mensch

Fully comprehensive market value with same insurer since I bought her in 1990. Unfortunately even 10 years back when I enquired insurers wouldn't insure an old car for agreed value. Seems to be a relatively recent thing I wasn't aware of.

I am understanding this. If any smash repairers appreciated old cars she could be fixed, but they're all so busy with their fleet repairs etc they can't be bothered. No appreciation for quality. What is the difference between a non-economical write-off and a write-off?

Valuer just left. Fingers crossed but not hopeful based on his face. Showed all my receipts of work I've had done to her, examples of other cars for sale like her. Not sure if it made any difference. If they come back and want to write her off, as she still drives well - I've spent a couple thousand on her mechanics over past few years - how do I arrange to not have her deregistered so I can get her fixed myself or at least sell her registered to someone who wants to fix her...? To questions about damage, the iSuzu truck hit her rear left corner high, so has slightly impacted the chassis. Rear left corner above headlight all dented, bumper bar pushed in, boot askew. Worst damage she's ever copped as other accidents were just bumper or panel related as only cars hit me, not trucks. I'm pretty sad right now.

Was rear ended by a truck 4 weeks ago and going through the very slow insurance claim process. This is really emotionally traumatic for me, as I bought my car in 1991, she's my first and my only car I've ever owned. I actually love my car. She has supported me through tough times. I am really nervous about the upcoming valuation and smash repair quote. I have no idea how to handle the concept of a write off or how to navigate these waters. Also just feeling really raw and vulnerable. Any advice on how to handle this process, where to find parts in Brisbane, and any understanding smash repairers around Brisbane, who I could use if I get the opportunity to fix her?

Post deleted as very old.

I can vouch for Tony at the Gabba being a really pleasant guy anyhow. When I had my accident a while back, and was trying not to get my car written off, he spent a good while doing up a quote for a reasonable price. Ended up not using him though as the RACQ approved the more expensive quote and I thought I'd be best off getting the repairs done by their approved repairer for warranty purposes. Thinking of seeing Tony in the near future to get some replacement locks and some rust work done...

I recently got a quote to have my corolla painted by a smash repairer and he quoted $5000 MINIMUM! "P

Nooooo, don't tempt more southerners to come up here. There's no bloody room!!

That's a really sweet car. Definitely keep the tape deck; I wish mine still worked. You could always just pretend your car is kind of done in a rainbow paintjob...as in, pink to orange lol. I can't get over what excellent condition the interior is in. And you picked that up for $500??? Tell me if it passes its roadworthy test...

I was wondering how there was a girl on here with such an in-depth knowledge of cars. It's uncommon for women...I'd really like to learn more about cars, to be able to do all of this by myself. You're right about the flames, especially if you live in Redcliffe. You really don't want to attract attention, as the police tend to pull over anybody who looks like their car could be fun from Redcliffe down to around Burpengary. You're thinking of painting it black? Really? Why not red :yes: I would LOVE to paint my Corolla like the car in Starsky and Hutch: tomato red with white stripes. But can't afford the $5K I've been quoted for the job.

I went to the place you recommended at the Gabba, and he quoted around $800. I'll see what RACQ says when I get my car assessed, and if they still want to write it off, I'll let you know. Thanks for the offer of help guys.

Unfortunately I don't have a fracking clue how to take off a panel or put a new one on etc etc. I'm fine with fuel, oil, changing tyres, filling up my radiator, getting my car serviced...but beyond that. Anybody have any good recs for a night class in panel beating? lol

Condensed milk & Jagermeister?? *shudders* What's up with people lately? It seems like every week I hear of someone being stabbed or attacked. Ah, too easy to reminisce about the days when the Valley was just full of goths and gays and we all looked out for each other, especially when the corrupto Qld police would come to rough us up. Back then, you could walk from the Valley to Milton at 4am -- two girls alone -- and nobody would hassle you. Now, people are just dickheads. Or the drugs are worse. Who knows. I just feel sad some days that Brisbane's turning into shite.

Well, thanks for all of your help / advice / opinions. I'll let you know how this ends up :P