My beautiful car has been destroyed - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

nebill · #1 07-31-2004, 01:18 PM

JHZR2:
I restore Model T's as a hobby and when the car is finished it obviously has a value other than "what the market will bear". When I insure a car I take a copy of the Krause publication Old Cars Price Guide and show the agent the value listed. Antique car premimums are based on "declared" value, however I would argue that a 20 year old MB restored or maintained in pristine condition is arguably worth more than "totaled" book value. You can get a monthly copy at places like Barnes & Noble. It has a 6 range of prices based on condition and is based on information on nationally collected data. While it isn't as exact as NADA or Kelley, it does give a good indicator of "collectible" cars value. I would also argue that NADA, etc are guides which represent a used car that has not been brought back to above average condition. My '84 300D is in the same excellent condition of yours and if mine were damaged to that extent and the insurance company wanted to total the car, I would present the insurance agent with receipts of money invested, as well as the Old Cars Price Guide range of value based on a "collectible" car. I would also give them any photographs which show the condition. You should strongly let them know that this was your pride and joy, not some run of the mill used car.

JHZR2 · #2 07-31-2004, 01:22 PM

Thanks, I'll pick one of those up ASAP.

I have found that NADA has a 'classic car' pricing guide, which allows pricing of my 83. The standard guide doesnt price 83 cars.

This guide is mileage independent, and in excellent, usable (non museum, etc.) condition, price can bed as high as $6975

Im going to try and use that as a starting point. There are lots of cars on autotrader that verify such a pricing structure, and on ebay, the high quality CA cars with nice paint typically go for $5000

That'll do a lot of repairs or work...

Thanks,

JMH

nebill · #3 07-31-2004, 01:34 PM

....and for real affect, when the other driver's insurance adjuster comes by to look at your car shed a few tears and emphasize that this was "your baby".

Wouldn't take me much to start bawling if I was telling an insurance adjuster how much I enjoyed my car.:p ...and just look at it now!

#4 07-31-2004, 01:42 PM

Repair it !

kip Foss · #5 08-01-2004, 12:25 AM

JHZR2,

Go to www.collectorcartraderonline.com and check prices. I found 25 1983 300d's listed. They range from $850 to a little over $4,000, most with less miles than yours.

Unless you are a good paint and body man or have access to one I would say that considering the above prices and the miles on yoursI would scrap the car. For the pay out on your car you can get another with 40% less miles on it and probably in as good a condition as yours. Fair enough the new car won't by you 'baby' but it will probably be in pretty good shape.

TimFreeh · #6 08-01-2004, 03:44 PM

Your can can be fixed - it will cost way more than the car is worth.

Get your best insurance settlement and look for a W124 Diesel - You pleasent W123 based memories will fade quickly if you spend some time behind the wheel of a W124.

michakaveli · #7 08-01-2004, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nebill
....and for real affect, when the other driver's insurance adjuster comes by to look at your car shed a few tears and emphasize that this was "your baby". Wouldn't take me much to start bawling if I was telling an insurance adjuster how much I enjoyed my car.:p ...and just look at it now!

Won't do anything. Insurance companies are regulated by the state. Crying won't afect the value of your car. Only tangible and valid information will.

At this point, that car looked awesome, and still does even in this damaged condition. Based upon the numbers your recieve for a value on this one, you might consider upgrading to a w124 or w210.

Granted the w210's have some problems like any other car, as long as you've done your homework you'll be all set. the w210 is such a fun car to work on. You'll be amazed at how quickly your wounds will be healed after driving a 210 diesel, turbo or not!

mikemover · #8 12-12-2004, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michakaveli

Based upon the numbers your recieve for a value on this one, you might consider upgrading to a w124 or w210.

Hey, now!....Not everyone would consider that an "upgrade"!

I greatly prefer the styling and mechanical simplicity of the w123 and w116.

Mike

michakaveli · #9 12-12-2004, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikemover

Hey, now!....Not everyone would consider that an "upgrade"!

I greatly prefer the styling and mechanical simplicity of the w123 and w116.

Mike

Everyone to their own...

#10 12-12-2004, 11:55 AM

Update?

Louis.

JHZR2 · #11 12-12-2004, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mb123mercedes

Update?

Louis.

UGH! The girl was excluded from the car owner's insurance policy, so his insurance refuses to pay damages, its all upon the car owner and the driver, and its my job to sue them.

My insurance co. (New Jersey Manufacturers) claims that since the car was insured, that it is that company who must pay for the damage. They will not allow an uninsured motorist claim.

I am disgusted, and although it has been some time, will be serving the car owner and the driver a nice 'Christmas present' when the county constable serves them their notices that theyre being sued for negligent entrustment and negligence, respectively.

Why any state can allow drivers to be excluded from an insurance policy is absolutely ridiculous. It allows people with no assets to drive others' cars with no added cost, regardless of driving record, and get away with murder!

I doubt Ill get satisfaction from small claims court, as neither is older than 23, but I dont think Id get satisfaction with my insurance comapny either, progressive (the other car's owner's policy) wont talk to me, and so Im more or less stuck.

If anyonehas any advice or ideas, Id love to hear them.

Thanks!

JMH

JHZR2 · #12 08-01-2004, 04:50 PM

my father has one... a 96 non-turbo.

I am shooting for $6900 to start. A bit unreasonable? Sure, but I have multiple vehicles and no need for this one (although it was my daily commuter). I will not settle until satisfied, I will drive a hard line and will be talking to the insurance commisioner of three states as soon as I am dissatisfied. It was not my fault that my car was hit and ruined, but it was my time to make my car what it was, and it is my time that is now wasted to get this all taken care of. The only way that I will recoup a bit of tha anality I had with that car for maintaining it, the improvement I put into it, and the general care and work I put and paid significant dollars for is to be as much of a hardliner as I can. I can judge from experiences people have had on this board and others, that it does not pay to work with these insurance people for the most part.

JMH

lietuviai · #13 08-01-2004, 07:16 PM

Before you consider a W124 make sure you read the thread "123 = Economy, 124 = Expensive" at http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=65927

ck42 · #14 08-01-2004, 08:56 PM

Judging from the cost of my car's repair work when I was rear-ended recently, I'd say you have about $10K worth of work...easily.

Mine only involved repairing the rear quarters, trunk, bumper, etc. Your's has some front quarter, and side damage along with that.

Don't want to get your hopes up but I was SHOCKED when I found out the Ins. co. was going to pay to do the work. At the same time, I was ready to draw first blood if they had refused. Like you, I had a LOT of blood, sweat, and money tied up in the car....on top of what I had paid/over-paid for the car initially. If they had totalled the car, I would have ended up taking a MONSTEROUS personal and monetary loss.

The only/best advice I can give you is what others gave me; be PERSISTANT and demanding! You have nothing to lose by being a pain in the claim adjuster's arse when it comes to demanding full compensation (be it - having the car repaired or getting what you feel is a FAIR pay-off for your car).

Find good examples of other similar cars in comparable condition and keep a record of them to show the adjuster if they want to offer you some low ball figure.

Last thing is (wasn't logistically possible for me) buy back the car from the Ins. IF they total it. You would prolly be able to buy it back CHEAP and either use it as a parts car to sell or as a parts car for your replacement.

In any case, good luck, hope for the best, and keep us informed. A lot of what happens may be dictated by WHAT Ins. co you'll be dealing with. Just hope it's a reputable one.

kip Foss · #15 08-01-2004, 09:05 PM

The insurance cos. are there to make money not friends. They will pay what the market demands and fight you for that. Your only real source of recompence is the driver who hit you. You can sue her in civil court (if you are after less than $5,000 you can use small claims) and perhaps make up the difference between what the insurance co. gives you and what you think the car is worth. You will need to be able to prove what you have in the car or get a couple of private appreisals. I'd say go for it if for no other reason than the experience of using the legal system