View Full Version : is my daughters car totaled?
Daughter had a fender bender last night. Looks like just a bumper, hood and fender to me but both airbags went off. Airbag also cracked the windshield.
98 Mustang. Is the car totaled?
Yes, I have a claim in, and waiting to hear. Just wondering what those with experience in the matter would guess.
Daughter is fine, seatbelt hurt her chest some, jaw is a little tender from the airbag. A few tears, but everything is fine.
RCCrawler
06-02-2016, 08:01
If the airbags hadn't popped I'd say no, but since that happened I'm going to guess yes.
Seems everything I've seen is that when bags pop on an older car it's too costly for insurance to repair and they just total them.
I'm a bit out of date, but it used to be a popped airbag was an instant 5k in damage.
Great-Kazoo
06-02-2016, 08:09
Blue Book vs repair cost. KBB says that vehicle if it was the higher end Cobra GT with 85K is worth $7K In VG condition .. If it's the Convertible GT (Not Cobra) KBB with same info is only worth $2K as a private (not trade in ) Value. Outside of the year there's not enough info to say yes or no.
One of our esteemed current or former ins wizz ards can tell you more. I'd wager with the airbags blown, start looking for another vehicle. Hopefully your daughter (or the co-signer) will not be out of pocket too much after paying off any paper due on it.
The up side of this is, your daughter walked away. Everything else is minimal when you factor that in.
That's what I was afraid of. She likes that car. And that thing was tight, no leaks and ran well. It was just a 6cyl, but a convertible. She loved it.
"The up side of this is, your daughter walked away." Really, that's the only thing that matters.
Ask them the buy back price. Airbags are about 500 ea. Throw a headlight in it and let her wreck it again.
Or buy it back and sell it with a salvage title and put the profit towards the next one.
theGinsue
06-02-2016, 09:23
Ask them the buy back price. Airbags are about 500 ea. Throw a headlight in it and let her wreck it again.
Or buy it back and sell it with a salvage title and put the profit towards the next one.
+1 this!
I'll ask about the buyback price. Thanks, never would have thought of that.
To me it sure looks like an easy repair.
UncleDave
06-02-2016, 09:35
Being a 6 cylinder it is totaled, but is repairable if you want to go that route. I would only do that if you can do the work yourself, or have a buddy that will help you out.
If the frame is not bent then what they said.
Insurance will likely total it, buy it back, pull the front fascia, hood, fender; look for structural damage to the bumper and unibody; If all is good, take a trip to the salvage yard, get the parts, put it back together, get it aligned, and have it painted (or do it yourself if so inclined) on the cheap. It is not worth the money if you can't do it yourself, which is the reason they will total it. Totally worth it, if you don't mind a little project.
We need to make disposable cars. Sucks that this car, with minimal damage is totaled.
Hope you ge t this all squared away and it works in you favor.
Don't put too much effort into the idea of keeping it. About 50% of the time the buy back price is stupid.
BPTactical
06-02-2016, 13:38
The other things to consider on a "Buyback".
With uni body cars the design is such so the impact is dissipated throughout the structure.
I have seen vehicles with similar damage and welds in the trunk are popped and seams distorted.
A "buyback" repaired vehicle will have a "Salvage" title. Insuring them can be a pain.
Glad the "Devil Child[Muaha]" is OK Robb. Tell her texting and driving is a bad thing
The other things to consider on a "Buyback".
With uni body cars the design is such so the impact is dissipated throughout the structure.
I have seen vehicles with similar damage and welds in the trunk are popped and seams distorted.
A "buyback" repaired vehicle will have a "Salvage" title. Insuring them can be a pain.
Glad the "Devil Child[Muaha]" is OK Robb. Tell her texting and driving is a bad thing
I'll definitely relay the message, she'll appreciate that coming from you Bert. (I can see her eye rolls from here.)
Mom worked in insurance, she says it's totalled. Sorry bruh.
15+ years experience selling Ford Parts here. Also, used to be an estimator at a body shop, that thing is done. You can't even get new parts for them anymore so everything would be salvage or aftermarket. If you are mechanically inclined it would probably be a pretty easy fix to make it drive-able again, but as others have mentioned the buyback will probably be close to what it is worth fixed.
SideShow Bob
06-02-2016, 18:10
Also figure in a trip to the dealer, after rebuilding if you go that way, to clear the airbag deployment code. Those shade tree mechanic code readers will not clear that code, not even the professional mechanic code tools will not clear certain major codes.
I think that only the dealer can clear it.
Good to hear that your girl is OK.
Also figure in a trip to the dealer, after rebuilding if you go that way, to clear the airbag deployment code. Those shade tree mechanic code readers will not clear that code, not even the professional mechanic code tools will not clear certain major codes.
I think that only the dealer can clear it.
Good to hear that your girl is OK.
My Snap-on Solus scanner will delete airbag codes, so your statement is generally false.
OP, if she likes that car, find another one. Those SN95 Mustangs are pretty cheap now days. There's a super clean 1995 GT up here for $5k. It has Cobra wheels, and some other upgrades, and under 50k miles.
hurley842002
06-02-2016, 18:37
There's a super clean 1995 GT up here for $5k. It has Cobra wheels, and some other upgrades, and under 50k miles.
Don't know the details of the accident beyond what the picture tells me, so I don't want to speculate, however, my first thought is the daughter may be best off with the V6 and not a GT.
I think my minivan has more horsepower than a 1995 GT Mustang.
hurley842002
06-02-2016, 18:57
I think my minivan has more horsepower than a 1995 GT Mustang.
I'm guessing my Xterra probably does too, since it has more horsepower than most vehicles in 95... In any event, more isn't always better for some.
ETA: I had to look, yes my Xterra has more HP than a 95 Mustang GT, it also has more HP than my father's 94 454 Chevy. Just a tidbit of info, since we ventured on the topic of then vs now.
Had to laugh at that one Hurley. Yeah, my daughter has zero business being behind the wheel of a real performance vehicle. I'll report back when I hear back from the inside co.
9
Had to laugh at that one Hurley. Yeah, my daughter has zero business being behind the wheel of a real performance vehicle. I'll report back when I hear back from the inside co.
9
We'll make sure to not let her drive our minivan and Xterra then. ;)
And the xterra and minivan weigh about 600 to 1000 pounds more than the Mustang. Also probably easier to make power in a 5.0L V8 than a V6 minivan or SUV. And the Mustang is more than likely still faster in the 1/4 mile.
Mustang (3400lbs) HP to weight ratio: 15.8lbs per 1HP
Nissan Xterra (4400lbs fully equipped)16.8lbs per 1HP
Also, how much power is being put to the ground? 4x4 gearboxes soak up lots of power.
hurley842002
06-02-2016, 19:48
And the xterra and minivan weigh about 600 to 1000 pounds more than the Mustang. Also probably easier to make power in a 5.0L V8 than a V6 minivan or SUV. And the Mustang is more than likely still faster in the 1/4 mile.
Mustang (3400lbs) HP to weight ratio: 15.8lbs per 1HP
Nissan Xterra (4400lbs fully equipped)16.8lbs per 1HP
Also, how much power is being put to the ground? 4x4 gearboxes soak up lots of power.
Am I sensing butt hurt, or are you just waaay overthinking this?
Actually after a bit of research, the stock Mustang barely beats the Xterra in a 1/4 mile, which is actually kind of embarrassing for a V8 sports car vs. a V6 SUV.
Sorry for the derail OP, I had to defend my cars honor [Coffee]
hurley842002
06-02-2016, 19:50
We'll make sure to not let her drive our minivan and Xterra then. ;)
LOL, especially the mini van, she'd never get a date....
Minivans get a bad rap. If I would have driven this car in high school, I could have had 6 dates* all at the same time!
Which would have been more than my entire high school dating career. lol
Nope, no butthurt, just stating the facts. I am a fan of the Mustangs though.
hurley842002
06-02-2016, 19:54
I am a fan of the Mustangs though.
Figured as much...
Great-Kazoo
06-02-2016, 20:26
I think my minivan has more horsepower than a 1995 GT Mustang.
[panic]Without torque it's nothing, sometimes. Now go back to something you do know, like roofs.
[panic][panic]
LOL, especially the mini van, she'd never get a date....
Kinda like that idea...
My kid damaged a bumper and headlights on a Saturn and they totaled it. Bought a donor car and am going to salvage it. The buyout of the total was $300.
Tinelement
06-02-2016, 22:30
Being in the auto body world for almost 30 years now I'd let them total it and move on.
Unless you know people or are the "people" that can do the work and help you out, a $500-$1000 buy back will quickly turn into a $3000-$6000 repair in a hurry.
Great-Kazoo
06-02-2016, 23:51
LOL, especially the mini van, she'd never get a date....
Kinda like that idea...
ABSOLUTELY NOT.... small cars are uncomfortable to "stretch out in" You get them a van. Might as well become a holiday inn express gold member.
Between packing in every friend they know, just because. To keeping it "special" there's no way in hell you want to enable ANY teenager / YA.
ABSOLUTELY NOT.... small cars are uncomfortable to "stretch out in" You get them a van. Might as well become a holiday inn express gold member.
Between packing in every friend they know, just because. To keeping it "special" there's no way in hell you want to enable ANY teenager / YA.
Spoken like someone who owns the "been there, done that" t-shirt.
As always, good insight Kazoo.
Great-Kazoo
06-03-2016, 08:58
Spoken like someone who owns the "been there, done that" t-shirt.
As always, good insight Kazoo.
There a story about a 69 GT fastback
There a story about a 69 GT fastback
What the Hell... we're waiting....
68Charger
06-03-2016, 09:47
a '67 Charger can fit a mattress (A double, I think) in the back with the rear seat folded down...
a '67 Charger can fit a mattress (A double, I think) in the back with the rear seat folded down...
So, he can mark that off his list of replacement vehicles.
Nobody wants their daughter riding around in something with enough room to have sex.
fportmen45
06-03-2016, 16:11
Back in the day, I built my girlfriend a '65 Impala to replace her Cavalier. Just saying...
So, he can mark that off his list of replacement vehicles.
Nobody wants their daughter riding around in something with enough room to have sex.
I use to have a 87 grand wagoner, queen size mattress in the back with room enough for a keg, yep Jr. year of HS was fun.
Great-Kazoo
06-03-2016, 17:47
What the Hell... we're waiting....
1973......So i'm tooling around in this 390 GT
https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Md05d53ef15ef0aabcab5bc4d6f2548cco0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300
current lady in passenger seat. Pull in to a cozy parking area. With a view of course (north shore of LI) It's on, clothes off. FUCKING seats don't go back far enough.
Outside, lots of room. Head back, hand keys to friend whose car i "borrowed" So How was it he ask? Your fucking seats put a damper on interior athletics.
Did you fold the seats down ? [panic]The seats fold down?? [facepalm][facepalm] She preferred my 63 impala wagon more then the GT. Now the 66 Dodge van ;) ;)
So, he can mark that off his list of replacement vehicles.
Nobody wants their daughter riding around in something with enough room to have sex.
It's not the WHERE. It's the WHEN. When they decided to, it makes no difference WHERE they are. Hell standing in line for a movie worked for someone i know.
Grant H.
06-03-2016, 19:02
1973......So i'm tooling around in this 390 GT
https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Md05d53ef15ef0aabcab5bc4d6f2548cco0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300
current lady in passenger seat. Pull in to a cozy parking area. With a view of course (north shore of LI) It's on, clothes off. FUCKING seats don't go back far enough.
Outside, lots of room. Head back, hand keys to friend whose car i "borrowed" So How was it he ask? Your fucking seats put a damper on interior athletics.
Did you fold the seats down ? [panic]The seats fold down?? [facepalm][facepalm] She preferred my 63 impala wagon more then the GT. Now the 66 Dodge van ;) ;)
It's not the WHERE. It's the WHEN. When they decided to, it makes no difference WHERE they are. Hell standing in line for a movie worked for someone i know.
I know a couple that created a child while riding in the back seat of a 2000 Chevy Impala, without her parents knowing while sitting in the front seat on a 2 week long family/friends road trip...
It doesn't matter when/where, if they decide they want to, they will find a way.
fportmen45
06-03-2016, 19:20
I know a couple that created a child while riding in the back seat of a 2000 Chevy Impala, without her parents knowing while sitting in the front seat on a 2 week long family/friends road trip...
It doesn't matter when/where, if they decide they want to, they will find a way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdTygtNxVXE
BPTactical
06-03-2016, 19:42
I dated a gal who had a Chevy Luv......I would have never known a human body can bend in such ways and remain alive.
Good times
Bottom line- if the furries wanna rub together, they gonna rub together.
Yeah, but if they're going to do it we can at least make them work at it by making them drive small cars.
ColoradoTJ
06-18-2016, 16:46
Yeah, but if they're going to do it we can at least make them work at it by making them drive small cars.
That is how hand prints get on hoods......
"That is how hand prints get on hoods......"
Funny.
Colorado TJ, we just replaced her Mustang with a... Colorado TJ.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.