toddmorr

Major bummer in our household. Daughter lost control of our LS the other night and totaled it, crashing over a curb and running into a concrete bus stop. Slight bruise on her knee but other than, no problems.

Given the 2002 age of the car I had not purchased collision insurance so there was no insurance company in the mix, and I guess technically no "salvage" on the title. One quick ad on Craigslist with a few photos and I was amazed at the response. Sight unseen, $3000 for the car or what was left of it. Keep in mind, this is a 95k mile car, original owner, solid interior but not pristeen, 3 out of 4 corners were severely damaged, air bag deployed, engine and tranny in perfect running condition, but that's it. The business models of these buyers were interesting.....some wanted it to fix it and reship overseas for sale. Others wanted it for parts, other guy wanted it because he was on contract to supply some number of cars to used car dealerships each quarter. Which just made me determined to never buy a used car from a dealer.

randal

A one owner 2002 LS430 with 95k miles is probably worth around $12k. So, that 'little' mishap only cost you $9k.
That is why I keep comprehensive insurance until the price of the vehicle is under $5k.

Mike_1GO

iTrader: (2)

your drivetrain alone is easily worth 3K

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

if you take the time to part it out im sure you can get more then 3k

Gene01

Two thoughts:
1. As said above, the drive train parts alone are worth more than the price paid.
2. At least in CA, a deployed air bag is automatically cause for declaring the car totaled (related to me by an insurance adjuster).

airchomper

How is the drive train worth 3k?

The A650e (transmission) is worth 500, tops.

And the engine seems to trade for $1,500.

Am I wrong?

If one is willing to get a JDM engine/transmission, you can get it even cheaper.

ancdmd

just a bruised knee? how about the people waiting for the bus?

rxonmymind

Glad your daughter is ok.
Any idea yet what the next vehicle might be or what you've had in mind?

toddmorr

you guys are funny.
in truth there was no one at the bus stop because it was 2:00am, thank heavens. Really, although we lost a beloved car, we consider ourselves fortunate because no one else was hurt.

I have no doubt if I had parted the car out I could have gotten more for it but that would have required a certain amount of time and effort that I was not interested in expending.

I am a die hard Toyota Lexus man, and therefore promptly went out and bought an '05 LX470. We had an 01 Land Cruiser in Dubai, and what a great vehicle they are. Another example of Toyota over-engineering. Only bad thing is the gas mileage on these beasts.....full highway blasts at 90mph in Dubai with a full load I could only manage 12mpg...heavy city driving not much better. But the solid driving feel and reliability is really something to experience. They are amazingly comfortable too...I actually prefer the seats in the LX/Land Cruiser to the LS.

HiloDB1

iTrader: (3)

Glad everyone is safe. But I'm going to be sad if this was an UL with Ecru interior.

toddmorr

nah...base LS with a gray interior.
nuts I miss that car already.....such a sweet cruiser.

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

Plenty more out there. Glad all are OK.