Sad news..

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by 19bonestock88

They sent me a settlement letter and valuation statement... The mileage listed was wrong, they claimed my car had about 10k more moles than it does...

Not surprised! Shocker: insurance company doesn't want to pay up! I am lucky I've never been in your position, but I have heard people advise to never accept the company's initial offer.

As for that Saturn, the first "pro" IMO is:

- Manual transmission!

[19bonestock88]

That, and it's likely the newest car I'll be able to afford given lack of funding... I wish I could get a loan and grab something newer, but even if approved, I would have a hard time making the payments... Need to hold out until my wife is working...

On a side note, I learned to drive in a Saturn Ion... Moms car was an 04, L61/manual...

[19bonestock88]

https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5890674224.html

I'm also looking st a 2008 Saturn Aura, 3.6/6T70... The price is close enough I might be able to borrow it from my bank... Mileage would suffer some, but would be great for Uber, due to leather upholstery and V6 power...

[19bonestock88]

I looked at that TDI I posted earlier... If it's still there when I have my cash, it'll be in my driveway... If not, there are a couple options in my local classifieds, which include

2002 Saturn SC2/manual
2002 SVT Focus/manual
2004 Focus ZX3/manual
98 Saturn SW2/manual(needs work)
Hyundai Elantra GT/manual(unknown year)

In addition to the 2005 Saturn Ion/manual that I posted earlier...

[redpoint5]

Insurance companies are a for profit business. Their profits depend on paying out as little in claims as they can, and maximizing premiums.

I never accept the first offers, especially from the other person's insurance company, as they have no incentive to make you happy. They aren't getting your premium money, so you aren't their customer.

Find 3 comparable cars at retail prices and demand at least the average price of those. I was offered $1000 for my Subaru once, but declined until they finally accepted my firm $2,500 price, which is what it would take to replace my car at a dealership. It took a month of arguing, but they finally did the right thing.

My wife was just backed into a few weeks ago, and I'm dreading the process of submitting a claim because it introduced a water leak that is hard to blame on the collision. I'll probably just accept the highest estimate, and repair the leak myself.

[19bonestock88]

Well, on Craigslist I've seen similar cars listed at an average of 2800-3k...

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by 19bonestock88

Well, on Craigslist I've seen similar cars listed at an average of 2800-3k...

Craigslist includes both private party and retail goods. The insurance company is liable for the retail value, which is about 20% more than private party. It's also liable for any other costs associated with replacing the vehicle such as registration, tax, etc.

[MetroMPG]

Thanks for posting your experience, redpoint5. I'm fortunate that I've never had to deal with insurance co's, so I didn't know the ins & outs of standing up for a fair settlement.

[19bonestock88]

So, I'm at a loss... My offer was revised to reflect actual mileage, final offer is just over $2300... The issue is that I can't majorly disagree with their deductions... The seats are soiled, the doglegs have started to rust, the paint is scratched(worn), and my tires didn't look great IMO... ACV was nearly 3500 before their deductions... Their offer is almost $700 higher than KBB private party value in "fair" condition

[slowmover]

A tow truck push bumper is the closest I've seen. But big and heavy plus expensive.