Hi Guys,
Got into a front bumper accident in parking lot. Filed a claim and could have given up the car for $500 to insurance company. I said no. I think my car is well worth more than that.

Based on the pictures, what problems do you guys see? I removed bumper and paneling. Is it worth fixing? or should I just sell this car as is?

How much can I get for it as is? 97 A4 1.8 144k AWD, no check engine light, air bags did not deploy. Will have salvage title.

Thanks,

 

Salvage title is for when the insurance company totals it, and if you don't have them total it then it shouldn't get a salvage title.

 

damages i see are hood, fender, bumper, core support, headlight. i think your frame looks a tiny bit bent. your insurance company must have done something wrong be cause it should be worth way more than 500 bux. personally, i would part it out or sell it just like that.

 

Seems like a lot of damage for a parking lot fender bender. How fast were you going?

 

I was going about 5mph. The problem was that I was not breaking when I hit, but still accelerating. Insurance declared it a total loss. I decided to take the car back and have the salvage title on it, as well as a check of the value of vehicle.

Thanks words,
The pictures make it seem a lot worst then actually is. I placed the bumper back on as well as the front side panel. After reviewing further, the only issue I see besides cosmetic is the heater core, radiator damage.

One last question. There was a hose that fell off the power steering fluid resevoir which caused all fluid to drip out. I placed the proper mineral fluid in the canister, reconnected the hose and now when I turn the wheel, I hear a gurggling noise. The wheel still turns. Does this sound like a power steering pump outage or the fluid did flow through everything yet?

Thanks

 

If you are located near Michigan and it has a 5 speed transmission I'd be interested in it if you do decide to sell it. let me know - Nick

 

you just have some air in the system. it should go away eventually. your radiator core support is missing the lower piece for the headlights. also, you're heater core is not in the front. the black part that's dented is your A/C condensor.

 

I know when I had a similar accident just on the right side, it ended up costing me right around $6500. Was it more than the car was worth? Most likely, however for me it was a sentimental value and tough for me to find the exact same condition car for I had bought the first time. If youre able to find a good parts car it can be a bit easier most likely for you.

 

5mph?? WTF did you hit? My friend hit a deer at 60mph in his Passat and did less damage than that...

 

lol, thanks guys. Hit a tailgate of a Explorer. Looks way better with bumper back on and panel.

Thanks Words for the input on whats damaged. You were right about the power steering. Just needed to let air out. To the right side of the radiator there's a smaller looking radiator thing that you can see in the last picture. Thats the heater core right?

Thanks fellas have a good new years eve.