BLAH-car totaled.

[rodeo65]

I went a step further than a mom car and chose a minivan. I looooooved it during the car seat days - so easy to load and unload and the other bonus is I am now tall enough to see over everything. I don't think I'll go back even after the kids are grown. I guess I can look for sportier, but tall vehicles.

Glad your DH wasn't seriously injured.

 

[VAN]

One of our cars totalled the 3rd week in July. Our insurance gave us the replacement value + sales tax added. Was actually way more than we expected ... but that's because it was a Honda Civic (great resale value!).

Anyway, we got a great deal on an end-of-year (2010) Honda Civic ... actually paid less out the door for it than the same model (yes we luv those Civics) we bought 3-1/2 years ago!!!

You may want to see what else is out there for a new 2010 that the dealers are trying to get rid of ... you may be surprised at the deals. Selection will stink but it doesn't hurt to look!

 

[ChristmasElf]

My car was totaled yesterday. Insurance already decided and sent her to Tampa to be squashed up... or auctioned for parts or something...

That was my beloved mustang. I am pretty P.O.ed about it, now I have to get a stupid, practical "family" car. I've only driven mustangs. ever. I mean my DH has a xterra and I've driven that, but I've only ever bought mustangs. That car was sentimental to me because of the 85 year old salesman who knew I loved it and somehow talked someone into lowering the price for me. Then he passed away a few months after I was settled into it. I am a sap, but he was an absolute angel to work with and really a delightful "little old man."

I know I will need (well hopefully, God willing) a family car in the very near future as we were going to start ttc in the next few months, but its hard to part with that car. I had 7 good years with it.

The really good news is, DH was driving, no major injuries-bump on the head, bruising, neck and back pain-the normal after accident soreness and expected pain. The goose egg and blood in his hairline were nothing major, and his ct came back ok.

BUT the other lady admitted fault and they did charge her at fault so I guess her insurance will be writing out the check for the totaling of my car.

It still wasn't easy to go pick up my stuff from the car and watch it leave.

So its back to the drawing board and time to start test driving-too bad I was supposed to drive my car from FL to VA next weekend. Now I don't know when I will be going because I am not ready to fly by myself.

I'm going to the dealership tonight to take a preliminary look around. I am restricted to ford, lincoln, mercury because DH's brother's discount will make a used car the same price as a new car in most of the models we've looked at, or the new one will be just a little more.

Go to Tropical Ford over on SOBT. Easy to deal with. Much better than the other on Colonial.

 

[tinatark]

Some advice that you didn't ask for - if you've never totaled a car before, be aware that the insurance company may attempt to lowball you. Go to Edmunds, KBB, and other sources, but concentrate on finding comparable cars for sale. The insurance company should pay you the replacement value, which is the retail value - NOT the trade-in or even private party sale value. I've had two cars totaled in the last 10 years (neither was my fault) and both times the insurer's offer was about 25% less than retail. Just show them your comps and say "That's not enough, my car was worth at least $X." Ask for the amount you paid to tag the Mustang as well. And they should be paying for a rental right now.

I agree with this - our son's car was totaled, it was the other person's fault (USAA customer) - they offered us over $3k less than what the car was worth - used an appraisal service, but just like with house appraisals, if you use low ball comps, you get a lower appraisal - the comps they used had/were (1) a rebuilt title (2) hail damage, out for repair, and (3) an unusual color/options configuration, had been for sale for over 6 months.

Our company paid us NADA retail, plus tax, tag, and title, and even paid us for part of the new tires/timing belt we had recently (less than 3 weeks prior) installed.

If your insurance is paying you and billing the other company for the damages, if you have car rental coverage (and not renting a car), they should pay your daily maximum for the days your car is damaged.

If you have them subrogate (have the other company pay) the amount they pay you will be reduced by your deductible, then you will get that paid to you after the other company pays your company. The drawback is, if they pay less than 100% of the total your insurance company pays you, your deductible will be reimbursed to you at that same %.

All that said... I would look at the Edge and the Fusion! Good luck in your car search!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Some advice that you didn't ask for - if you've never totaled a car before, be aware that the insurance company may attempt to lowball you. Go to Edmunds, KBB, and other sources, but concentrate on finding comparable cars for sale. The insurance company should pay you the replacement value, which is the retail value - NOT the trade-in or even private party sale value. I've had two cars totaled in the last 10 years (neither was my fault) and both times the insurer's offer was about 25% less than retail. Just show them your comps and say "That's not enough, my car was worth at least $X." Ask for the amount you paid to tag the Mustang as well. And they should be paying for a rental right now.

Oh excellent advice

We got the xterra a few years ago and the bil still hasn't forgotten! It's easier than hearing him whine that I am taking his job away by not buying ford-and if I get a ford product, I can have a brand new car for the price that a used car will cost. There are a few foreign cars that I love, they are all way out of our price range new, and I'd kind of like to have my first new car. I'm not like OMGOMG I have to have new though. I will take whatever as long as I like it and its nice and low miles.

The xterra is ok, I have a lot of trouble driving it though, its seems too high and wobbly.






We went to the ER right away to get him checked out and everything was good including his ct scan. They did send me with info to keep and eye on because they also mentioned that things might not show up right away. He is more sore today but we were expecting that, so far nothing else to wrrant a trip back and nothing that was marked with an ! on the discharge sheet has showed up.

I really want a new mustang, I loved my 2001, but its time for a family car right now. I couldn't deal with trying to shove a carseat back there. I looked at one last night, there is no room between the front and back seat. I'm a little sad to see my sporty car go for a mom car though. I wasn't quite so ready. I don't see a point in getting a mustang, then ttc, then having to get rid of it so I'll just pass go now and get the mom car. It's ok in a way becuase now it cements the fact that it was time to give it up. I can always save for a new one in the future when the kids are grown. I grew up around old 60's models mustangs, my uncle and stepdad always have these beautifully restored mustangs and I grew up to love them so this won't be the end, just a break.

I am so glad you had him thoroughly checked out (and know what to watch for).
I guess the silver lining can be that you will probably get more $$ towards that new "mom" car than you would if you had traded in the Mustang in a year or two (assuming you follow the above quoted advice). It doesn't really take the sting away but it is something.

 

[Pembo]

We just went through this and got our new car yesterday. It sucks.

 

[schmitty]

Well, Mercury is no more, so I wouldn't expect there to be many new Mercurys around.
Drive a Focus, I think you will like the power handling and layout. Get a 4 door with a trunk (not the hatchback) and you've got a family car.
Escapes are nice too, but not as sporty.

Where is the crack you are smoking? Id stay away from this suggestion for 2 reasons. The focus is getting a complete redesign for next year and the sedan is not a family car. Hatchbacks are ideal family cars. Think about what most people think a family vehicle is, an SUV, which is basically a taller hatchback. Sedans are junk unless you are one person who never has to carry anything more than a couple bags of groceries.

I was going to say the Fiesta but sense your husband is so tall the back seat will be tight when passengers are in the back. It may not be a problem though, if you dont keep cars more than 7 or 8 years. If you don't plan on keeping it much longer than that I would go with the fiesta hatchback.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Where is the crack you are smoking? Id stay away from this suggestion for 2 reasons. The focus is getting a complete redesign for next year and the sedan is not a family car. Hatchbacks are ideal family cars. Think about what most people think a family vehicle is, an SUV, which is basically a taller hatchback. Sedans are junk unless you are one person who never has to carry anything more than a couple bags of groceries.

I was going to say the Fiesta but sense your husband is so tall the back seat will be tight when passengers are in the back. It may not be a problem though, if you dont keep cars more than 7 or 8 years. If you don't plan on keeping it much longer than that I would go with the fiesta hatchback.

I disagree. We bought our Focus (sedan) when the kids were and infant and a 2 year old. I did not want a hatchback because unsecured items in the rear area become missiles in a crash--to dangerous to put my children in. The Focus was the smaller car on the lot with the biggest trunk (bigger than those on many much larger cars) and it was extremely easy to get the double stroller in and out and still put other things in it. It was much harder to get the same stroller in either of my sister in law or brother in law's hatchbacks when we visited that year for Christmas. That Focus was a fantastic family car.

 

[tvguy]

Uhoh.... wasn't thinking about my dh- I'm 5'4"... he is either 6'2 or 3... can't remember which. His brother and dad are 6'5"... guess they really wouldn't fit for a ride in my car!!

I'm 6'2", my son is 6' 5", we both fit just fine in our Focus. There is a little crank on the front of the seat that lowers it for tall folks, and raises it for short folks. Certainly not as roomy as our Suburban, but great day trip car.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I'm 6'2", my son is 6' 5", we both fit just fine in our Focus. There is a little crank on the front of the seat that lowers it for tall folks, and raises it for short folks. Certainly not as roomy as our Suburban, but great day trip car.

I missed this comment earlier so I am glad you posted it. DH is 6' 5"--the Focus is one of the very few smaller cars available in the US that has enough head room for him.

 

[luvthatdisney]

Our DS's car was totalled about a month ago. It was a 91 Honda Civic and as you can imagine was tricked out the way teens like them. I had comprehensive coverage on it for that reason (in case it was stolen). Well they tried to steal it, but ended up vandalizing it real bad and stole some of the computer parts that make the car run. It seems that part costs more than the car was worth, so it was totalled.

We ended up getting way more than I thought, they deducted the salvage amount ($200) and we walked away with the car and $1400. It will now have a salvage title, but it really does not matter. He is now fixing the car and could not be happier. We are not able to carry comprehensive on it anymore due to the salvage title, but he used some of the payout to buy an alarm.

As for Fords...I have a Flex and I LOVE it. It is my first Ford after almost 30 years of driving. Way bigger than I need, but I just had to have one. Lots of room and drives great. Not the greatest on gas (it is a V6), but not near as bad as my old Suburban.

Good luck in your search!

 

[tlbwriter]

Where is the crack you are smoking? Id stay away from this suggestion for 2 reasons. The focus is getting a complete redesign for next year and the sedan is not a family car. Hatchbacks are ideal family cars. Think about what most people think a family vehicle is, an SUV, which is basically a taller hatchback. Sedans are junk unless you are one person who never has to carry anything more than a couple bags of groceries.

That's not only rude, but untrue. Sedans are perfectly fine as family cars. My Accord was a great family car, with a roomy trunk that held more than you could ever imagine. The only reason I'm not driving one now is because I like the height of an SUV.

 

[princesslibby]

As for Fords...I have a Flex and I LOVE it. It is my first Ford after almost 30 years of driving. Way bigger than I need, but I just had to have one. Lots of room and drives great. Not the greatest on gas (it is a V6), but not near as bad as my old Suburban.

I love the way they look but was concerned about "trunk" space.

 

[schmitty]

I disagree. We bought our Focus (sedan) when the kids were and infant and a 2 year old. I did not want a hatchback because unsecured items in the rear area become missiles in a crash--to dangerous to put my children in. The Focus was the smaller car on the lot with the biggest trunk (bigger than those on many much larger cars) and it was extremely easy to get the double stroller in and out and still put other things in it. It was much harder to get the same stroller in either of my sister in law or brother in law's hatchbacks when we visited that year for Christmas. That Focus was a fantastic family car.

Unless it was a Focus hatchback, your comparison is useless. If it was a Focus hatchback; numbers, how do they work?
Hatch: Cargo capacity: rear seat down (cu ft): 51.2 and all seats in place (cu ft): 18.6
Sedan: Cargo capacity: rear seat down (cu ft): 54.4 and all seats in place (cu ft): 13.8

A baby can get stuck in a trunk and die, not possible with a hatchback. I don't want babies to die because they got stuck in a trunk.

 

[schmitty]

That's not only rude, but untrue. Sedans are perfectly fine as family cars. My Accord was a great family car, with a roomy trunk that held more than you could ever imagine. The only reason I'm not driving one now is because I like the height of an SUV.

So how was it transporting a washer, 64" TV, or a mountain bike in the trunk. A complete breeze I'm sure.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Why not get the Mustang you want and buy two or more car seats? This way, you get what you want and you won't have to change car seats. Just change the child.

 

[tvguy]

Unless it was a Focus hatchback, your comparison is useless. If it was a Focus hatchback; numbers, how do they work?
Hatch: Cargo capacity: rear seat down (cu ft): 51.2 and all seats in place (cu ft): 18.6
Sedan: Cargo capacity: rear seat down (cu ft): 54.4 and all seats in place (cu ft): 13.8

A baby can get stuck in a trunk and die, not possible with a hatchback. I don't want babies to die because they got stuck in a trunk.

You are aware that ALL new cars with trunks are required to have glow in the dark inside release handles? Not that a baby could work it.
My only safety concern with the hatchback Focus is that the tailights are set up high. At night, the gives the appearance of the car being further away that it really is. Same issue Jeep owners have had for years from the front, the two, high, close together headlights make a Jeep CJ look further away that it is, and people tend to pull out in front of them.

 

[tvguy]

Some advice that you didn't ask for - if you've never totaled a car before, be aware that the insurance company may attempt to lowball you. Go to Edmunds, KBB, and other sources, but concentrate on finding comparable cars for sale. The insurance company should pay you the replacement value, which is the retail value - NOT the trade-in or even private party sale value. I've had two cars totaled in the last 10 years (neither was my fault) and both times the insurer's offer was about 25% less than retail. Just show them your comps and say "That's not enough, my car was worth at least $X." Ask for the amount you paid to tag the Mustang as well. And they should be paying for a rental right now.

The terms of your insurance, and your state laws will play a role in this. Certainly if you have replacement cost insurance, you're in good shape. But in California, you are only entitled to actual cash value under the law without a replacement cost rider on your insurance. Edmunds and KBB list RETAIL prices, and that does not apply. Think more along the lines of trade in value.
I had a co-worker who totaled a Toyota pickup, he got ripped off when he bought it, paid over sticker price, so a few months down the road when it got totaled, he still owed more on the loan than full sticker price. Insurance finally paid off full sticker price, leaving him with $1,000 on the loan, but referred him to another dealer who sold him an identical truck for $1,000 under sticker, so he broke even in the end.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Unless it was a Focus hatchback, your comparison is useless. If it was a Focus hatchback; numbers, how do they work?
Hatch: Cargo capacity: rear seat down (cu ft): 51.2 and all seats in place (cu ft): 18.6
Sedan: Cargo capacity: rear seat down (cu ft): 54.4 and all seats in place (cu ft): 13.8

A baby can get stuck in a trunk and die, not possible with a hatchback. I don't want babies to die because they got stuck in a trunk.

Nope the relative's hatchback's were not Focus's. I have put that same stroller into a Focus hatchback though and it was no easier than in the trunk. You are right with your numbers that there is technically more room--but that is if you are going all the way to the ceiling--which is really not a good idea on a regular basis as it blocks the drier's view.
I have a hard time figuring out how you think a BABY is going to get into the trunk Toddlers and older--yes it does happen on occasion and it is very tragic. One thing that has been done to help with that (as the PP mentioned) is adding the handle releases. Personally, I never leave the car unlocked once we are out of it. When the kids were young enough that there was any possibility that they might try to play in the car, the keys were stored up out of their reach. Yes it is REMOTELY possible that a child to young to understand and manage to find and pull that handle release if locked in a trunk would still spend the time and energy finding keys, get outside to the car, unlock it, open the trunk and decide to crawl in the trunk AND shut it on themselves hard enough to latch all without the supervising adult noticing--but it is highly unlikely.
On the other hand, people being injured or killed by unsecured items in the car during crashes and even just really hard breaking from high speeds is a growing concern among auto safety experts. Obviously there are likely to be even more such items in a hatchback than just what you have lying around in the seats in the main areas of the car (though even there yes you can have your cell phone, purse, kids' activity, etc). Here is only one of many articles about it (the first that popped up on my google search that is in English)
http://www.rdasia.com/hidden_dangers_in_your_car


All of that said: it is FINE if you have researched and decided that a hatchback is the car for YOU. I just think it is extremely rude to insult people (saying they are on crack) who recommend sedans and I think people should evaluate all sides of major features before coming to a decision about a major purchase of a vehicle.

Oh, and BTW, if you know what you are doing with tie downs you can get an oven or washing machine home in the open trunk space of a VW Passat sedan --but I buy my cars for the daily use safety and comfort and environmental impact type factors and if I had to rent a truck 3-4 times a year for big times i would do it in a heartbeat before putting my children in what I consider to be a much more dangerous situation day to day so I can haul things on those 3-4 times.

 

[tlbwriter]

The terms of your insurance, and your state laws will play a role in this. Certainly if you have replacement cost insurance, you're in good shape. But in California, you are only entitled to actual cash value under the law without a replacement cost rider on your insurance. Edmunds and KBB list RETAIL prices, and that does not apply. Think more along the lines of trade in value.
I had a co-worker who totaled a Toyota pickup, he got ripped off when he bought it, paid over sticker price, so a few months down the road when it got totaled, he still owed more on the loan than full sticker price. Insurance finally paid off full sticker price, leaving him with $1,000 on the loan, but referred him to another dealer who sold him an identical truck for $1,000 under sticker, so he broke even in the end.

You misunderstood me. I'm not saying they are required to replace your car with a new car of the same model. They are required to pay what it would cost to replace your car, in your condition. In other words, if you have a 2005 Honda Civic with no body damage and 60K miles, they are supposed to pay you what it would take to BUY another 2005 Honda Civic with no body damage and 60K miles. If there is a state law that says they're allowed to pay what you would get if you traded that car in at a dealership, that's unfortunate, and I would make sure it IS a law rather than just assuming the insurance company is treating you fairly. I know that's not how my state works.

What you paid is irrelevant (unless you have gap insurance).