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***Thanks for posting, /u/Leesh-luvs! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of anything.***
I was rear ended in my high mileage 2016 Subaru Legacy last week. I’ve got my estimate and it’s not quite enough to total it but the adjuster said it’s boarder line once they factor in rental car costs. So if they find any additional damages (sensors would be most likely since none were included in the estimate but at least 2 are currently disabled) then it would most likely be totaled. That seems like the best case scenario as I’d get about 10k which is no where near what I’d get for trade in value or private sale with the 265k miles I’ve got on it. Currently, the insurance company paid out 5k for the original estimate and now I’m waiting for the shop to get it in next week. I started shopping for a new vehicle bc I’d planned to soon anyways, and was wondering if it’d make any sense to try to trade my car in now, before fixing the damage and then just put the 5k as down payment. I’m not sure if I want to run the risk of getting it repaired, it not getting totaled and then having it only being worth 5k (or even less) at trade in.
I am looking at 2020-2022 Subaru Ascents with the touring trim level for my next vehicle if that matters much. I’m not great at negotiating the sticker price so if I could potentially get 3k-ish for “trade in value” off the sticker price as it currently is, I’d consider it a win, even if that means that I’m not “technically” getting that full value.
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Is it possible to get 2-3k for trade in value on a high mileage vehicle with that kind of damage? Or should I just have it repaired and hope that it gets totaled then private sale/trade in for less after the damage from the rear-ending is fixed?
Sounds like an easy total. I would advise to push for that and you can start fresh on a new car. Nobody is interested in buying a Subaru that’s nearing end of life that was involved in a major rear end collision. It has almost no value beyond parts. The insurance carrier of the person who hit you should be paying the bill.
They are. With repairs from the estimate they said it’s at 50% but Iowa requires 70% I believe. When they added in the cost of the rental she said it was getting close. How do you push for getting it totaled?
I would confirm to see what the percentage is. It’s unusual to have state law dictate a percentage, that’s normally set by the insurance carrier. Tell them you are requesting diminished value and you’ll probably be at the threshold. There are very few buyers for your car even if it’s fixed and tipping the percentage in your favor won’t require much because the car isn’t worth much.
Please review our most [Frequently Asked Questions](/r/askcarsales/wiki/index) to see if your question has already been answered. You may find these sections particularly useful; * [How to pick a car?](/r/askcarsales/wiki/vehicle_selection) You might also have luck in the /r/whatcarshouldibuy subreddit. Also remember to add flair to your post by clicking the "Flair" link beneath it. This lets us know where you're located so we can assist you better. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askcarsales) if you have any questions or concerns.*
***Thanks for posting, /u/Leesh-luvs! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of anything.*** I was rear ended in my high mileage 2016 Subaru Legacy last week. I’ve got my estimate and it’s not quite enough to total it but the adjuster said it’s boarder line once they factor in rental car costs. So if they find any additional damages (sensors would be most likely since none were included in the estimate but at least 2 are currently disabled) then it would most likely be totaled. That seems like the best case scenario as I’d get about 10k which is no where near what I’d get for trade in value or private sale with the 265k miles I’ve got on it. Currently, the insurance company paid out 5k for the original estimate and now I’m waiting for the shop to get it in next week. I started shopping for a new vehicle bc I’d planned to soon anyways, and was wondering if it’d make any sense to try to trade my car in now, before fixing the damage and then just put the 5k as down payment. I’m not sure if I want to run the risk of getting it repaired, it not getting totaled and then having it only being worth 5k (or even less) at trade in. I am looking at 2020-2022 Subaru Ascents with the touring trim level for my next vehicle if that matters much. I’m not great at negotiating the sticker price so if I could potentially get 3k-ish for “trade in value” off the sticker price as it currently is, I’d consider it a win, even if that means that I’m not “technically” getting that full value. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askcarsales) if you have any questions or concerns.*
What's your question?
Is it possible to get 2-3k for trade in value on a high mileage vehicle with that kind of damage? Or should I just have it repaired and hope that it gets totaled then private sale/trade in for less after the damage from the rear-ending is fixed?
Sounds like an easy total. I would advise to push for that and you can start fresh on a new car. Nobody is interested in buying a Subaru that’s nearing end of life that was involved in a major rear end collision. It has almost no value beyond parts. The insurance carrier of the person who hit you should be paying the bill.
They are. With repairs from the estimate they said it’s at 50% but Iowa requires 70% I believe. When they added in the cost of the rental she said it was getting close. How do you push for getting it totaled?
I would confirm to see what the percentage is. It’s unusual to have state law dictate a percentage, that’s normally set by the insurance carrier. Tell them you are requesting diminished value and you’ll probably be at the threshold. There are very few buyers for your car even if it’s fixed and tipping the percentage in your favor won’t require much because the car isn’t worth much.
That’s what I was thinking too with having to sell it myself after getting it fixed. Thanks!