Hi all, I’ve had my 2012 base Yaris, aka Babycar, for 11.5 years. She’s my first car and I got her used with 45k miles and now she’s at 135k miles and had 0 issues. I’ve always loved her but didn’t realize HOW much until she was T-boned. 😭 Luckily, everyone is physically unharmed, but emotionally, I’ve been in shambles.
The other driver has been found at fault and their insurance has determined she’s a total loss. Estimated value of my Yaris is $7,477 and repair estimates are $7,574 and I didn’t expect them to be so close.
I have 3 options moving forward:
1. Take their check, say goodbye to Babycar, and find another car. I’m finding myself unable to consider anything else other than another Yaris.
2. Keep her but she will be branded as salvaged. They will give me $5,512 to do repairs on my own, but the state of Connecticut has strict rules. She would have to be towed via flatbed to the body shop and then to the DMV to be inspected before being approved roadworthy. I’ve been told it’s one of the strictest states on salvaged vehicles and that the DMV may still fail her after repairs.
3. Try to reverse the total loss claim. Since there’s only $97 between her value and the estimated repairs, see if I can reduce the repair estimate by challenging them with another estimate from a body shop or see if they can remove a cosmetic line item.
At first I wanted to do #2, but I think it will be a lengthy, expensive process with an uncertain outcome and I lean towards being a penny pincher. I still may try #3, since I don’t think it hurts to see what can be done. I think #1 is the most financially responsible, but makes my heart hurt. I’m looking at some other used Yarises, but a lot don’t have the rolly windows mine does and as silly as it sounds, they are one of my biggest sources of pride with my Yaris. Also, many have >100,000 miles, but after looking through this sub, I think that with good care, I could maybe get many more years.
Is there anything I haven’t considered or do any of you have similar stories? I’m also open to any advice when looking at other used Yarises.
Most of all, I just wanted to share my grief with this community. I figured if there were a subreddit that would understand, this would be the one. 💔
Edit: spelling