Keep or change my damaged car?

Slowly_does_it..

Quick question. Spun my car into the ditch the other week, mostly cosmetic damage. Should I keep the car and repair myself, or get an insurance payout of £2,500.

Current car is a Focus, with a new clutch, timing belt, a/c condenser, very very little rust, 56 reg, 1.6 liter, new dashboard, very neat and tidy (apart from my latest trip to the ditch), new front brakes, full set of winter tyres on rims, still drives nicely, private plates, but mostly I do like the car.
Bad bits - handbrake is just added weight, 1,6 is fairly slow, automatic would be slightly better.

I estimate I could repair it minus a few scratches for about £200.

What would you recommend, fix, or replace?



P.s. there was a thread a while ago about putting better tyres on the front or the back - does a rear blowout count as "Put better tyres on the rear?":eek:

AdrianC

Seems like a no-brainer to me, tbh. Kick it straight, and live with the scratches. If you're doing the sums, don't forget to run some insurance premium comparisons to show you what your premiums for the next few years are going to be with or without an at-fault claim on your record.

BTW, I think a rear blowout counts as "put half-decent tyres all round"... <grin>

vansboy

Keep the car, tidy it up - make sure there are no sharp edges, or trim damage which leaves securing clips etc, which could make it in 'dangerous to others' condition.

And best tyres on rear.

VB.