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Wrecked 2007 Prius - Looking for opinions

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by GatorJoe, Feb 25, 2009.

  1. BAllanJ

    BAllanJ Active Member

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    I just paid cash for my Prius on Saturday.... and the Canadian price never came down (the Canadian dollar did).
     
  2. sdtundra

    sdtundra Senior Member

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    Sorry to hear about your accident, but it does not look that bad as far as t-bones go and on a superficial level. I think it will be repaired.:)
     
  3. GatorJoe

    GatorJoe New Member

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    i don't know anyone that would have $25-30k in cash that would buy a prius. they would be buying a lexus or a benz.

    anyway, i got a preliminary estimate and it looks like about $6,000-$7000 worth of damage. the tie rod is cracked in half, the door is a complete loss, rim is cracked and the front fender is bent. so their not gonna total it which i am happy about. i am still buying a 2010 prius once i pay my 2004 GMC Sierra off in about 6mos.
     
  4. GatorJoe

    GatorJoe New Member

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    so the rims are Motegi RT-5's. 17x7". about $125 a pop.
     
  5. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Well I was close. I said $6k was high without looking under the hood and wheel!. It actually does not sound that bad. When they are done you should be back to normal. I hope it will not take too long to repair!

    I got an invite to see the 2010 this Sunday in L.A. I will be taking a close look! Can't wait!!
     
  6. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    Really!? That's a bit of a broad statement and over-characterization, isn't it? Not that I have his kind of coin, but I don't think Warren Buffett drives a Lexus or a Mercedes. (OK, he had a Lincoln Town Car and then a Cadillac DTS, but he also is investing in EV.)
     
  7. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    If you can afford a new financed Prius, then you could drive a clunker for several years while accumulating the money for a new car. Once you're off the finance black hole, there is actually more money available for products instead of just financing.
     
  8. triumph1

    triumph1 Member

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    Amazing how the original poster asked for advice on insurance and the accident, and he gets a lesson in finance. In any case, I myself have gap insurance.:rockon:
     
  9. Omita

    Omita New Member

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    Who was/is your insurance company?

    In general it easier to replace a car then pay a dude to fix it. The robots that build your car work much harder, faster, longer and cheaper then any human ever could. The important thing is to read your insurance policy and figure out what you legally entitled too. The insurance company's rarely do what is best for you, they do what is best for them. The discount insurance companies (especially eSurance) it really bad.

    It's good to know and read your policy.

    -h
     
  10. Omita

    Omita New Member

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    Hahaha... That doesn't surprise me because a lot of Americans are pretty bad with money. Statistically the average American spends $9K a year on car related expensis yet only puts $1000 or less in a saving account.
     
  11. GatorJoe

    GatorJoe New Member

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    ok so the ins. company is screwing me on my rim which needs to be replaced. the rim is discontinued and is nowhere to be found anywhere in the country so i need a new set of rims. i feel i shouldn't have to pay for this but the ins. company is insisting the only owe me for what is broken. well they can't find my rim so what are my options here?
     
  12. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    It's not the insurance company's problem that you decided to buy a set of aftermarket rims that are no longer in production. If they are taking care of the rest of the accident damage without raising issues, I think that you are doing well.

    Your options are to:

    1. reinstall the original equipment tires/wheels
    2. accept their reimbursement for one rim, then pay out of pocket for three more rims
    3. see if you can find a used rim of the correct style
    4. continue to complain, but it is questionable whether you will receive satisfaction
     
  13. GatorJoe

    GatorJoe New Member

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    well it's certainly not my fault the girl hit me either. it's the girls fault ie, the insurance company so they should pay for it.
     
  14. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    If your insurance company knew about and insured your aftermarket wheels, why not see if they can help. If you had not paid a special premium for this you are probably out of luck. You may find the following to be of interest:

    Three Useful Auto Parts and Insurance Terms
    "Most insurance companies have strict limits on how much damage to custom parts they will cover in an auto accident. If you ask for a quote on auto insurance for your Honda Civic, then you add thousands of dollars in custom parts, you should not expect to have the entire cost of those parts covered by your basic collision or comprehensive coverage."

    Auto Insurance for Installed Special Equipement
    "Each insurer has its own guidelines on special equipment coverage; however, generally speaking, aftermarket installations are not covered unless you request coverage and pay additional premium...If you purchase and want to insure items such as rims, most carriers will want pictures along with receipts submitted and will charge additional premium to provide coverage in case of theft or damage from collisions."
     
  15. imerese

    imerese New Member

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    Sorry to hear about your accident; my 2006 was totaled a month ago. A young woman in a Honda ran a red light. Hopefully your Prius will not have any fatal damage.
     
  16. GatorJoe

    GatorJoe New Member

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    well then i guess i gotta sue the girl that hit me. the odd thing is, the insurance company is going to waste more man hours trying to find this rim vs if they just gave me the amount to buy new rims. i have found a type that is similiar and is actually cheaper than the ones i bought initially.

    the car is repairable. right now the main parts are these:
    • front fender
    • front right side door
    • front bumper
    • rightside tie rod
    • wheel/rim + tire
    • hinge pillar
    • there are suspension issues as well that the ins agent has to go back and check once the car is torn apart more.
    fortunately there's been no engine or computer damage. it's all structural. the girl hit me square on the tire/rim and that is what took the force of the collision.
     
  17. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Yes, what is the value of the disputed amount: $1K? You could probably file in small-claims court. Then the next question is whether this "girl" looks like she would be able to cough up $1K if she loses.

    I am wondering whether the RH axleshaft, front strut, and the transaxle might have been damaged in the accident. I guess you'll find out after more disassembly has happened.

    I hope that your car will be repaired promptly and to your satisfaction.
     
  18. statultra

    statultra uber-Senior Member

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    i hope they replace the axle shaft, im pretty sure your trans can handle the impact, the CV joints are somewhat suspended in grease, so im hoping eitehr that broke or the axle just bent.
     
  19. GatorJoe

    GatorJoe New Member

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    so i get my baby back today. it's been ready since tuesday. the insurance company and the body shop fought over the labor and the adjuster said id have to pay nearly $1200 out of pocket becuase they didn't want to pay for the labor for the suspension because the body shop didn't do it in house and had to send it out. apparently that is something they don't cover. i had to call the adjusters boss and be a total a-hole and they finally agreed to pay so i can get my car.

    i also had the windows tinted while they were at it. im getting new rims. some Enkei's.

    [​IMG]
     
  20. GatorJoe

    GatorJoe New Member

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    here she is, good as new:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    getting my new rims put on next week.