Car in accident - Repair or sell?

muddymouse

Hi all

I got some really good advice here when I asked about buying a car, so I'm hoping someone can help me now.

I've got an S reg Nissan Micra 1.3 16V which unfortuately I recently had an accident in. I skidded into the back of another car in the rain (my first accident in 18 years of driving), and as my insurance is only 3rd party it doesn't cover the damage to my car.

The damage is front end, and I've got replacement parts (bonnet, bumper and slam panel) in the correct colour, but when the old parts have been removed there is some damage and rusting to the frame underneath, making it impossible to repair the damage myself.

So my question is twofold; how much would it be likely to cost me to have the damage repaired at a garage, and would it be more economical just to sell the car as salvage than to have it repaired? The car cost me £1200 eight months ago, and I wouldn't expect to get much more than about half that if I sold it.

Other than the damage, its a lovely car and still drives well, with less than 80,000 on the clock. I'm on a really tight budget but really need to have a car so would appreciate any helpful advice. Thanks.

Little_John

unfortunatly you will need to get a garage to look at the problems you have found to see what they would cost to fix.

tomstickland

Go round a few bodyshops, ideally find an independant outfit who won't charge top whack "insurance industry" prices. You'll probably be surprised at how cheaply the work can be done.

Conor_3

If its the front subframe or crossmember thats bent, it could cost a lot. Needs to go to a bodyshop to see if it could be pulled out and how much it'd cost.