Is this totaled?

[karandras]

I’m new to the Z club. I have made two payments on my car and am a ways off from needing the first oil change. Yesterday, a freightliner changed lanes into me. Is this as totaled as I think it is? Would I even want this fixed versus totaled?

 

[splatrd]

I used to do auto body work and will say that side hits are the worst to deal with. The problem is that unibody cars will transfer energy through the structure in places you would not expect. From the one picture, it would be very difficult to declare it is totaled. With a low production model like this is, there may be a long wait for replacement parts. Be sure to push the insurance company to get you diminished value payoff to offset the hit to resale if it is repaired.

 

[mikedubs]

I had a similar accident with my 370z and it wasn't totaled, but like splatrd said, until you see the structure it's difficult to tell. Definitely push the insurance for a diminished value payoff because this will cost you when you sell the car. Good luck, never fun to deal with this stuff.

 

[FSUZ33]

My 03 350 was hit just in front of the passenger door handle. I don’t know what it’s called, but it bent the unibody where the door latches, and on the 350 that’s structural, and they totalled it. I assume the Z34/RZ34 unibody is the same way. Hopefully that’s not damaged. But your Z is has greater relative value than my 350 did, so even if it’s damaged insurance may still deem it repairable. Some people prefer to start fresh, depending on the severity of the accident.
My gut says they‘ll fix it.
Regardless, I hope it works out how you prefer.

Edit: Check to see if your insurance has depreciation coverage. And if not, figure out if you can file a separate claim for depreciation. Not an expert, but everyone deserves to be compensated for depreciation, especially if it’s not your fault.

 

[AlanZ]

My first thought is that it’s totaled. I also feel like I would want it to be totaled and just get a new one as long as you have full coverage which I would think you have.

 

[thesilverbullet]

I would push for a replacement. If not, make sure that you are compensated for the lost of value after repair. A repaired car with an accident rap sheet is worth less than the same car that has not been in an accident. Then you can decide after repairs to replace it yourself.

another option would be to ask a dealership what‘s worth “as is” on a trade in on a new Z. I did this one time on a new car less than 6 months old. i took the trade in value along with the insurance check and bought a new (same car) that was the next model year and the new loan payments were $1.00 less.

 

[haohmaru]

Don't take it to a shop that the insurance company works with. Also, don't let any insurance adjusters look at it before the body shop evaluates it.

 

[FSUZ33]

A full set of Sport 18's from Nissan would be $3,771 + tax (approx $930 ea front, $955 ea rear). OEM replacement parts have never been cheap, but that's ridiculous. Looks like automobile manufacturers are using the same pricing formulas the health care industry uses.

 

[VR30Infection]

I would be crossing my fingers that it would be a total loss. I would want it paid off and start fresh if at all possible. Glad you’re not hurt.

 

[alienpoker]

I agree with @splatrd I have done ACR (Auto Collision Repair) including frame work, and for your sake I have my fingers crossed that they total it. The LH rear tire (and rim!) took a huge hit. All that energy goes somewhere. I think if the Driver door was hit at all, including the door latch below the lock pillar, they will total it. If airbags deployed- they usually consider totaling it as that work costs a lot to put right, as it includes safety systems and stripping down the interior.

I had a car that never ran straight after a hit like this. The insurance insisted on repairing it. Honestly it always felt like it was ‘crabbing’ when I would turn right or brake hard. Also the tire wear on the LH side was uneven & very weird looking.

from my experience with the 370Z, there isn’t going to be any alignment on the rear wheels of an RZ34 to speak of. Maybe some camber… but if there’s nothing, then the body shop has to get the pulls dead nuts straight.

If I kept it after a repair, I would probably change the rear suspension to aftermarket so I had some rear alignment control. Sad to see.

 

[Bamafanatic]

I’m new to the Z club. I have made two payments on my car and am a ways off from needing the first oil change. Yesterday, a freightliner changed lanes into me. Is this as totaled as I think it is? Would I even want this fixed versus totaled?

I hope for your sake they total it. Best to start over. I know that had to make you sick. I had a 300ZX anniversary edition that was hit on drivers door and qtr panel , insurance fixed it. It was never the same! Good luck to you!

 

[CPerdomo]

I’m new to the Z club. I have made two payments on my car and am a ways off from needing the first oil change. Yesterday, a freightliner changed lanes into me. Is this as totaled as I think it is? Would I even want this fixed versus totaled?

Gabe, I'm so sorry. This is terrible. Hope the other driver is insured.