2006 prius with front end damge

I see that argument all the time, but it really should not be the whole story. If the damage is entirely cosmetic, or the problems can be entirely resolved by the repair (radiator punctured, replace radiator) it may still make sense to fix the car. Let's say the car has a book value of 2500, repairs are 3500, and the trashed car is worth 750 at a junkyard (they don't pay much). The extra 1000 is "more than the car is worth", but is it? Selling it for scrap "loses" 1750 (and you have no car) whereas fixing it "loses" 1000 and you have your car back. Also, right this second, used cars are super expensive and the "book values" are probably not accurate.

Of course this argument does not hold if the car is really trashed, such that repairs will not restore it to its original state, or the nature of the damage (engine overheated) indicate a high probability of future repairs,

 

If you part it out, get ready for plenty of sketchy people coming to your home to pull parts with their tools. Also, get ready for them to get to know your property while there and come back later at night while you're asleep.

 

cat is worth a fortune more than the whole car. Sell it on eBay for $1600
The high voltage battery on Craig’s list and then pull the combo meter and the mfd then call a wrecker yard will give you $450 for what’s left.
Could get $3000 or way more if played right.
All with out sketchy dudes coming to your house.