**** Seeking Advice: I Need Frame straightening And what Insurance said + Pictures **

[yarisa]

Seeking Advice from fellow yaris Owners,
I have a Toyota yaris 2008 that has 133k miles (215k km), I was in a collision front driver side see picture, the front frame got bended around 2 inches I guess, a good bodyshop fellow that I know said it will be fixed for around 3000 $ canadian ($ 2380 USD) he specialises it totaled cars and sell them later, the insurance is offering me a write off and will pay 5000$ canadian ($ 4000 USD) and insure only liability to the other party, or if I am not at fault, but not full coverage if I am at fault, I want to buy another car eventually but I want to keep this car as we need 2 cars for me and one for my wife but can’t decide.
Questions:
#1: if its worth it straightening the frame and how reliable is it going to be in the future.
#2: will my car potentially make it to 200k miles.
PS: I bought it new and its been well taken care of, regular oil changes and repairs as needed. Replaced the water pump and plugs and ABS sensor, that’s it. The car has a timing Chain.

Please advice. much appreciated.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

I would never drive a framed car. Once metal is bent, it's been compromised. Should it ever be in a collision again, it will not perform the same and may lead to injuries or worse.

[tmontague]

Personally, I'd fix it for the 3 grand and keep it as your second car. Especially if you know the engine is good then that is what is important.

I'd ask the frame mechanic how realistic it is of a fix in terms of asthetics and function.

Not too sure how it would work for insurance if you want to keep the car and fix it yourself but you may be able to come out on top

[kimona]

Insurance is offering you $5K for your 2008 with 135k miles on the clock? That's great! Nothing to think about. Take it and find another accident free car.

[Rigaud]

Nothing to think about......Insurance might not insure the car seeing they declared it totalled plus as mentioned already, your frame is compromised for future collisions. And last......their offering you $5000. Paying to repair it makes no sense.

[nortonfb]

Insurance companies look at cost of repair vs value. They chose the
the best route for themselves. Get all the info as what has to be replaced. See if it's
a structural area that may effect safety. Speak with some one with experience
who can explain why's. I have driven a number of cars which were written off.
Check to see if there is any effect in re-insuring or if you are given a salvage tittle.
You could better off finding a car with a blown motor & doing a swap.
Good luck.

[91mustang]

I'd take the money and fix the bumper cover to line up and keep driving it. The cost to repair it exceeds it's value .

[91mustang]

If you can't fix the bumper cover, I'd drive it anyway. You know it will be a reliable back up car.