on your car, use the kbb RETAIL value and other dealership RETAIL values for comparison. Don't let them off easily with wholesale trade in and private values.

    You can try listing your car on craigslist now, see what interests you get. I would list it for $2000 and see what offers come. Rear end damage is much more desirable than front end damaged cars
     
    #9 JC91006, Aug 2, 2017
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2017
  10. wrprice

    wrprice Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    415
    308
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    For reference: almost exactly 3 years ago, I lost a 2005 in a similar manner. My car was 3 years older, so yours and mine were approximately the same age relative to their respective in-service dates. Mine also was a package 6, but yours had updated electronics. I had at least 10k miles more on the odometer.

    Progressive gave me ~$11k ACV. I took the money and ran; maybe it was a steal.

    The previous poster is correct, though. ACV is not only a function of mileage and age. Your market may be different. Your car may have been in different condition than mine. Three years have passed, so my number is mostly irrelevant.

    A significant factor to consider is that, now that the Gen4 is out, your car is now two body styles behind current. That hurts perception, and therefore value.
     
  11. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2007
    10,096
    4,817
    0
    Location:
    Clearwater, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Are you kidding me?

    Take the $6400 and run. At that age your staring down the barrel at a new hybrid battery sooner or later. And if your contemplating repairing it you must have never dealt with a body shop before. Take the cash buy a new car...life is short.

    Unless there's injuries it was the best thing ever to happen to you.
     
    j12piprius likes this.