I really need some advice. I have an 03 350z enthusiast with 75k miles. The other night I rear-ended a Nissan Titan and my car ate the trailer hitch. The passenger air bag deployed and when talking to my ins. agent, she said it will most likely be totaled out due to the air bag and the year of the car.

The are picking the car up today, and I should have a final answer by Tuesday or Wednesday, this week. If they total it, I plan on buying it back and repairing the damages, as it's mostly cosmetic.

So, my concern is with the air bag. Is it required to obtain a salvage title? How much am I looking at to replace this, if required?

Here are some photos of the sad, sad car. Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

mmm just by looking at the pics, it doesn't seem that bad. Maybe you can do an 06+ conversion ;o but that's if you really want to keep the Z. If it was me, I'd go get a 370z or something if they are considering it totaled.

 

If it is totaled, yes, you'll have to get a salvaged/rebuilt title before it can be registered again. Also, you can call the local DMV near you and confirm.

 

I really just want to keep the car. I really just don't want another car payment and I like the car. I'm just nervous about the dollar amount they'll offer.... I guess time will tell, but waiting is killing me!

 

Considering what repair costs run vs what an '03 is worth, that's likely totalled.

 

thats easy $3k in oem parts

 

That's such a pity. It's also possible that there is other damage that just isn't visible at present too. Wait and see what insurance says, and maybe have someone of your own appraise the car, to give you a broader perspective of the position.

 

I just totaled my 03Z. I got over 14k for mine. If the damage is under 9k(it looks as if it is), they will most likely fix the car. If they do go this route, make sure you get diminished value form them as well. I work in the insurance industry, so if you have any questions, let me know.

 

that sucks, think theyd prob total her out due to airbag.

 

sucks to see this, hopefully you can keep your car and the repair wont cost you too much $

 

Agree.

airbag
hood
front bumper
headlight

Wholesale value about $9,451. Figure repairs $4,000 plus. Sorry but this car is destined for Z-heaven.

 

I have a stock steering wheel airbag laying around somewhere.

Also You could pass re-inspection with an aftermarket wheel. No requirement for there to be an airbag if I remember correctly.

 

@CRIDDA, can you explain the whole diminished value thing? I really don't know too much about this type of thing, so any advice you can give me would be great! I should receive information regarding the car tomorrow or Wednesday.

Just the passenger airbag deployed, so I'm not sure that it would work, or would it? I'm currently trying to see if AZ would allow me to receive a salvage/rebuilt title without the passenger airbag installed.

I have a family friend who ones a shop out here, and he said he would come check out the damage once I hear from the ins. company. I'm just stressing hardcore right now, cause I'm new to this...fml

 

Understandable. Many members, including myself, have totaled vehicles. And trying to figure the least expensive route is a brain teaser. If the vehicle is totaled, you may be able to buy it from the insurance company. If so this is what you will find:

Repairs will cost twice your estimate
The result of budget repairs is often less than desirable
Down time is considerable.

Value of a salvage title is about half of wholesale or $4,725. Do you want to buy the car from the insurance company, add say $3,000 in do-it-yourself fixes, and end up with a vehicle worth $4,725?

 

Off of 40% damage? Moot point since the airbag deployed anyway, but that seems like a low dollar amount to total a the car against.

 

In my experience the insurer will only total if repairs exceed 80% kbb

 

Um, it is the passenger side airbag that deployed......

 

yea with your year and amount of damage, even though it doesnt look that bad they'll probably total it. But from what I understand if they do so you have the option to take the money and give them the car or just keep the car and get no assistance from them. So if you do decide to fix this you'll pay out of pocket. Why not take the pay off and get another 03 Z for around the same price? Just take your wheels off and put oem ones on.

 

It's a sign, 370Z in your future. Or total it out get the $ and find a nice 350Z with lower miles.

 

Any reason why you are only running 4 lug nuts per wheel?!