It doesn't take much cosmetic damage to add up to $9000.00. Even major structural damage can be repaired. I've watched my friend rebuild a lot of smashed Dodge trucks and cars to like-new condition. He has a 2006 dually diesel that was hit so hard in the front it pushed the engine back a foot and crushed the firewall. That was his daily driver for three years until he got his latest project on the road two weeks ago. That's a 2011 Dodge Mega Cab diesel that he turned into a dually and extended the frame 24" so he could put an 8" box on it. That truck was also hit in the front. Both needed frame work, radiators, intercoolers, and stuff like that, but with all his vehicles and the dozens he's built for people in the area, you can't tell there was ever any crash damage. He does good work, but it's no better than most other professionals can do. The difference is he doesn't have to watch a clock to keep an insurance adjuster happy.
My suggestion is to keep the car if you like it. If something is not as it was before, contact the body shop, then, if necessary, contact your insurance company. They are paying to have your car put back the way it was and should go to bat for you if something isn't right. I DO understand your concern that things can show up later. Often it can be hard to know if future problems are related to the crash damage. Cross that bridge when you come to it. There's no point in trading off a car you like because there MIGHT be some issue in the future.
Oct 19, 2013 at 3:17 AM
