2001 Audi A4 1.8 turbo black
4-door
mileage: 80,000miles
Additional Info: Alloy rims on car, turbo timer, kenwood faceplate, I was injured in the accident (my back mainly), I'm 23 years old guy.

Seeking some advice from someone who can help me make a shrewd decision (I am finding it very hard to be decisive) OR just any advice from someone familiar with my situation.

My dad and my dads friend (autobody owner) are trying to talk me into salvaging my car but I am skeptical. Anyhow here is what happened:

I was stopped at a redlight and got rear ended; the guy (in a 1998 camry) was going approximately 40mph. The back of the car was smashed, even the sides of the car (like the doors on the side) were smooshed together, the car doors after the impact were nearly touching. The insurance guy even called me saying there is structural damage and he looked under the car and he was impressed. THERE WAS HOWEVER NO KNOWN DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE OR FRONT END because I was rear ended. Anyhow, the car was evaluated by the insurance company and valued at $9,600. The other guys Insurance (Farmer's) policy will only cover my property damage up to $10k. I've already paid $500 for car rental, it is being stored at the autobody (I will be charged by them if I don't salvage If I do then I will have to pay) and it was towed ($100) so that will be taken out of my $10k as well.

My dad's friend is saying that the car will be just as safe etc. I drive a lot of road trips and recently drove across the entire country in 3 days so I don't want to be in an unsafe car in the future. I asked my dads friend for an estimate for getting it fixed and he (knowing i'm considering both ends) said at least $4,000 to fix it but he won't know till he is done (I'm guessing that it WILL be more around $5,000-$6,000).

Should I just use the property money I have and use it towards a newer used car: Without a salvaged certificate, less mileage, newer BUT possibly unkown past. OR should I salvage my car (Car will be greatly depreciated with the title)? How safe will the slavaged car be? In the long run is me investing 5-6k$ in my totaled car a better investment then paying a few thousand more and getting a newer car of my choice (purchashed with a mechanics supervision)????

Sorry about the long post but I'm under tremendous stress. My dads friend (autobody guy), my lawyer, and time ticking for storage are all pressuring me into making this decision. My goal is to make the decision with the greatest economic gain, where I won't wish I did something differently in 3 or 4 years time looking back.

Too whoever reads this and can help I am forever greatful.

Thank You,
Justin

PS: I will be watching this thread all day so feel free to ask ANY additional questions.

My advice would be to dump it and get a new one.

If you repair it, safety isn't the big issue. It would be water leaks, body fit and just general quality. I don't care what they say, the car will never be the same. They are pushing you to fix it because they want the business but once you get it back, it will likely have a salvage title meaning it will be public record that it was totaled and repaired and that will effect your resale value. These body shops may know how to put a body together but when it comes to all the computers and modules in the car, they are lost. There are usually electronic issues with that kind of collision too.




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Justin; If it was damaged enough to 'buckle' the doors, I agree with Hammer. Dump it and start over. And, don't buy another Audi.
Loren
SW WA

Ditto - doors involved tells that it's a tough fix - dump it is my suggestion,

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

Thanks alot hammer time. You are an invaluable resource to many people like me that don't know what they are doing but are working with those who do.

Thank You and have a Great day!

Your very welcome.

It makes us feel good when we're appreciated




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