87 300td t-boned yesterday, what now? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bamba · #16 04-04-2012, 11:27 PM

Agree with vstech. Hold your ground, and you can get what you want. A few years ago, an incompetent towing company impaled the tailgate of my 87TD. A reputable body shop quoted me $900 to fix the damage, and the insurance agent cut me a check for the exact amount.

Yes, 87TDs are "old", but (1) it's rare, and (2) it's a Mercedes-Benz. Play it up to the insurance agent.

Codifex Maximus · #17 04-05-2012, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ytmtnman

My wife and dog were in it. And a baby in my wife's belly. All 3 are ok!

Whew! I hope everyone has had a checkup since - just to be safe. Gotta love these tough Mercedes.

ytmtnman · #18 04-06-2012, 07:51 AM

The adjuster jut came out. He said it looks fixable with a new B pillar, rocker panel, doors, trim, and perhaps a front quarter panel. Things are looking up!

Codifex Maximus · #19 04-10-2012, 01:26 AM

That's good news. Another one hopefully saved.

I believe we have a source for such sheet metal parts as well. I've not dealt with them but saw the website and it looks competent. There is another thread on this site that has the link...

pawoSD · #20 04-10-2012, 08:55 PM

Good to hear! Keep it on the road! The wagons are very rare in nice shape!

Hit Man X · #21 04-10-2012, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nulu

ill give you $500.00 as is

Really?

ytmtnman · #22 04-11-2012, 07:06 PM

News from insurance: they are going with total loss. Value 6k. They still have not been able to contact their client to pass liability to said client. Until they contact that person they are unable to pay out. So they say.
I still want the car repaired to pre-accident condition. Anyone have experience dealing with an insurance company? I am pretty sure the repair will cost more than 6k if I send it to a shop. Perhaps I could have someone weld in a new B pillar and rocker panel. Then I could find some doors and put them on myself. Any thoughts?

And how about $6k? I would love to ask for more. I have been searching for another in similar shape but I am coming up empty. They will want to see actual sales figures on sold 300td's. Where can I get those #'s?

Here's some more pics too-

vstech · #23 04-11-2012, 10:56 PM

that is just their first offer.
you need to rebutt that offer, and state in no uncertain terms, your undamaged 87TD was damaged, and they need to replace it, or repair it. where are they getting the 6K figure?
let them know the car only has 1499 others in the US like it. it's a rare vehicle, and replacement is impossible at a low price unless buying a rust bucket.
USAA, had NO issue paying out 3K in damages to my wagon, another wagon I am involved in had 9K in damages, and it paid. did not total the vehicle either...
don't accept their offer. get your insurance involved, and get some ebay sales, dealer sales, etc... and try and find a similar condition/mileage vehicle to compare it to.

TnBob · #24 04-11-2012, 11:04 PM

crazedlist.org : search craigslist like a madman

Statewidelist - Craigslist search by state

Thats a couple of multiple CL searchers to help expedite your pricing search from there.

bamba · #25 04-12-2012, 12:07 AM

Ebay completing listings would be ideal. Unfortunately, they only allow the past 2 weeks to be searchable. I found that there is, however, a 3rd party service that retains eBay sales data for the past year. It just costs a monthly subscription.

Terapeak is the one I've seen referenced often in eBay forums. (Note that I have never tried this service, so I can't speak to it. Just passing along some info.)

So it'd cost $50 to check the selling history of 87TDs during the past year. Might be worth it if we're talking a substantial $$$ difference in the outcome of your situation...?

Also, if any really nice 87TDs have been exchanged between forum members, perhaps they can provide you with a photocopy or scan of the bill of sale?

ROLLGUY · #26 04-12-2012, 01:08 AM

I recently crashed my '98 E300, and the insurance co totaled it. I DROVE it to the body shop where a 7,600 estimate was given for the repair (mostly undercarriage damage, bumper and radiator) . The value of the car was $6,800. I was issued a check for $6,400 and kept the car ($400 was the buy back cost). Exactly 30 days after the accident and about $1,000 in parts (Thanks Phil!) the car was back on the road as good as new (fixed it myself). I would agree with what others have said and get enough $ to either repair or replace the car, and buy it back and fix it yourself. Find a couple used doors, and install them and have the body shop do the rest (pillar and painting). It will cost a lot less than having the Stealership do the work. The Stealership is great for getting an estimate, because it will be high enough to cover the costs and then some.

LNGfish · #27 04-12-2012, 05:56 AM

Figure out what u want and counter their offer. I did it once and it worked with USAA.

buffa98 · #28 04-12-2012, 06:04 PM

Dont settle for a while!!!! make sure to drop the words lawyer and pregnant wife in car. The combo of those two should cause any insurance company to start to quiver.

BE FIRM IN THE FACT THAT THEIR CLIENT HIT YOU,THEREFORE IT IS THEIR RESPONSABILITY TO FIX YOUR CAR!!!

I went through this with state farm about 2 years ago. There first offer was $1500. I told them to stuff it and call me when they were serious. It took about three trys But I finally got what I wanted for the car.

Do not let them total it with a buyback!!!! It will have to be a branded title(depending on state)

Best of luck

ytmtnman · #29 04-12-2012, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffa98

Do not let them total it with a buyback!!!! It will have to be a branded title(depending on state)

Best of luck

Thanks for that. It slipped my mind. I haggled today and they upped to 7968 if they take the car, 7030 if I keep it. I don't think they realize that I want the car repaired to pre-accident condition with no branded title. I'll let them know tomorrow. Is that something that can happen?

I think they changed their mind when I pointed out this:

Mercedes-Benz : 300-Series Mercedes-Benz : 300-Series | eBay It's the only comparable I can find!

ninertriplezero · #30 04-12-2012, 09:34 PM

Good luck. I bought mine this past month, but it was for less than you're asking from the ins. company. If it would help in any way, as a comp, contact me, and I'd be willing to share details of my purchase.