Questions and Answers
Should I fix It?
Q. Dear Mr. Ciulla, Should we fix or buy another car?
Our car was hit a few days ago, today the body shop estimates the damage at about $3,800.00. It will be "totaled" and we'll be out of a car.
1. It's a 1991 Toyota Camry LE. We are the original owners, V-6, Loaded, 86,000 miles, My wife's car and it was pampered much more than I was over the years :) . Never had any problems with it, it was quite a gem.
2. We are gonna have to buy a car, so would it be worth spending $4,000 bucks getting it repaired or would it be better to get a used car for $4,000? One way or the other, the money will be spent.
3. We plan on keeping the car so we don't care about resale value.
I'd be interested in your opinion on this.
With regards,
DennisA. "Totaled" does not mean the car is damaged beyond repair, it just means it's damaged beyond what the insurance company is willing to pay to have it repaired. I had a 1968 Chevy Chevelle that was "Totaled" twice and even after the second time I was still able to fix and drive it..
If you like the car and it's in, otherwise, good condition, then by all means, have it repaired. If it is in as good a shape as you say, you'll have a very hard time finding a replacement car for that price. Besides, the devil you know is better than the devil you don't know.
I would suggest you put one condition on the repair however. I would tell your wife she has to treat you as well as she treats her car.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
