'97 Toyota 4-Runner plows into my drivers side. Both doors, qtr panel, tail light, and closed the right side trunk gap. I'm assuming they (Geico) will total the 380SE. However, I am concerned they will not come up with a fair value for the car. I had a look at Kelly and was hoping thats NOT what they go by for determining the value of an '85 MB. It sure as hell can't be replaced with that amount.

Other driver admitted fault. So far dealing with his insurance is abit of a PIA.

We'll see. Anyone have any experience with Geico?

seek out other car value references besides kelley and the other one. get the highest value and get a lawyer to represent you. since it is a slam dunk, you need to work it in order to get enough to buy a replacement car and make up for your hassle. Don't accept any settlement for less.

D.

__________________
1979 300D 220 K miles
1995 C280 109 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles SOLD
********************
1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD

GEICO totalled 2 cars of mine about 2 years ago, both at significantly more than I expected. In fact they gave me some credit for the obvious VG condition of the '89 Volvo 780 Coupe. Also it could have helped that I've been with them for 18 years.
I believe insurance companies use NADA pricing, not KBB.
regards,
Mark

Geico is wanting me to take it to a local Ford dealership so their estimator can have a look. I'm hesitant to drive it there as she is pulling to the left slightly now. Also, its damned inconvienent.
I know this is a tough question but, what is a fair price (value) for a above average '85 380SE? I have a figure but I would like to gathering other MB owners opinions on a value.

Sorry to hear your car is totalled. I'd hold out for full replacement value (sorry, can't provide any help as to what that would be -- maybe search the mercedesshop classifieds archive and/or check eBay's completed auctions?). Don't let them try to fix it; it'll never be the same. At least you weren't hurt, right?

__________________
1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

Hey Dan,

I dont think you have to take it to their shop of choice. Im not sure, but you might want to consult an attorney real quick on that one, go for a "freebie", lots of good attornies will give you five minutes (which means they will talk for twenty)

ANyways, Im here in So California, and I just sold an 85 380SE. It was darn near like new in looks, paints is original and like new, I had just had another engine installed, had about 180K miles on it. It ran pretty good, but not perfect by any stretch, but the guy has been driving it without doing any major work for a year.

The interior is in great shape, the drivers seat is definately sagging though, and one crack in the dash.

Ok, I tried to sell it for $2500, I had TONS OF CALLERS, but no takers, dropped it to $2K, still no buyers, but my buddy saw it and said he wanted it. He is happy with it, he paid me $2K. I think thats about its fair market value, but if you were to start shopping for one, you might have a hard time finding one.

Like someone said, look real fast on ebay, autotrader.com and see what you can find, then dont settle for less than what it will actually cost you to get one, if anything you should get a few hundred bucks in the pocket for your inconvience

ronK

NADA goes back to '86. It shows an average '86 420SEL with 230K to range from $3900-4850.
I would hope they come up with at least half this for an above average '85 380SE .
Its been a reliable daily driver for yrs and blows(blew) 40F ac air on a 98Fday. I believe 'tis time to say goodby.

Thanks guys. I'm a bit sore today. Was a big jolt to the side.

If you are sore and haven't been to a doctor, it is time to get checked out! Not only for your future health, but also because insurance companies seem to negotiate more with accidents that involve injuries. Don't try to make anything up, but if you have legitimate problems, that will factor into the settlement.

Several years ago an MB passed my wife and cut in front, then slammed on his brakes. She hit him with our Acura, and there was no apparent damage to his car, while our Legend needed a condenser, radiator, hood, and headlights. He never put a claim in for any repairs on his car, but 364 days later (just under the deadline) he sued us for his 'back injuries', worth about $2 million in his lawsuit! Our neighbor is a physician at the same hospital where thie guy is on staff (he is supposed to be an upright and honorable doc, according to our neighbor), and said that the guy had never complained about anything for the last year, was always cheerful and engaged in the usual golf/tennis with his friends, etc., so a back injury seemed strange. But when the guy and his attorney got to arbitration and were questioned about the injury and lack of damage to his car, they just kept saying 'make me whole - my life has been changed'. Turns out that if they gave him the cash for a new Lexus, ('the seats are better for my injured back') he would go away and sign off on the arbitration. The company settled rather than risk several years of court and a possible $2 mill settlement.

I am not saying to do this! But if you have a REAL injury and Dr. records after the accident, there are probably enough cases like the above to make the ins. companies a bit more flexible in dealing with your case, and at very least you should have yourself checked out as some injuries take several days to appear. (but not usually a year)

__________________
John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

don't use edmunds or keely blue book., use www.manheimgold.com

This car price book will serve more accurately

and see a doctor just to be on the safe side and to start a health file. The other ins. co. has to pay for your med bills.
Den

__________________
1979 300D 220 K miles
1995 C280 109 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles SOLD
********************
1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD

Ouch. Sorry to hear about another 380SE going to the boneyard. At least you were well protected.

As for value, I checked on mine and KBB says ~$1,000. But I think in the condition its in, it should really fetch $2-3K. Its in nice shape with complete records, and everything works except the cruise control.

__________________
1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

It worked before the accident, though, right?

__________________
1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

[QUOTE=JCE]
Several years ago an MB passed my wife and cut in front, then slammed on his brakes. She hit him with our Acura, and there was no apparent damage to his car, while our Legend needed a condenser, radiator, hood, and headlights. He never put a claim in for any repairs on his car, but 364 days later (just under the deadline) he sued us for his 'back injuries', worth about $2 million in his lawsuit! Our neighbor is a physician at the same hospital where thie guy is on staff (he is supposed to be an upright and honorable doc, according to our neighbor), and said that the guy had never complained about anything for the last year, was always cheerful and engaged in the usual golf/tennis with his friends, etc., so a back injury seemed strange. But when the guy and his attorney got to arbitration and were questioned about the injury and lack of damage to his car, they just kept saying 'make me whole - my life has been changed'. QUOTE]

Doesn't that just chap your ass? On Sunday, some jackass pulled out right in front of me on a two-lane country highway. I was going 67mph, and had to slam on the brakes. He speeds up (taking his sweet time to do so) to about 70, and feels he needs to pass the minivan in front of him. He does so, and within 1/4 mile of passing slams on his brakes to pull into his driveway. It was some idiot and his wife in a Sunbird convertible. People are just plain dumb!

Sorry to hear that this case involved and accident... and worse, that the bad driver was rewarded in the end. Figures.

__________________
1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

Spent most of yesterday in the hospital (waiting). X-rays and CT scan reveals a small chipped bone in my lower neck, torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder.

Man, I would have been killed if I had been driving a Honda. I've often thought of selling the old MBs and going with the flow of folks driving new(er) economy (30+mpg) hondas. Not now.

The 380 is being towed to a reputable local body shop. I'll be interested in what their repair estimate is.

After that kind of hit you will probably be better off getting another MB. That car is probably worth $3k tops and the damage you describe sounds pretty bad.

You can pick up nice 560SEL's cheap these days. If you want close to 30mpg buy a W210 E320 they are also coming way down in price.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

The biggest problem with buying an old MB and restoring it,like i did is that if my car ever gets totaled i will lose alot of money.