es92

My 92 es300 was labeled a total loss. Damage to the vehicle was just mostly scratches and a very small dent. Engine is a 93 and already had 81k. add 50k prior to the accident. It is driveable.
In my attempt to get a salvage/rebuilt title, it did not pass the brake and lamp inspection. ABS light is on which could mean the wheel sensors. Rear brakes need repair. Lower control arm needs to be replaced. Maybe as well the oil pan gasket, power steering pump and all around struts. I have had this car since 2000 and no more monies to repair. What's best to do now?

mmarshall

Welcome to CL.

You've got a number of options, of course, but, if it were me, I wouldn't screw around any more with a car that is a quarter-century old. It may (?) be time for you to take the money the insurance company gives you (even if it isn't much) and use it as a down payment on something new....or newer. There are many posters here in Car Chat that can give you good advice, and help you decide on what vehicle (and at what age) is best for your needs.

es92

mmarshall
Thanks for your info. Do I need to move this thread into the car chat ?

mmarshall

If you want advice on a new (or newer) car, yes, you can start a new thread in Car Chat just on that subject, though some of the posters here can also help you. If you want to repair the old one, the moderators apparently felt that that question would be better-addressed in this forum. (we also have a maintenance-forum, BTW)

LeX2K

Got any pics?

es92

The part that goes here fell off but I have it in the trunk and no dent just scratches

LeX2K

That's repairable, polish out the scratches straighten the fender and put the cladding back on. It won't come out perfect but will look decent. It really depends on if you want to keep the car for a few more years.

es92

Lexus2000
I believe just the sensors (ABS) cost to repair is pretty much the nail in the coffin. So now do I part it out or sell it to a junkyard who will give me next to nothing for it

LeX2K

I assume you are not able to do the work yourself. ABS sensors are cheap to buy but not the easiest to replace. The wheels and tires might fetch more than the entire car sold to a salvage yard. Why not list the car for sale as is.

Aron9000

Does it pass California emissions???? Way easier to sell or justify keeping it if it does.

Anyways, what is the status of the title, can it actually be sold "as is" to another person and the title transferred in its current state? I'm assuming you didn't take the full insurance payout and bought the car back for pretty cheap.

I hate to say it but with the title issue, not being able to get it registered, the car not being worth much $$$ to start with, it not being a cult collectible car with a huge enthusiast community(aka 4wd Toyota trucks, MR2, Supra), you might just need to cut your losses and realize you are SOL in this situation and junk it. Sounds like from your description it needs at least $1000-2000 worth of work if you fix all the stuff at a shop, which IMO is not worth it.

If you have the time and ability to wrench on it yourself, think of it as a project car, but even then you need to think about how valuable your time is. Its not like you're wrenching on something cool like an old Pontiac GTO that you can go show off at cruise night or hit the drag strip.

es92

Hello Aron9000
It already passed smog last Dec. Tags are good til Jan 2019. Title is the issue. It did not pass a brake and lamp test that is required to obtain a salvage/rebuilt title. Insurance company paid me a more than fair sum and they gave me my car back.
I may try to sell "as is" first. Maybe someone may want to make it a project car regardless of it's age. It's a Lexus =) I now own a used 99RX300 that I purchased with the insurance monies.

speedkar9

It would be difficult to sell a 26 year old car with a salvage title.

You'd be better off parting out the car and having a tow truck haul away the rest for scrap, than to get them to haul the hole thing.

Or you could find those sketchy shops and have them "write" you an inspection haha.

WildES330

Exactly what did they say was wrong with the brake and lamps test? Maybe it just has a few bulbs burned out or a bad brake light switch? If you can address that, you could then pass the salvage title requirement. I've purchased two salvage titled Toyota's and drive them both for many happy years.