Hi, my mom got into an accident two three years ago with her car and now it’s colecting dust in the garage. She told me that it would be smart to try and repair the front end since the car is brand new (she bought it in 2014) and it would be a good starter car. I was wondering if the price would be comparable to one of a used car. I’m open to any opinions or thoughts about this.
Thank you!

 

Are you being tasked to repair this car? Firstly, have the frame checked, if its not straight anymore, it would cost alot more time and money to repair it.

 

No it isn’t a requirement. I’m just curious if it would be cheaper than say buying a brand new car. I’ll see if can get the frame checked first. If it’s in ok shape do you know around what kind of price I’d be looking at?
Thanks for the reply!

 

There is visible unibody (frame) damage in your photos. The crumple zones have, well, crumpled. Has she had her insurance look at it? What's the story there?

I'm betting it is totaled. As such, once repaired, it would not fetch nearly as much as a used car as the title would be salvage. I'd sell it as-is. Note that I'm just guessing here, and do not know Canadian laws/rules, but it doesn't take much to total a car these days.

As stated above, have the frame looked at and get an estimate of repair.

 

Straighten the frame rail, and then hit local wreckers for a hood, bumper and fender in your colour. then source the remaining parts as cheaply as possible. I'd say you have about
$1500-2000 in repairs if you can do the work yourself.

Be sure to flush all fluids before starting as well

AC

 

I repaired a totaled 2012 Honda fit sport this spring in canada with similar damage to your car for just over $3k in parts and autobody shop costs to weld in a new rad support and paint the bumper. Parts included sport bumper, fogs, grills, fender liners, under tray, complete rad support, condenser, rad and other small bits like fasteners. One thing to not overlook is the car looks to be totaled and will require a rebuild title within your province and requires paper work and inspections before and after the repair work. Check into this first before work is started on the car.
Another thing to be aware of is the air bag recall on this car as its been sitting for a few years and may not have been done yet.

 

Personally?
I wouldn't mess with trying to resurrect that Lazarus.

Plus in your original post you ask if the cost of repair would be comparable to buying a used car.
Then in post 3 you ask if it would be cheaper than buying a brand new car?

I personally think if you can afford a car that won't even after all the work is done, be a salvaged vehicle, and/or you can afford a new car? That's the route I would go.

But that's just me.

 

doesnt your mom have insurance? be cheaper to pay the deductible and get the car repaired professionally, no?

i dont get it.

 

No she forgot to renew it and that’s why it’s still like this. It’s a waste of money so I’ll just look into a used car. Thanks for all the replies.

 

You could maybe fund part of the purchase of your replacement vehicle by parting out the one that's all broke up.

 

Yup...that looks like a great parts car to me!

 

One thing's for sure... The battery is easily accessed now!