| Author | Message | ||||||
     Toddrover (Toddrover) Member Username: Toddrover Post Number: 104 Registered: 04-2003 |
Well I just got my '97 back last week after a new oil pump, water pump, and timing chain ($500 parts/$ 481 labor. Two nights later my wife was coming home going about 25-30 mph and hit some black ice then crossed the road, into a small ditch thence into a telephone pole. My wife luckily was uninjured and was wearing her seatbelt. Feels she would have certainly been hurt in her Camry. Considerable damage to hood, bumper, and right 1/4 panel. Brush guard bent and broken. Airbags did not deploy. No glass breakage. No obvious frame or transmission damage, right front wheel rubbing bent brush bar otherwise could probably be driven. Engine and transmission sound fine. Insurance company wants to declare it a total loss - the adjuster told me repairs would exceed 12K - due to internal structural damage, air conditioning compressor damage, etc...all determined without opening the hood. As you all know value is in the 9-11K range. My collison guy says adjuster looked like he had never seen a Land Rover before and had to make "about 6 phone calls". My collison guy (also a friend) says I should buy it back and he can do the work within the amount they give me. I am strongly considering the buyback, hopefully for no more than 20% of the totaled value. I do have a lein on the vehicle and still owe about 8K. I have put 4 K into it in the past year (OME shocks/springs, muffler, hoses, battery, fan clutch,rear bumper, above repairs, etc.) Personal experiences regarding going this route?? Will I then have a salvage title? Will the same company reinsure me after it's fixed??? Thanks in advance Todd /img {Damage pic}   | ||||||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 840 Registered: 02-2002 |
feel your pain Todd as recently happened to me with my RR. our insurance co just looked up the value based upon KBB and that's what we got. then purchased the salvage value for $2500 which was about 20% of the totaled value. in my case the frame was collapsed, not bent, in 2 places so we ended up finding another RR to transfer parts onto. you will have a salvage title after buying back the Rover from the ins co.. better to check with them on the insurability issue. keep in mind people shy away from buying vehicles with salvage titles so your re-sell down the road is pretty lean. given the prices of Discos and RRs for that matter, you might want to consider buying another one, transfering the good parts, and parting out the rest. good luck and be thankful no one was hurt. Jaime  | ||||||
| Sandy Grice (Apg) Member Username: Apg Post Number: 41 Registered: 02-2003 |
Sorry for your loss - glad almost everyone was OK.... A good friend, Mike McCaig (one of the organizers of the MAR) is building a business buying/selling such 'totalled' vehicles. DBA "Solihull Salvage", he may be a source for parts if you want to go the rebuild route - or he might be interested in buying it outright if you don't want to hassle with it. One of his recent acquisitions had by 96 miles on the odometer. If you want to talk to him - might be a good source to determine how "totaled" 'totaled' actually is - drop him a line at LR88(AT)aol.com or do a search on 'solihull slavage'. Good luck | ||||||
| Jess Brandt (Disco285) Member Username: Disco285 Post Number: 181 Registered: 09-2002 |
hope all goes well... i had the same thing happen to my white disco... she was great, and she ate it... i couldn't understand why they totaled mine either... i drove it home and had way less damage to the front... GOOD LUCK! jess | ||||||
| Toddrover (Toddrover) Member Username: Toddrover Post Number: 105 Registered: 04-2003 |
Thanks all for your insight...I'm still working out what I'm going to do...I'll keep you appraised... Todd | ||||||
| John Houseman (John_houseman) New Member Username: John_houseman Post Number: 22 Registered: 02-2003 |
I "totalled" my 97 last may valued then at $14k  This is that truck now I paid $2,400 to get it back so that left me with $11k and change to fix/modify further as I had no lien. No you will not have a salvage title as the title never leaves you hands, Yes your insurance company should continue to provide you with coverage after it's fixed. I had no problems with progressive who paid my claim though I was hit by another vehicle at his fault. I did all of the parts sourcing and work myself sans the welding of the internal structure. You asked for advice so here's mine buy it back and fix it or buy it back part it out and find another to swap your uprgrades too. I could go into a plethera of detail about what you would need and what to look for damage wise so email my directly if you are intersted. By the way those headlights are for all you flamers out there.  | ||||||
| Victor Biro (Vabiro) Member Username: Vabiro Post Number: 61 Registered: 10-2003 |
Todd, With all the engine work you've done maybe something with a blown engine would fit your needs. Coincidentally, there is a '97 XD with a blown engine for sale in the "For Sale" Classified section. ../12/36985.html"#444444"> | Ron Johnson (Chauner) Member Username: Chauner Post Number: 73 Registered: 05-2003 |
Most insurance companies will insure an R-title vehicle, usually banks are more of a problem. 12 grand for the repairs seem high, I own a body shop and repaired both my 98' Disco and my brother's 96' RR 4.6 HSE. If you plan on putting tons of miles on a car, going the salvage route is the way to go since by the time you are done with it, it's not worth anything anyway. | ||||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Senior Member Username: Ron Post Number: 614 Registered: 04-2001 |
Here is what to check. Check that the distance between the hub centers front and rear is the same on the left and right side. check to see if the ear where the radius arm mounted is bent. Check the frame carefully for ripples or bends. Look at the front axle for a bend. Check the rad support, thats a PITA to replace, better if you can just hammer it strait. keep in mind there are some big ticket items up there: rad, condensor and fans, hood (800) that add up quick unless you can find used cheap. Ron | ||||||
| trevor griffiths (Trevorgriffiths) Member Username: Trevorgriffiths Post Number: 191 Registered: 11-2002 |
I had a customer whose Disco was near Baltimore's Inner Harbor when Isabel came to town. It got wet up to the bottoms of the door. He drove it to Philly the next day, calls the insurance company, who then totals it because the floor mats were wet! | ||||||
| trevor griffiths (Trevorgriffiths) Member Username: Trevorgriffiths Post Number: 192 Registered: 11-2002 |
Speaking of Discos with damaged engines.I have a 96 with a stuck valve. Hit the piston, but I don't know the extent of the damage. Leakdown indicates piston damage. Anyway, it has 104k, black tan and in excellent condition sans engine | ||||||
| Toddrover (Toddrover) Member Username: Toddrover Post Number: 106 Registered: 04-2003 |
Well the latest BS I'm hearing is that they don't do buybacks without "special permission" as the vehicle will be "inherently unsafe" and will have a "branded title". Also "you wont be able to get comprehensive coverage" to which I replied "you mean with your company". However claim still hasn't been officially assigned to a total loss rep. As much as I'd like to swap out the engine I don't currently have the time or resources and it's COLD up here (I have no indoor facilities)...I may be in the market for another... | ||||||
| thom mathie (Muskyman) Senior Member Username: Muskyman Post Number: 482 Registered: 11-2002 |
alot depends on what state you are in and what your originale insurance contract says. My totaled outback was unable to be purchased from the company once totaled. and for any claim to be paid at all it needed to be totaled and title surrendered and converted to salvage status. so you will need to do some local research to make your decision. IMHO...take the cash and make them find you a number of suitable replacment trucks to choose from that way you may get more cash. my ins. comapany only wanted to give me 8k then after I made them find me 4 suitable (equally equiped) outbacks they raised it up and wrote us a check for $13500(average of the 4 cars they found) it is a negotiation till you take the cash. | ||||||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 843 Registered: 02-2002 |
John H, I can assure you in OK you get a salvage title after the vehicle is declared a total loss and you buy it back from the insurance company. it possibly could be a State determined thing, yet, under OK law, we had to change the title to salvage. Jaime  | ||||||
| Chris Browne (Chris_browne) Senior Member Username: Chris_browne Post Number: 490 Registered: 02-2003 |
Ok, new nood/fenders/battery/front clip, a/c other bits....straighten chassis, replace radius arms. Body parts and major suspension pieces should be available from Salvage shops, other parts (radiator etc) aftermarket....everything is possible...but what are you going to do for wheels while its off the road for 2-3 months being fixed? | ||||||
| Toddrover (Toddrover) Member Username: Toddrover Post Number: 108 Registered: 04-2003 |
Drive my '92 Exploder w/ 144K that my brother uses as a 2nd vehicle...another "inherently unsafe" vehicle... | ||||||
| Chris Browne (Chris_browne) Senior Member Username: Chris_browne Post Number: 491 Registered: 02-2003 |
Cut the deal with the insurer and go for it. | ||||||
| Matt Anderson (Disco01) Member Username: Disco01 Post Number: 76 Registered: 10-2003 |
Here is another completely different thought. Take the 11k from the insurance company, pay off your loan, take the remaining money and use it as a down payment on a left over 03 D2 S, lease it for the LR special of $399/mo., take the difference in what you are paying on your loan a month now, invest it in a money market account, and ride the wave of the resurging market. Negotiate a couple grand off the residual when the lease is through (easy to do as resale is not great) and you will easily have at least half of the resid. You will put zero money in the new one as maintenance is covered and all other things will be under warranty. I think this is the winning deal (although you may want to write all this out and do some math)! Matt | ||||||
| Alyssa Brown (Alyssa) Senior Member Username: Alyssa Post Number: 372 Registered: 01-2003 |
Matt, Land Rover Capital Group does NOT negotiate residuals under any circumstances. Not for the dealer, and not for the customer. SO, if you do a lease deal through them, don't count on it! Plus, you still have to pay for brakes, tires, wipers, and inspections, so it isn't $0 maintenance cost. | ||||||
| Toddrover (Toddrover) Member Username: Toddrover Post Number: 109 Registered: 04-2003 |
Well I can't go that route anyways due to $$...Unless Ron or Alyssa need a complete dental makeover and then maybe we could barter ;)... Thanks to all for the personal advice and experiences...I'll let you know what happens... Todd | ||||||
| Matt Anderson (Disco01) Member Username: Disco01 Post Number: 77 Registered: 10-2003 |
Really?!?!?!? I can't imagine them not dealing on residuals. I am not arguing, I have no way of knowing as I have never leased from them. I know Jag does and at Ford the bottom line is never really the "bottom line." I figured since these are all tied to Ford Red Carpet they would have similiar practices. Seems like they would lose more money taking in a return which has a resale four grand less than residual than budging two grand. Maybe I should write a letter! Matt | ||||||
| Alyssa Brown (Alyssa) Senior Member Username: Alyssa Post Number: 377 Registered: 01-2003 |
Matt, it is idiotic. They won't negotiate with customers, even when they want to buy the car out. So, the car gets turned back into the dealer, LRCG trucks the car to the auction, where it will be sold at a loss, and maybe then will be bought by a dealer, and go onto the dealer's lot, and THEN maybe the customer who originally leased the car can buy it at a cheaper price! It is the most roundabout, idiotic thing I've dealt with. We are JUST NOW having to deal with LRCG for lease turn ins. Until recently, everything was through BMW, who was really easy to deal with & would negotiate. | ||||||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 948 Registered: 04-2003 |
John Houseman, I don't think you got your money's worth on your repairs or new headlights. Looks like your mechanic is dyslexic.  | ||||||
| Toddrover (Toddrover) Member Username: Toddrover Post Number: 111 Registered: 04-2003 |
Or it's a '97 Andover edition... | ||||||
| Alyssa Brown (Alyssa) Senior Member Username: Alyssa Post Number: 378 Registered: 01-2003 |
LOL! I thought something looked wrong with that picture (other than the '03 headlights), I just didn't look at it that long. | ||||||
| John Houseman (John_houseman) New Member Username: John_houseman Post Number: 23 Registered: 02-2003 |
See I told you they were for all you flaming faggots out there. Blue, I sourced the headlights used paid $225 for set not much more than replacing the stockers As far as the repairs go I did all of the of the parts sourcing and the work myself except for the welding of the inner structure. Alyssa or Ron should know that the front bulkhead for the 03 model is less than half the price of the 97 part. With the $ I saved being my own laborer and using alternate parts souces than the ••••••••••• I made mods I wanted to. What was that saying "to each his own "I think and no I'm not dyslexic it's called photo flip and chop to get the pic to fit on this wonderous sight. Toddrover, better to have an and over than a smashed rover Alyssa or Ron, the only thing wrong with that picture is it's the only D1 with that looks like a new model and functions like the best Jamie Blueboy, in MD we don't get a salvage title as the insurance co never owns your car so your not actually buying it from them your just paying them what they would get to sell it as salvage out of what they give u based on kbb I still have a clear title as it never left my possesion. must be state regulated. All in all I spent less on the whole repair job/modification lift tires etc etc than I would have to pay someone else to put it back to stock and now have some thing no one else does and know how to repair most anything on my own vehicle. | ||||||
| Toddrover (Toddrover) Member Username: Toddrover Post Number: 112 Registered: 04-2003 |
Amen John...thanks for the initial input... | ||||||
| Brendan Kearns (Howboucha) Member Username: Howboucha Post Number: 151 Registered: 01-2003 |
When I destroyed my 95 www.redbirdsra.com/disco.htm my insurance company called it a total loss. They gave me a nice check, I bought it back for 25% of the loss value (they said it usually gets 30% salvage value because it is considered an "exotic", whatever). The title was kept clear because it never left my hands. Some may recall that I took a sawz-all to it and chopped the top. While it was fun to do, I probably shouldn't have done it. I sold it but now wish I kept it because it had fairly new OME 2" set up and I had to buy new suspenders again for my XD.. My LE could have used it too. My advice....do what you feel is right. Now how about that for some crappy advice. Brendan 97 XD 98 LE | ||||||
| Toddrover (Toddrover) Member Username: Toddrover Post Number: 114 Registered: 04-2003 |
Brendan I remember reading that...now that to me looks like a "total loss"... | ||||||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 949 Registered: 04-2003 |
so Johnny, is that the corner that was smashed, or did you just "photo flip and chop" to make it look like you repaired that corner and it looks fine. Also, what's up with the hood? Is it unlatched? Or just not lining up right? | ||||||
| John Houseman (John_houseman) New Member Username: John_houseman Post Number: 24 Registered: 02-2003 |
Blue, Well your half right. That is the opposite corner. The smashed side is not yet painted to match. Another used part that while may not be exactly perfect it's only going to get scratched and dinged as time goes on anyway. As far as the hood goes yes it is unlatched, hence the pins. The linkage on the D1 hood does not match that of the 03 front bulkhead. I could have retrofit the 03 latch to the D1 hood but it seemed more feasable to install hood pins. That is the same hood from the accident just bent back into shape as much as possible. There is a gap along the hood and fender junction on the other side but I didn't think it was worth the money to shell out several hundred to $1k for a hood. Like I said I went for what I wanted to do and Function. The hood or fender are not going to fly off because they're not perfect. So Blue it seems you have somewhat of a problem with my mechanical work though I never claimed the truck was perfect. Could you take what my truck was and put it into better shape than I? I guess we'll never know. At least I take some initiative with doing some custom mods to my vehicle instead of following the leader " ome, 245/75's etc. I run 3" NWP's Lengthed Qt Services ultra light radius arms SG rear links 31 10.50's on 15" series steelies GBR DC front shaft etc. When I get more time after the holdiays I'll do a full post on the end result of the and over just for u. | ||||||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 951 Registered: 04-2003 |
LOL, my original post was a joke - hence the smile you understand what dyslexic means? match that to your obviously flipped photo, and presto - humor! Alyssa got it, but you opted for a tantrum. Do you think I give a shit what headlights you have (or springs or tires or whatever else)? and your posted pics with the statement This is that truck now is a bit misleading...oh wait a minute, my bad, I guess that corner is all fixed up:  | ||||||
| Alyssa Brown (Alyssa) Senior Member Username: Alyssa Post Number: 380 Registered: 01-2003 |
Thanks Blue! I didn't think I was being mean in what I said. Touchy touchy! I wasn't commenting there was anything *wrong* with the headlights, just that they weren't standard equipment. I happen to really like the 03 headlights. Geez! | ||||||
| John Houseman (John_houseman) New Member Username: John_houseman Post Number: 25 Registered: 02-2003 |
FWIW, my apologies to both Blue and Alyssa, the stress of the holidays and work got the better of me. I was used to seeing the idea of 03 lights on an older model being knocked around and overreacted. Blue where are you based out of in AZ? I have traveled out there quite a few times. It's truley is beautiful country out there. I've mainly spent time in the Lake Havasu area including some day trips down to Phoenix up thru Sedona to Flagstaff and back to Kingman. Wish we had all that countryside to wheel on in my neck of the woods. | ||||||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 959 Registered: 04-2003 |
no problem man. I like the look of the 03 headlights. I think I've posted about how stupid it is to change to new headlights unless there's a problem with the old ones. LOL, you had yourself a problem there. Of course, that's just my opinion...what one guy does with his time & money is his own damn business. AZ is great. I'm in Scottsdale/Phx area. Sedona is great, Flag is great, all of northern AZ is great. So is southern AZ, and everything in between. Give us a shout next time you're in town. There's a few local guys here starting to form a good core group of Rover aficionados... | ||||||
| John Houseman (John_houseman) New Member Username: John_houseman Post Number: 26 Registered: 02-2003 |
Thanks for the invite Blue, I'm sure I'll be out there again next year. Thanks for the understanding as well. |
