Well, I got a call from the body shop and insurance company. Total cost of repairs is climbing past $4300. They're making the car a total loss. I have 2 options, they look within 50 mi of my area and give me the average value for a Bonneville (or similar) car w/ my mileage (and in my car'* condition, excellent) plus tax, or I can keep the car and they will give me the wholesale value minus the amount of money a salvage yard will pay for it. If I do the 2nd option, the car gets a salvaged title and I'm stuck with the repairs. Such a shame that they would just total it...that car still runs PERFECT, even with the body damage. But I don't think I can afford to take on all the repairs that will be involved, and if I get in another wreck, I'll be worse off than I am now with that salvaged title.

Someone, give me your Bonnie!

that happened with my 94 SSE and we kept the car, made the repairs (it was mostly cosmetic) and we even had money left over for mods to her. Figure out what you would need and call around to check prices before you decide. That is what we did. Jeff ran into a concrete lightpole in the middle of a parking lot adjacent to WalMart. It needed front clip, hood, fender and we took it to a frame shop for a little adjustment. Jeff & my dad did the rest of the work themselves and she looked great.

Can it be driven as it is? I would keep it and fix it up as I could. As you said, it runs perfect, and if you buy another car, you're rolling the dice.

Hood fender headlight and bumper should not cost $4300. They are nickel and diming the car to death. Take what the insurance will give you, hit up the junk yard, and come out ahead.

There'* major damage beyond the hood/bumpers. The accident was going about 40 mph, and all the pressure was applied at about 6sq inch piece of the car. My worry is the fact that the salvage title reduces the value to about nothing. I can't afford to have it get totalled and then get a check for $400 next time, instead of a check for $4000.

Wait, you're getting 4K for it? I'd have to reconsider my last statement with this knowledge.

If it'* going to carry a salvage title, be very careful. Unless you have a HUGE personal tie to the car, let it go. If the damage is as severe as you describe and will cost more than what you could sell the car for with a salvage title, there'* no point in keeping it around.

IMO, part with it, move on, pick up another Bonnie.

I know that here we didn't have to do a salvaged title but if we did all we had to do when we got her fixed was take her to the MHP and have them inspect her and get a clear title on her.

I was still able to carry comp & collision no problem. Your area may have different laws but here they work for me

there are plenty others out there. start looking.

what i would do is just drive as is <maybe minimal functionality repairs> and then put the money into savings. collect interest. when the car dies/gets killed, you may come out ahead. but then again this is the guy sitting on less then $500 of car that can do battle with a pickup and win

<been done before>