re: help quick!

[Dwight Varnes <xmxbreed@lancnews.infi.net>]

> The body shop says that the damage is about
> $2200 US, but the ins. company wants to total it, saying that that is
> more than the car is worth. It _is_ a quattro, and has only 76000 miles,
> and is in great shape. Does anybody have quick access to the U.S.
> bluebook value of my car?

This is from the eastern edition of the NADA book, but should be close
enough:
Retail $3300, plus $307 for low mileage
Wholesale is $2050, plus the $307.

The insurance company can elect to total your car if the damage is
anywhere from 75-80% of the retail value. You should receive retail
value as that is what replacement cost is (i.e. what it would cost you
to purchase one from a dealer).

Pleading sometimes helps. Being a PITA doesn't. I just junked a 94 XJ-6
because the owner was a royal pain, and I could tell he expected the car
to be better than it was before. He also had it at the highest priced
shop on the east coast. If you offer to forgo a rental car, can assist
in finding some cheaper used or aftermarket parts, etc. that would lower
the repair cost all may help.
Worst case may be they total the thing and you keep it. You will receive
the retail value, minus the salvage value (which on an 85 4Q shouldn't
be over $500).
Don't give in too quickly. Adjusters love to get things off their desks
quickly (particularly around the holidays) so just resisting a
settlement will be pain enough. DO NOT get loud or angry. We hate that,
and it makes us very unwilling to help you. 
Keep me posted!
-- 
Dwight Varnes                              "Life is too short to drive a
70 Fiat 124 Spider (restored)			   minivan." 
86 Audi Coupe GT (waiting for more HP)			   	   	
89 VW Jetta GLI 16v (The wife's car)			   
67 Fiat Dino Coupe (trading for 65 Skylark convertible)
98 Ford Contour (company car, got to pick the color)

PA licensed auto damage appraiser (independent)

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