My 240 was rammed into on a parking lot 139k miles

brutt · Post by **brutt** » 28 Aug 2008, 13:56

An 85 year old resident mistook gas pedal for break, jumped the curb and hit my 240 straight on.
Her insurance company wants to write it off as a total loss due to its age (1990). 139K miles. All original parts, no rust , brought it here from Tucson, AZ- dry climate.
My question is : do I just let the insurance company take it? Do I get it fixed (I'm not mechanically inclined, do not have access to garage/tools)? Or do I sell it for parts?
I live near Philadelphia.
Any suggestions?
Thank you.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 28 Aug 2008, 14:20

I'd get a couple quotes for the repairs and see how they compare to book value for the car. If the repairs are less and you like the car, get it fixed. If the repairs are more, try to get high book from the insurance company (tell them about all the good upgrades you made to the car, what great condition it was in before the hit, etc.), then start looking for a new car. The insurance company might let you buy it back from them for salvage value. Then you could part it out or rebuild it.

brutt · Post by **brutt** » 28 Aug 2008, 14:27

I had an adjuster out today to look at the car. I am waiting to see how much the insurance company is willing to offer me for it.

Hey posters:
Do you need a great car with a crushed front?

wojeepster · Post by **wojeepster** » 28 Aug 2008, 15:37

wow it looks like they missed both fenders. I guestimate $3200 if it is just front and hood (more in philadelphia). Less if you go to junkyard. I use come along and tree to bring everythig back into position THEN replace the bent parts. Go slowly and DO NOT go too far. It is easy to get carried away! Open hood and look at air mass sensor to see if it is ok and check motor mounts. It doesn't take much of a hit to get them.

www.car-part.com

I like doing work like this. Friends 67 vw was totaled by insurance. Squashed in the front. We pulled it out and fixed it Many hours though about 30 with 2 people working, your volvo has less damage and looks easier from here.

Does it drive? Come along and tree on hood and drive it home.

brutt · Post by **brutt** » 28 Aug 2008, 16:44

Yes, she missed the fender because she came off of a grassy area that was higher than my car. Maybe the damage would not have been that large if she hit my bumper straight on.

I am not sure what that means "come along the tree".

My hood is stuck. I tried praying it open but all the metal parts seem to be jammed.
Where would I find the air mass sensor? Would you happen to have a diagram of the engine parts?
Thanks for your help.

brutt · Post by **brutt** » 28 Aug 2008, 19:49

I forgot to add , it will not start.

wojeepster · Post by **wojeepster** » 28 Aug 2008, 20:27

a come along is a cable and lever device where you can exert a couple tons of pressure. A Masslamm Power Pull (available at lowes) is one such device last time I looked I think they are about $50. You use the tree to have something solid to pull from. Usually you have to chain car to something solid (I used my 1987 chevy 4x4) to keep from dragging it. Another tree works but is more cumbersome.

brutt · Post by **brutt** » 29 Aug 2008, 06:42

Thanks for clarifying.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 29 Aug 2008, 08:24

brutt wrote:I forgot to add , it will not start.

I don't know if you have one on your car, but many cars are equipped with an impact switch that cuts off the fuel pump when the car is involved in a wreck. You may need to reset it if you have one.