[Kenny Bunk]

Repairing major body damage to a modern unibody car requires a high degree of skill and experience to do the job right.

On the money there. Modern cars are built up from welded box sections which are welded to other boxes. They are incredibly strong, and absorb damage that used to kill folks in the olden days, in their heavier box panel on frame cars. But, as epow says, the shop has to have the experience and the equipment to fix it right. Fortunately, nowadays, many do. Be careful and good luck.

[Alouette]

After looking at autotrader.com some of the same make and model, year, and mileage, I think that I was offered a fair buyout and I should be able to buy a vehicle that is just as good or better.