I had a police car crash into the rear of my Toyota Liteace last Sunday, as a result of the damage I will require a rear door(complete), bumper, fill and respray job to minor dent in rear wing. The insurance accident garage look like they are about to write off the car because of the possible cost of repairs. Does anybody know what I can expect for a 2.2TD(3CT engine), 95 M, high spec incl twin sun roofs, which I payed £6995.00 for two years ago.
That is apart from a slap with a wet fish across the face.

- (#10977) Steve, 19 May 04 08:01

Hello Steve, sorry to hear of the prang. I guess a police car is possibly the best thing to have been rear ended by, because they won't want the embarisment getting out.

You may be able to convince your insurance company that a cheaper option is to source the parts second hand from BBC spares. So long as your happy with it of course. The other option is to take the payout and salvage rights, then repair it yourself by useing second hand parts and trouser the change.
- (#10977) dave Bright (Bournemouth), 19 May 04 11:07

I would agree with Dave. Let them write it off on the understanding that you want the salvage. They may try and charge you over the odds for the salvage because its a private sale. Typically, for over £2000 the trade pays 20% of vehicle value for salvage, so try and get near to that.
Only drawback is that the vehicle will probably be classisied as a category "D" write off and you must inform anyone that you sell the vehicle to, it was damaged.
This is a great opportunity to make money !!!
Assuming £200 for a rear door, £150 for a bumper, £100 paint, and £400 labour - you end up with a cheap vehicle !!
Check out Exchange and Mart - japanese importers for vehicles being broken for spares.

- (#10977) stephen judge, 19 May 04 15:45