Posted on 01/03/2006 1:55:54 PM PST by Alouette
FReepers, as you may probably know, I was involved in a car crash that resulted in the demise of my beloved companion, a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix SE.
Sadly, the insurance adjustor has determined that my most dearly loved mode of transportation cannot be repaired at a cost of less than its market value, wherefore they are offering a buyout so that I can purchase another vehicle. Insurance will not compensate unless they receive my TITLE, so seeking 2nd opinions from independent body shops is not an option.
Anyway, before entering the dangerous jungle of the used car market with all its traps and pitfalls, I am seeking the advice and recommendations of FReepers on where and how to find a replacement for my darling.
Warning! This is a high-volume ping list.
Buy a Honda Prius
Toyota, all the way.
Im a big fan of the 1-3 yr old used, less than 30K miles buy. But if there was ever a time to buy new its now. Specially ifn you want to buy merican. You can walk into a GM showroom, roll a bowling ball and never hit an employee. Take the sticker and waive 75% in their faces, then start walking towards the door. Commit to owning it for 5 years, get a top of the line sedan,,,Caddy, Bonneville, Impala, sumtin....
The wreck doesn't look that bad. Mostly side damage. The left side tires are straight and there doesn't look to be frame damage. That's probably 3-4k in repairs which is a reasonable offer. I can't believe the insurance company would offer less for your car. They seem to be scamming you.
Was the body shop provided BY the insurance company?
You can't go wrong with a Honda either. I have a 1991 CRX that is still running strong.
Be VERRRRY careful. Lots of FLOOD cars (Katrina) out there right now. Go somewhere that offers a warranty, if you must buy used.
3-4K?
That'd be only for the cosmetic damage. Who knows what sort of shape the frame and the rest are in?
Write off @ Black Book.
Oops..sorry, I post that on Windows threads.
Carmax is the way to go. Got my car with them about a month and a half ago.
The body shop claims there was major frame and undercarriage damage and that the vehicle can't be repaired for less than 8K. The body shop belonged to the dealership where we bought the car.
The passenger side, front and rear look perfect.
I loved that car.
I think PaulaB and I can make some suggestions.
Watch out for them hurricane bargains.
Hope no one was hurt. ...looks like a good lick.
Its almost hard to find a newer car that doesn't have a rubber timing belt. But they normally last 60-90k miles. And its not that expensive if you change it time, now if you don't when it snaps it will probably bend the valves.
Everyone says Toyota is great but I don't think I would buy from them after they sold out to Jesse Jackson.
I have a Saturn L series vehicle and am underwhelmed by it. I would recommend against a Saturn but I do know a lot of people who like them.
I agree. Take some pictures and check some honest body shops.
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