Does my new/replaced catalytic converter, sensors, pipes and valves add to the value...

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gandecoe

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...of my Toyota Camry? I was forced to replace the catalytic converter (with an OEM part), various valves, sensors, and pipes on my 98 Toyota Camry in August 2008, to the tune of nearly $1000 in parts and $1000 in labor.. December 23rd my car was rear-ended and (to my great sadness) therefore totaled by my insurance company. The insurance claims adjuster insists that all that work is deemed 'regular maintenance' and challenged me to provide proof that those replaced parts add value to the car. Would anyone have any ideas about how to obtain said proof? (I called my local Toyota dealer and he could offer nothing in writing as to those replacement parts increasing the value of a car.) If anyone could offer any suggestions or ideas, I would really appreciate it!!!
 
For your sake I certainly hope you had full coverage and had to pay a small deductible, because the company hired to fix your car charges out the wazoo for labor. There's no way that replacing a catalytic converter, O2 Sensor, and exhaust pipes should be that much. Unless there was also a significant amount of damage to the body as well.... in which case the labor costs would have included that as well. But $1000 in labor for just the exhaust system is outrageous.


But your claims adjuster is correct. Since the parts are OEM parts, it's like having the stock parts in good condition, but don't add to the value of the vehicle in any way.
Sorry.

Edit: The only way that something of this nature could add value to the vehicle, is if you are selling it to a private party; in which case you could list that as the newly replaced features. But to an insurance company.... nothing.
 
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