asif2002

Hey guys
My mother was driving our 1998 Lexus LS 400. She got hit by a speeding car on the right hand side at a Stop sign. Here is a picture of the car below. My question is that if the Insurance claims it as a total loss because of frame damage, should I take the insurance money and then buy the car at a fraction of the price? I thinking of repairing it with aftermarket bumper and put a new suspension on it and some other stuff.
Let me know.
Thanks

Pagong

Did the airbags deploy? If it did the insurance company will write that off as a total loss.

Looks like there might be frame damage. The insurance will probably give you KBB price on the car. Just use that money and buy another one....usually after an accident the damaged car even when fixed doesnt feel the same when it wasn't hit.

gtfour43

That doesnt look too bad. If the frame was bent which is very likely, its not that hard to change out. At our shop we changed a ton of them. My boss was getting pretty good at it actually and could do one in a couple of hours.
From the looks of your pic I'd say the insurance company would be paying for a control arm, new strut, spindle assy.,tie rod end,rim and of course the misc body panels. One more thing tho, was the ABS unit damaged?

asif2002

I dunno how to tell if the ABS unit is damaged. How much would the car be if they were to total it?

Strida

Ouch! Hope your mom is okay.
I dont think the insurance company will total that. But if they did just take the money and buy another one as Pagong said. You could buy it back, but it also depends on how much the insurance company will sell it to you and the total price you will spend to repair it. Plus if you want to sell it in the future it will be tough, buyers will usually stay away from cars that has accident records. I know I would. Good luck to you.

ATSOU

There is no way that the insurance will total this car.
If there is a frame damage(which will only be very minor,) it's only a sway pull.

Pagong

that is why I asked if the airbags deployed. Usually when the bags deploy insurance companies will write it off a total loss. Even with minor frame damage.

Nevertheless the car will not be the same even when you get it fixed.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

As far as damage, there is the likelyhood of some frame damage but it may not be too severe. Roughly guessing that the car is valued ~$23K or so, this is fixable. Now, a good frame shop can do wonders but if the car has been damaged at a critical location, it may not drive the same.

If the insurance co totals it, you will be buying a "salvage" title. With as many LS's around, unless you have a deep attachment, it is easier to buy a good sample. Talk to the body shop manager and see what he has to say.