I was recently t-boned on the driver's side by a driver in a SUV who ran a red light. The damage to my car was very bad, but localized to the driver and rear door. The body shop said they can replace the doors on my 2004 Nissan Altima, repaint it, etc., but many people have told me that I shouldn't keep the car as it will never be the same. I had not had any problems with my car prior to the accident, but now I am being told that it will start breaking down all the time. What should I do?
2007-01-24 04:31:24 · 15 answers · asked by megs182 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If the damage was localized to the two driver side doors, I would just get the body work done and that would be the end of it.
It is unlikely that you will have any problems with the engine or electrical work after this type of accident. However, you may have an issue with body integrity. Two examples:
1) Because of the damage, even though you replaced the doors, the frames may be slightly out of alignment and cause the doors to not close properly. You would then get whistling or a wind sound from one or both doors, and it is possible to have a water leak during heavy rain.
2) If the side impact affected the chassis frame, this could affect your wheel alignments. You may find over time that your tires end up getting worn faster or only one one edge, or that the car is always pulling to the left even after the tires are balanced and aligned.
If the insurance company has written off the car as being totalled and are offering to replace it, I would consider taking the money and then investing in a 2006 Altima. Otherwise, you may want to get another 2004 Altima with similar mileage to your old one...and one that you know was NOT accidented already.
Of course, with insurance companies, usually you do not have the ultimate say in the matter. They will advise what their recommendation is and you will not get more than a maximum payout they will allow.
2007-01-24 04:47:16 · answer #1 · answered by SteveN 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh please if you got hit on the left side of your car by the drivers door how would your car be breakn down all the time lol one thing for sure is those who told you this are not mechanics if you got hit in the front I would say maybe you should but even my car a 99 nissan maxima gle got hit in the front 2 times and it is still good thank god no probs Just get the body work done by a good body shop and keep it but if you wanna get a new car and have the money to spare thats different
2007-01-24 12:36:37 · answer #2 · answered by bkgrl718 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, if your willing to go through the trouble of fixing it, then do it. Breaking down shouldnt be an issue if the body shop your taking it to has people who know what there doing. If any engine, drive train, or suspension component were to be damaged, most likely they will replace it rather than reshaping it. My friend went through the same thing you did, well, almost and her repairs turned out great. She never painted her doors, but the car hasnt broken down on her... and its a Ford. (I like Fords so no hard feelings.) The car will never be the same, but it should run the same after repairs.
2007-01-24 12:58:51 · answer #3 · answered by David Decay 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My father ran a body shop all his life, and told me this: If a car's frame has not been damaged, it can be fixed. If the frame has been damaged and mis-shapen, you'll never be able to fix it adequately.
If you were T-boned at any rate of speed, I'd bet the frame has been knocked out of line. If it were just a "fender bender" type accident, the frame is probably OK and it's just the sheet metal that's messed up. Take your car to a good body shop and ask them.
Good luck!
2007-01-24 12:43:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Body Shops as well as every thing else these days have come a very long way in technology. If it is a very good shop that your insurance company sent you too. Let them fix it. The car should be like new again. With the rising price of cars it takes alot to total one these days.
2007-01-24 12:39:27 · answer #5 · answered by scott b 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If there is no engine damage, it will not suffer any more from the accident than it normally would have on its own.
This is more a question of finances. Once a car is damaged it will devalue the trade-in or sale price. Also, if it's financed it can affect your loan insofar as being upside down due to a faster rate of depreciation. People don't like to buy cars with accidents in their history.
2007-01-24 12:35:20 · answer #6 · answered by rob1963man 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Get it checked by a reputable mechanic to make sure your frame hasn't been bent. If it has you will always have nothing but problems with it. If it hasn't then you should be ok as long as your car's computer wasn't damaged.
2007-01-24 12:40:16 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nissans' are very good cars. as long as nothing electrical was damaged or the frame of the car i would keep it.
2007-01-24 12:34:20 · answer #8 · answered by Just my Luck 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it will not be breaking down i dont no who told you that load of crap but it will not be as saft that spot will be a weak spot but with that new of a car i would see what the insurance says see what the are offering for it if you just get a new car
hope you didnt get hurt if you did get better soon
2007-01-24 12:38:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it wont be the same car, i would jsut get a new car. take in consideration the cost it would be if you replaced the car or just buy a new car.
2007-01-24 12:35:25 · answer #10 · answered by piggylover_850 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋