My wife was driving the 1980 240D and was rear-ended by a kid driving delivery. He wants to see if the damages are within his budget before filing a claim.

The damage was a hefty dent and paint loss between the bumper and the DS taillight. Also, since the accident, the trunk seems to hang on the latch and there is a knocking sound from the DS rear side as the clutch is released.

Having recently been through the same experience being the rear-ender I expect that the kid is going to have sticker shock when the estimate comes in. Body work is such a racket!

So I expect he is going to want to file. I also expect that the cost of body work may exceed the amount insurance would want to spend on a 30 y.o. car and that they may decide to total it.

I know that if that happens I would have the option of taking the settlement (of course I couldn't replace the car for what they will give me), and then possibly buying it back as a salvage.

I guess I am looking for tips on how to proceed from here and if there are other things I should ask the body shop before the ball starts rolling.

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Current Mercedes
1979 maple yellow 240D 4-speed

Gone and fondly remembered:
1980 orient red 240D 4-speed

Gone and NOT fondly remembered:
1982 Chna Blue 300TD

Other car in the stable:
2013 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI / 6-speed MT