not giving up on my 850 wagon!

[dynamaniac]

My trusty 1995 850 wagon (base) was recently rear-ended, hard, while stopped in traffic. It did its job spectacularly, and the bumper absorbed most of the impact. I was fine, my wife suffered a very minor concussion, and a CHP officer witnessed the accident, while he was tending to another, more minor crash 50 ft behind us. (thank god). We were far from home, so AAA recommended we remove the bumper, toss it into the trunk, and drive back home. Fresno to Oakland. Wasn't fun driving without a rear bumper on the freeway but we made it.

Anyway, I finally got the repairs appraisal. Once I hear back from insurance, I'm going to get a second opinion from my local mechanic, but I was hoping you guys might be able to educate me a little about what the damage means. (Please forgive any naivete, this is my first car and I'm still learning about it, with only heater core and timing belt replacements under my belt so far). The car is worth ~$2500 and it is very well maintained. Got it from a close friend and would rather not have to find another one. The repairs appraisal was for $4250, so it's going to be declared a total loss any day now. Over $3000 of those repairs are for replacing three parts of the rear of the wagon, even though the trunk still locks and the car apparently still drives fine.

I'm wondering whether the following two parts are technically part of the car's "frame" as opposed to "body." (Or correct my interpretation of those words if I'm way off). I'd be fine with some superficial damage to the car, but don't want to drive an unsafe vehicle. I suspect the right frame rail is most important for the car's structure, but I question how severely it is damaged...

http://www.volvopartswarehouse.com/p/Vo ... 74465.html
http://www.volvopartswarehouse.com/p/Vo ... 12650.html

Could these parts be deemed "in need of replacement" even if they are still fully functional? Replacing them professionally would cost ~$1000 each, for parts and labor. (The floor pan is also dented up pretty good, but I think I'm safe in assuming it is not vital for a safe vehicle).

I've also attached the photos the appraiser took. The back of the car looks like it's in good shape, though I know looks can be deceiving. Getting a salvaged vehicle approved for the road in California doesn't seem very hard.

Anyway I may end up posting again if and when I decide to keep the car. It's remarkable how little insurance companies value the actual utility of cars. Whole system is set up to consume perfectly driveable vehicles. The auto industry thanks us for our car crashes.

Thanks a million!

[tryingbe]

850 is an unibody, the entire body is its frame. The body is bent and compromised, when the next impact happen, it will not protect you as well as it did.


I don't recommend fixing it.

[dynamaniac]

Makes sense. Looks like we should give up on it after all. Mulling over whether it'd be worth it to sell it on Craigslist as-is, to get as much money, for our next car, out of the whole fiasco. I'm curious what the insurance co will offer should we choose to go that route. Fun fun fun.

[FLXC90]

Amazing how what looks like a minor hit can total a car. That is the result of a lot of engineering. The framerails are like the spine of your car. If they are damaged, the whole car is. Unfortunately, it is not cost-effective to repair it. Sorry for your loss, but now you know why people drive Volvos! If the insurance company gives you the value of the car, find another one, the best you can find for the money, and keep driving safely. Or use it as a down payment to move up. It's sad to see cars go to the junkyard, but if you spend any time here at MVS, you'll know the parts from your car will keep a few more on the road a while longer.

[tryingbe]

Makes sense. Looks like we should give up on it after all. Mulling over whether it'd be worth it to sell it on Craigslist as-is, to get as much money, for our next car, out of the whole fiasco. I'm curious what the insurance co will offer should we choose to go that route. Fun fun fun.

Insurance company exist to low ball you. DO NOT accept the first offer!! Always counter.

[FLXC90]

Oh yeah, and if you are at all mechanically inclined, buy the car back from the insurance company, find a car that needs some fixing, use parts of your old car, and get back in the game. I understand this may be totally unfeasible for many people. Best of luck whichever way you go.

[eigenvector]

Oh yeah, and if you are at all mechanically inclined, buy the car back from the insurance company, find a car that needs some fixing, use parts of your old car, and get back in the game. I understand this may be totally unfeasible for many people. Best of luck whichever way you go.

Wife of OP here. Would love to do that but we only have one parking spot at the apartment where we currently live. Luckily there are quite a lot of Volvo station wagons listed on SF Bay Area Craigslist.

[beigg]

Be lucky to receive such amount. My state is a No Fault state and the mini tort amount barely covers a panel bump and respray.

[abscate]

You can use it in surface roads and during rush hour until you find your next Volvo.

Rush hour on Bay Area freeways is pretty safe ...5 mph

Great user name..do you function as an operator?

[scot850]

It is unfortunate that the car got hit. I see too many old Volvos in the wrecker yards locally and most have been stuffed at one end, but I'd say the larger number from the rear a wagons.

The 2 rails the bumper are mounted to are part of the chassis, and I'd be surprised if you crawl under the rear and look at them they are no crumpled or deformed. They are designed to absorb the impact but unfortunately at this age are not financially viable to repair.

Neil.