Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General This just in..2G Sport is total loss-advice please

Go for some of it ... here's why:

The net loss to the insurance company is the ACV they pay you less the salvage returned to them by the salvage operator. The ACV is not really affected much by the after-market stuff you want to remove. Remember that simply putting in a $1,000 stereo system doesn't add $1,000 to the value of the car. Likewise, salvage value is what a salvage operator is going to bid for the rights to salvage the vehicle. Salvage typically runs about 10%-15% of the ACV. So, if you have things that might add $100 to the ACV, they probably only affect the salvage by $10 or $15. Frankly, the adjuster would just as soon close the file as fight over a net of $50 (as more than one Claims Manager said to me ... and as I said as a Claims Manager to more than one adjuster: "The only good file is a closed file"). I am not sure if you were hurt in the accident (I hope not ... but if you were, the goodwill is worth a lot more than the hassle of playing silly bugger over a few after-market items). Either way ... I'm going to let have all that stuff (sounds like the adjuster is a real pro and pretty experienced which is always better for you).

However ... this does not apply to things like batteries and tires. The insurer has bought the car from you. They have paid you the ACV for the car and if you start removing things that noticably affect the ACV or salvage ... then they care. If you think about trying to sell a car without a battery, it's much more difficult and affects what someone will pay. Therefore, the ACV most definitely includes the battery and the like. If you want things like that ... ask the adjuster first. Otherwise ... I would advise against it.

That's understandable. I am taking the wheel locks though. I paid 25 for them suckers! Since they hide behind the covers it isn't obvious that they are not there. Thanks for your help.

Damn Nick. Sorry about your car man. I hope you can find something better man. You should get an SVT lol. J/K. Maybe like a Grand Am or something.

I don't think they're bad cars. I would get a GT which is a lot sportier but not the SE. I looked at an 03 today and it didn't have ABS/ETS and they used to be standard.

They're general low end Chevy vehicles...may seem nice when new, but after 1-2 years they're worthless. My friend has a 99, and that car is finished, completely worn out (and I helped him maintain it, so I know maintainence was done).

All in all, they are a mode of transportation for the non-inspired driver; it's the exact opposite of everything that defines an "enthusiast" car....after spending any bit of time in a tour, driving a Grand Am is bleh.

Currently entertaining the idea of 2003 Mazda Protege 5...Classic red, moonroof, black leather, auto...depends if they will deal though. Looking to keep payment under $300 if possible. The thing kinda grows on you...

Aftermarket

I think Derek's girlfriend is going to get one of those too...but in white for some reason .

you gotton lug around kid stuff

so go for cargo room

if not mini van then mini suv

lastly go for full sized car like crown vic or a big buick used

if you choose an undersized car now you will wish you had the space latter