Totaled and sad.

[jturner0485]

Ok so month or so back my sister got hit and the other insurance company is telling me total loss. Here’s what it looks like and what should I do with it.

 

[jturner0485]

Side note:
Didn’t really look like the upper control arm was bent. Maybe just the bolts were tweaked and the frame looked fine but I will be asking the insurance company if they found frame damage. Thanks

 

[jermc10]

I know how you feel, was forced off the road by two vehicles that had a minor accident in an adjacent lane and decided to use mine to stop without checking if I was using it first. I could either plow into the back of them, or go for the wall.

 

[MikeinNH67]

Buy it back for cheap and either fix it or part it out.

 

[rdruss]

I agree, buy it back, it's a V8, that alone should be worth $$$$. And if frame is ok, it's fixable.

 

[SaulG]

Did the insurance company have it on a frame rack? Or did the adjuster guesstimate damages..looks like typical ball joint fail.

 

[jturner0485]

I truly doubt they put it on a rack. I haven’t spoken to them about the estimated damage so I’m not 100% on what they think is bad. I think it will need:
Bumper
Rim
Tire
LCA
Upper and lower ball joint
Maybe UCA
Drivers Steering rack
Sway bar/ bushing
Tierod
Axel
Full brake assembly
Hub assembly

 

[MrSeth]

Sounds like they said "totaled" because the parts cost and labor cost most likely exceed what KBB says our 4Runners are worth

 

[Burt]

Sounds like they said "totaled" because the parts cost and labor cost most likely exceed what KBB says our 4Runners are worth

Bingo.... Insurance co's only look at the bottom line. Adjusters are not qualified mechanics. Suggest taking it to reputable shop for accurate repair estimate. Then approach insurance co for resolution.
I would avoid a buy back because that would be a salvage title that really gets messy.

 

[Syr4RinNC]

Bingo.... Insurance co's only look at the bottom line. Adjusters are not qualified mechanics. Suggest taking it to reputable shop for accurate repair estimate. Then approach insurance co for resolution.
I would avoid a buy back because that would be a salvage title that really gets messy.

Another vote for this approach

 

[Frontline]

Side note:
Didn’t really look like the upper control arm was bent. Maybe just the bolts were tweaked and the frame looked fine but I will be asking the insurance company if they found frame damage. Thanks

Might have a full OME suspension with upper control arms available

 

[inscarguy]

By looking at the pics( hard to see other than suspension) but i would have allowed the repair on this. I am a licensed appraiser who was a mechanic and unless the appraiser overwrote the appraisal, did a constructive total, there is more damage than the pics show or the 4runner is worth alot less than the suspension parts and labor than it appears to be a repairable vehicle.

The key to making sure all is correct is do legwork yourself. Make sure they did not overwrite the appraisal, undervalue your 4runner etc...

There are so many factors when a car gets damaged, during the appraisal process and after. Use due diligence and make sure no matter what way it goes you get what you deserve.