4Runner in Accident

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CarClueless

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My 2000 silver 4 Runner with less than 50,000 miles on it was in an accident on Tuesday when a Ford Truck ran a red light and ran into the passenger side. The front quarter panel is pretty crumpled up. The front passenger wheel is bent. (I tried to attach a picture.) I don't know much about vehicle frames and all. The repair shop where it was taken said that "anything can be repaired if enough parts are changed out." I had always heard that if the frame was bent, it couldn't be repaired. How do I know if the frame was bent and repaired? I had a 1986 4 Runner prior to this one. I really like the vehicle and hate to think that the 2000 is so damaged it will never run right again. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 

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That just looks horrible.

I hope that you can get it totaled, so that you could use the money for a new one.
 
Still looks good, frame damage can be straightened out, it the powertrain that you should be concerned with, if he hit it hard enough to move the engine over and damage the trans, transfer case and what not it's totalled but it's hard to tell with that picture.

I would be really concerned with that front hub, if they do replace it demand all new parts, my friends jeep got hit like that and the thing could never engage 4wheel drive properly and the thing always leaked fluid
 
Yeah just be concerned with the transmission and front axle. You're a brave guy, I'd still be crying in some corner if that had been my 4Runner. Good Luck
 
I would try to total it, but if not.....just stick the other guy's insurance company with a huge bill. I agree with EDGE.....go to a reputable place and demand all new parts. The accident was not your fault, so you're not paying. It should be in a "like new" condition when you get it back. i'm glad you and your passengers made it out okay! good luck!

p.s. welcome to the forum! :)
 
Yeah, I cried and err - wasn't too kind to the guy who hit me - he got an earful (Lucky I couldn't get out of the car - kinda' shook up)! Hoping the repair shop will do me right but sometimes don't think car dealers/repair shops take women seriously. It helps to use the correct words (and have a basic idea) when talking to the repair reps. Thanks for the help!
 
that truck will never be the same... I have a general rule of thumb, if I crash a vehicle, if its fixable, I will fix it , then sell it, but most of the time it takes very little to total a vehicle. From my experience the vehicle is never the same after a major repair like that. Its always just a little off. could just be me though.
 
Sorry for your misfortune.

Any shop could tell you if the frame is bent. Depending on how bad it is, you could look and tell. My brother did less damage to the front quarter of a car. After it was fixed it was never the same.


I'm guessing it will be totaled. Is there any bends in the roof?
 
Start asking now...

Find the best body shop in the area and insist that your 4Runner be done by them. Insist on all new parts (didn't have any body filler before, shouldn't have any now), and repaint the entire vehicle (unless the body shop can match the sun fade in the paint). Since that passenger side window looks like it shattered, insist on a full interior detail to get all of the glass out of the HVAC system and replace any interior parts that may be warped or bent due to the impact.

I'm not a auto-body guy, but based on the photo, if the frame is bent, it is slight. Looks like you need a new door, fender, hood, front end, bumper, suspension, drivetrain components for that side (and possibly the entire front drive system), brake system components for both front wheels - don't want that thing to pull one way or the other while braking... If I had to guess, I'd say at least $7grand. Once it's repaired, I'd say sell it and get a new 05 with the v8 :D
 
CarClueless

Where are you located. If you are in new jersey, i got a good guy you could go to.. Def. a right guy

And sorry to see that, but glad you are ok. The other stuff can be replaced
 
Re: Start asking now...

boston_kevin said:
Find the best body shop in the area and insist that your 4Runner be done by them. Insist on all new parts (didn't have any body filler before, shouldn't have any now), and repaint the entire vehicle (unless the body shop can match the sun fade in the paint). Since that passenger side window looks like it shattered, insist on a full interior detail to get all of the glass out of the HVAC system and replace any interior parts that may be warped or bent due to the impact.

I'm not a auto-body guy, but based on the photo, if the frame is bent, it is slight. Looks like you need a new door, fender, hood, front end, bumper, suspension, drivetrain components for that side (and possibly the entire front drive system), brake system components for both front wheels - don't want that thing to pull one way or the other while braking... If I had to guess, I'd say at least $7grand. Once it's repaired, I'd say sell it and get a new 05 with the v8 :D
Click to expand...

keep all that in mind cause if they fix it and say it's like new and suddenly unexpected problems start to happen it was never fixed properly, many shops that try and save money will reuse parts but you should go with a body shop that insist on repalcing everything, if the body shop say 10k worth of damage and another says 4 the 4 is gonna bondo and reuse;):

Also go to a well established bodyshop that has been their for year;):
 
Wow - such great information. I am in the southeast - 4Runner was taken to a Ford shop. Toyota doesn't have a body shop where I am. I am anxiously awaiting hearing from the shop, but so far nothing. :confused: Thinking about going to look at the 05's tomorrow - just to look (right, isn't that how it all starts?!). Thanks all!
 
Keep that in mind when the dealer hears you say, just looking. RIIIIIIIGHT. That is what i said, a day before i signed the paper
 
Find the best body shop

In my experience, the critical issue is finding a really good body shop that will keep your interests their #1 issue. You are entitled to be "made whole" by the other guy's insurance company, but the practical implementation of that can vary.

If it's mostly a matter of replacing parts and straightening sheet metal, a good body shop can indeed get things right, but damage like this won't be cheap. And you want someone who's really looking hard for all the little things you might not notice right away, but might cause you problems down the road.

Ask around your area and get references to the best body shops. Mechanics are a good place to start, but get suggestions from multiple sources. In many cases you'll see a clear trend after talking to a few folks who are in the know. Usually there are one or two shops that are universally respected--insist that your vehicle be taken to them. After the repair, consider taking the vehicle to a mechanic you trust and having them look at the quality of the repair.

If you aren't well treated by the other party's insurance company (at any stage of this situation), I'd suggest contacting the office in your state that regulates insurance companies there. They can be very helpful and will tell you what the companies are legally reqiured to do and also what's customary practice. They sometimes can have some real influence.
 
Its hard to tell from the picture but my guess is that the damage will be higher than the $7k boston_kevin estimated. Some guy sideswiped my 04 a couple of months ago; I needed a new front fender, driver's side door skin, a new front bumper, various mouldings, etc. and new paint. I used the best place in town and got all new OEM Toyota parts, my bill was $7500. Thank God for insurance.

Anyway, if you ever feel like either your insurance company or the guilty party's insurance company is jerking you around call a lawyer immediately. Don't waste your time dealing with people who are looking to pull a quick one on your own, thats what lawyers are for.

If that was my car I'd hope they just total it out. That 4Runner will never be the same after that much damage. In addition to driving like it's sllightly out of alignment, and possibly not looking the same up close, you very likely have additional hidden damage to several components that will not fail, need replacing, or show damage for years to come.

I was rear-ended once in my old '90 Runner and pretty much 12 months after the accident I had to replace the entire front end, at my cost. There is no way all that crap would have failed when it did if it hadn't been for that accident. I had my brakes on and was stopped when some woman ran into me going ~70mph.

Whatever happens, at least you are safe and not injured. 4Runners are replaceable. Good luck with the insurance companies.
 
Sorry to hear that you got into an accident.

Like alot of people have said.... if its worth it.. fix it and sell it.. don't keep it.
 
My 2000 Pathfinder was rearended, guys foot slipped of the brake and he just rolled into me, 1700 in damage at a roll, truck was 8 months old:mad:

That 4Runner, if you go with a good reputable BodyShop who's gonna fix it with all new parts could be an easy 10k if not more, that and it has 50k on it so, what is it worth.

The closer the estimate gets to the KBB of the 4Runner the higher the chance of it being totalled;): don't accept used parts or aftermarket:o

Just in paint alone they are gonna have to blend the entire passenger side and hood/roof into the driver side, might as well repaint the car
 
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Looks like the front wheel alignment is slightly off ;)

j/k



SOunds like nobody was injured, so look on the bright side. It is easier to fix.replace a trcuk than a person.

I think they might total it. Sorry.
 
I agree with the rest of the people here that say fix it if they are going to, and then sell it. With that kind of wheel damage and the year of your vehicle, they will use all aftermarket parts. Plus remember that you are dealing with the other persons Insurance and they are going to suggest you take it to a shop that they have deals with to pay out as little as they can. You can go to whomever you like but they will only cut you a check for what they think it will fix.
Before you go to the dealer check out this site first and look through the car buying school link!

Good Luck!Car Buying Tips
 
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