The End

DK327

DK327

Member
Hello everyone,

This is the one post I never wanted to make. After owning my 3rd gen for over a decade (since February 2016) it might be time to let it go.

I got into an accident on my way to work earlier this morning (me and the other driver are both OK) and the front passenger side of the vehicle is in bad shape. Below is the dashcam video and the aftermath for those who care:


I was only a couple of blocks from work so I was able to drive it there and parked in the lot. The steering column is most likely damaged as it makes grinding sound when turninig and the steering wheel is not centered anymore, ditto the axle and who knows what else on that side. The windshield wiper reservoir puked which was the only leak, no check engine lights or anything like that. Can't open the hood, so don't know what I'll find in there.

The Prius got cited for making an illegal u-turn and failure to yield. I've already filed a claim with his insurance and after work I'll probably have the vehicle towed to my driveway and wait to hear from the insurance adjustor I suppose. It's been so long since anything like this has happened that I don't remember how these things work anymore.

Anyway, I don't think it's worth sinking money into fixing this vehicle; the body work alone will probably cost more than what it's worth, not to mention the mechanical, etc. What do yall think?

This was the best vehicle I'd ever owned. If I decide to get another vehicle, it'll probably be another 4Runner...no, DEFINITELY another 4Runner. Right now I have my trusty Lincoln Town Car to lug me around in luxury.

Anyway, that's all folks!
 
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Damn good thing you had that dash cam. Didnt realize how you were going to crash and then I see the car spin a back around on you hahaha. They are lucky you turned and didnt just t-bone them in the drivers door. stupid people were not paying attention to anything.
 
I wouldn't trust and stay FAR away from anyone car that started what looked like a turn the wrong way down a 1-way street...

But yeah, get your rig home and don't let anyone take it until a good price as been agreed on. It is definitely 'totalled' - but may still be fixable, depending on plenty of factors.

-Charlie
 
Thanks all, I had the vehicle towed and it's sitting in my driveway. The other guy's insurance called early this morning and took my statement, then officially started the claim process, offered a rental, offered to pay for the tow, sent me a Snapsheet link for photos for the appraisal. Because of the age and mileage, I doubt I'll get much for it honestly but we'll see what they say.

Do ya'll think it's worth getting a 3rd party appraisal? The claims dept said I could take the vehicle to any collision/repair place I wanted to get an estimate; it'll probably be more expensive than what the vehicle's worth to get it repaired. I have a feeling it's "totaled" as well.

I'm thinking of just putting whatever I get from the insurance as a down payment on a 4th gen V8 or a 2nd gen Sequoia... I had some money saved up for this eventuality and honestly I got my money's worth with this 4Runner; bought it for $5500 with 223K on the clock 10 years ago, never had any major issues with it. Right now it's at 275K and was due for an oil change, I had even ordered a new cat-back exhaust and downpipe for it since the old "stainless steel" had started to show signs of rot - bummer!
 
Who makes a 360 turn at such cross street ? Some drivers needs to actually get their licenses withdrawn.. ):
 
Wheel looks straight from the front angle. It needs a fender (made for limited) inner splash guard, bumper, headlight.

I have a prizm and converted it to Toyota (Prizm is toyota Sprinter). got OEM tail light. A silverado 2500 slowly comes to a stop and didn't see my car and ended up bumping into the tail light, no cracks but scratches. Insurance decided to pay $150 to get Prizm lights, I said no and asked for JDM lights each is about $350 + shipping from Japan. They started passing the ball around. I then said I am filing a claim at State Insurance Commission and they immediately approved $600 for both lights! that's a nice looking 4runner. Hope you get it fixed!
 
Do not accept their insurance companys first offer. They will say it is totalled and offer you squat. I would tell them you want it fixed exactly as it was before their client caused the damage to it. They owe you a rental car until it is done. I have 2 4runners now and they are never leaving. At least apply maximum pressure so they settle with another $ 2K in your favor. Dont let these bastards squirm their way out of making a fair settlement. Threten legal action. It helps .
Best of lick to you. ( My daughters 2000 SR5 (210000 mi) would love those rims and transmission if its newer than stock ).. Good luck and sorry for your loss.
 
03RunnerV8Sport said:
Do not accept their insurance companys first offer. They will say it is totalled and offer you squat. I would tell them you want it fixed exactly as it was before their client caused the damage to it. They owe you a rental car until it is done. I have 2 4runners now and they are never leaving. At least apply maximum pressure so they settle with another $ 2K in your favor. Dont let these bastards squirm their way out of making a fair settlement. Threten legal action. It helps .
Best of lick to you. ( My daughters 2000 SR5 (210000 mi) would love those rims and transmission if its newer than stock ).. Good luck and sorry for your loss.
Click to expand...

Well the reality is a 3rd gen 4runner is worth squat from a fair market/blue book standpoint, so that is likely what he will get. They only way the OP is going to get much more is if he was paying for a special coverage for a vintage or other special vehicle. I guess he might be able to complain and make it hassle for the insurance company and they will throw in a little more to make him go away, but the law and the contract with insurance companies is pretty clear about when they are allowed to total out a car and what the pay out will be.
 
Glad to hear you aren't hurt. Idiot is lucky to not get getting sued for injuring someone with the way he drives. Gather comparable online listings and maintenance records and receipts - do not let his insurance screw you. It is definitely totaled. Old vehicles are old and have high mileage. That doesn't mean they are worth peanuts, especially in our current economy. I'd draw the line at frame damage, but it likely needs a core support. The alignment may be a bent control arm. You'll want to inspect the rack mounts to make a good determination.
 
dmppdx said:
Well the reality is a 3rd gen 4runner is worth squat from a fair market/blue book standpoint, so that is likely what he will get. They only way the OP is going to get much more is if he was paying for a special coverage for a vintage or other special vehicle. I guess he might be able to complain and make it hassle for the insurance company and they will throw in a little more to make him go away, but the law and the contract with insurance companies is pretty clear about when they are allowed to total out a car and what the pay out will be.
Click to expand...

I think you can reject an offer and request an appraisal of the vehicle for the condition and value of before the accident. Provided you have good documentation, receipts and pictures. Upgrades, rework, etc, can add to the "fair market value" of the vehicle over and above the listed blue book.

I know a guy who wrecked a '77 Blazer. It was very nice. No rust, no crazy upgrades (i.e. big block with a blower and a 12" lift), had a rebuilt driveline. It was a very clean Blazer . He never said what insurance paid out, but he was satisfied. This was PA, not sure if state laws vary.
 
Oh no! That's heartbreaking. Great that you have the dash cam footage to help with your claim - I've really got to get one
 
03RunnerV8Sport said:
Do not accept their insurance companys first offer. They will say it is totalled and offer you squat. I would tell them you want it fixed exactly as it was before their client caused the damage to it. They owe you a rental car until it is done. I have 2 4runners now and they are never leaving. At least apply maximum pressure so they settle with another $ 2K in your favor. Dont let these bastards squirm their way out of making a fair settlement. Threten legal action. It helps .
Best of lick to you. ( My daughters 2000 SR5 (210000 mi) would love those rims and transmission if its newer than stock ).. Good luck and sorry for your loss.
Click to expand...

The vehicle is total loss. I've negotiated to get exactly what I had initially purchased the vehicle for 10 years ago which is fair. They said if I decided to keep the vehicle, they would only pay out $3600 which won't be enough to cover mechanical and cosmetic repairs. Copart will come pick it up (and auction it off I assume) and insurance will mail in the check.

The rims and the transmission are original; if you're interested in 3rd gen rims, I had kept an extra set of 4 with summer tires on in the garage, including center caps and lug nuts. Let me know if you're interested.
 
dmppdx said:
Well the reality is a 3rd gen 4runner is worth squat from a fair market/blue book standpoint, so that is likely what he will get. They only way the OP is going to get much more is if he was paying for a special coverage for a vintage or other special vehicle. I guess he might be able to complain and make it hassle for the insurance company and they will throw in a little more to make him go away, but the law and the contract with insurance companies is pretty clear about when they are allowed to total out a car and what the pay out will be.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I only had liability insurance and the fair market value is $4500-6000 so we agreed on $5500 which is what I had originally paid for the vehicle back in 2016. Of course I feel it's not enough because I really babied and took care of this vehicle not to mention it's sentimental value, both of which mean jack squat to the insurance company. I'm ready to put this behind me and move onto a 4th gen v8. Already looking for an 06-09 for ~$10K or a 13-17 Sequoia for ~$15K
 
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