What is the best thing to do with a totaled car (for best financial outcome)?

J

jakab.oers

New member
I have wrecked my 92 Buick Lesabre today (no one was hurt and no other property damage), skidded out in a turn and rolled over to stop on the top, upside-down. I only have liability insurance for it, so this damage is not covered, maybe they'll reimburse the tow fee.
So should I try to get the top repaired? I guess that wouldn't be cheap so probably not worth it. (I think the engine and axles are ok, so it would still run.)
Or should I sell the wreck? If so where and how? I don't have storage for it so right now I am paying $45 daily to the tow company. Also I have 1 month old set of new tires on it, for which I payed $440. Should I try to sell those separately?

I don't have any experience in these things, so any advise is welcome
 
The car is scrap. The recycling yard may give you $75 extra for the tires. Remember those are used tires and are worth perhaps only $40.00 each on the used market and they have to make a profit.
 
'92 LeSabre, 3800 v6?

The car is likely drivable but you will have issues with inspection for sure. The windscreen will need to be replaced if it is broken (a good glass place will remove you old inspection and registration stickers and install them on the new glass if they are still good), and any signal lights that are broken will have to be replaced.

If you can afford to sell it (you won't get much) and buy another car, go for it.

If you are tight on funds you can probably squeek a few months out of this car before things become too uncomfortable. (again I assume you have broken glass that will leave you exposed to the elements)

Before you try to drive the car, remove the spark plugs and run the starter for a few seconds. You can do it longer but you have to do so in bursts waiting about two minutes between to let the starter cool, and you probably just need to do once. Then replace the spark plugs, check the oil as it might be low. Now would be a good time to change the oil.

Finally, the battery probably spilled some acid, so you would want to clean anything it spilled on with baking soda in a bottle of water. (use gloves just in case) The battery might be good to go, but will likely need to be replaced soon.

If you do all this, the car will probably run and drive with few problems.
 
Sell it for the scrap. Probably a lot of aluminum and other parts that's worth something.
 
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