hit and run

[walt conwell]

Just lost my heart and my grin!
my 96 T top, Green, (2nd T top imported from Japan, verified by vin No.) hit and spun by H&R driver. Major damage to left rear side, axle, and maybe engine. Do I attempt to have this fixed, and live with the results, or push insurance company for a total write off. Anyone have any luck with this extensive repair? Was vintage model of any value?

 

[Banshee Wail]

I am sorry to hear that your car was damaged. As for repairing your NSX, I will provide you with the information I received when looking for mine. However, there are many other people here at Prime that know way more than I, so I am hoping they chime in as well.

An nsx that is hit hard in the front can be repaired. It is costly but it can be done. However, due to the manner in which the engine and suspension are positioned in the rear it is extremely difficult to make these repairs as to restore the car to pre-accident condition. Unfortunately, I think you may be looking for a new car.

 

[nsxtasy]

I would find the very best body shop in your area that has a lot of NSX experience, and take it their for an estimate as well as for their opinion regarding whether to fix or total. Then let them work with the insurance company to achieve the recommended resolution.

Was vintage model of any value?

No special value beyond that of another NSX of similar year, mileage, condition, etc.

 

[Cairo94507]

I second NSXtacy's comments - Find the top shop in your area and meet with them to express your serious concerns about the car being repaired to pre-accident condition and that you will accept nothing less. Then tell them you are considering letting the car be totaled and then let them lead the fight with the insurance company. Good luck and remember to be firm with the insurance company when they speak with you. You did nothing wrong and were hit.

 

[NSXFreak00]

i would try and push the insurance company for a total write off.

If you decide to sell your car at any point, and you disclose that your car has been in an accident, that would be a deal killer for me. Anyone willing to buy it will expect a good discount.

 

[liftshard]

Yes, totaling it out is best for you, assuming you're not under water.

Some insurance cos will do NADA on the car, too, which is on the high side price-wise.

But, the damage has to be quite extensive to get a total on these cars. If the unitbody is bent, you are on your way to it. But, they'll look at all the parts they can see that need replaced.

Get the best Acura repair shop and insist on only OEM parts. Make a stink about whether the car is safe to drive after repair or not. In my recent total, the underside of the car was buckled from the collision impact. So, there was some question of safety and reparability at all with the vehicle. Also, there was quite extensive damage front, rear, caved in side, bent frame members, etc.

Progressive had to send the district manager to see the car b/c the total payout was so high. That's the rule on any expensive car. They may try to fight you over it or send it to "their" shop. Don't allow this. Get it to your shop and insist on OEM and be persistent.

If the shop tells you no biggee, then you'll be all right except that your car will be worth less than it was before. The problem here is that VA does not recognize recovery against insurers for diminution of value. You *could* recover in VA against the other driver, but not on your own insurance policy, which is going to end up paying in the case of a H&R. You functionally get stuck with the diminution bill for a wrecked car.