I'm pretty sure it's totaled.

[Retroman1969]

I'm so sorry to see that. It just irks me all the more to see such a beauty attacked by a boring POS driven by a complete moron.
I'd probably buy it back and use it as a spare parts mule for the next one. Unfortunately it's the victims that usually get screwed in the end. We never get what really have in the vehicles. Fortunately there's plenty nice ones out there of all colors and trims so hopefully you'll fall in love all over again.
On another note, it looks like the Boxster kicked the other car's ass! These cars are tougher than I thought!

[BoxsterSteve]

I'm sickened and saddened by your loss.
He couldn't have rear ended another $100 car like the bucket he was driving, could he?

[keysguy]

Sorry to see this. My only advise is if the insurance companies start to give you a hard time do not hesitate to get an attorney. I tried to take the high road and not get attorneys or threaten lawsuits but, I think sometimes that is the only way to get them to respond. My failing to promptly hire an attorney cost me a month or so of getting to use my car, plus the PITA of having to share a car with my wife. I love her dearly but sharing a car with her on a regular basis would cause lots of issues.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by keysguy

Sorry to see this. My only advise is if the insurance companies start to give you a hard time do not hesitate to get an attorney.

+100.

It took me a year of me arguing on my own to get a fair settlement. Other driver's insurance did everything imaginable to try to get me to settle for less. Let's just say that they did not play fair.

[JayG]

the squeaky wheel gets the grease

The Ins companies could care less about the insured. all they care about is $$$.

Yes, try being nice at first, you might get lucky, but as soon as they start to give you the run around, push back HARD.

When it is not your fault, your ins co is supposed to be your advocate and represent you in the negotiations, how ever they really don't care, so it best to just lawyer up fast.

Once they know that delaying or playing low ball games will cost them more time and $$, they are more likely to give you what you want to get you off their books

[BIGJake111]

You are aloud to remove personal belongings from the car, this traditionally means your sunglasses, but In no way are aftermarket parts an exception.

[amagalla]

If I'm given the option to buy the car back, what would be a good price to pay?

[78F350]

Originally Posted by amagalla

If I'm given the option to buy the car back, what would be a good price to pay?

I'll take a shot, but I bet Itsnotanova can give you a more accurate estimate. I have seen 98-00 base models that are totaled going for $3k-$3.5k. Consider that yours is a 2004 S its probably worth $2k - 2.5k more. Also consider that you are saving them the cost and time of disposing of your car (-$1,200 ?).

When my Volvo was totaled by my (then) 16 year old daughter the insurance company did not offer me the option to buy it back. When they presented me with a low settlement offer I told them I wouldn't accept it unless I got to keep the car. The adjuster ended up crunching some numbers and came up with an agreeable deal. You may do best to just approach them early and tell them if that is your intention.

[pjq]

Value of car.
Call a local Porsche dealership and ask for the price of a replacement engine for your car, 2003-04 S.
Call a few porsche salvage yards and if you can find a 2003-04 S (3.2L) engine ask the price.

The engine alone, as long as its still running properly, has good value.

[And416]

I recently spoke to an auto-recycler about the value of a 2000 2.7. He said he'd give me between $3K and $3.5K CDN on the car. The engine was/is still good but the tip transmission was grenaded. They stated the engine and lights were the most desirable features .... all the other plastic parts were pocket change.

[amagalla]

Looks like the insurance is going to offer me $19600 - $500 deductible. Should I take the $19100 or look for more. I'm not looking to game the system. I just want what's fair.

Tony

[JayG]

Originally Posted by amagalla

Looks like the insurance is going to offer me $19600 - $500 deductible. Should I take the $19100 or look for more. I'm not looking to game the system. I just want what's fair.

Tony

What are the options and mileage, etc

I would push a little for loss of use, rental car, etc as well. It certainly wont hurt to try.

Why are you paying a deductible when it was not your fault? The other drivers insurance cant charge you a deductible,. Even if you both have the same company, a deductible is only when the claim is for you at fault

all in all, that sounds pretty good, you should be able to find a nice replacement with that cash

[Qmulus]

I know for a fact that here in CO a totalled '03 S with 47k was given a salvage value from the insurance company of $2700. The owner was given the difference between the agreed value of the car and salvage value. If you have the room to keep it, I would recommend it.

I would work hard to find comparable vehicle sales ('04 S with similar options and miles) and do NOT settle until you are satisfied. Do your own homework and document what you find. If you find that that is a fair price for your car, then take it.

My wife was an insurance adjuster years ago, and knew that if you do the work, you will get results. Insurance adjusters want to settle quickly to clear their backlog of claims. If you can give them convincing data that your car is worth X amount, chances are they will take it, especially if you know your stuff and document it. That makes it easy for them to justify settlements to their boss. When we had a driver run a light and total a Blazer we had years ago, she documented comparables and we ended up with over $2500 more than they originally offered by finding actual comparable vehicles to ours, which had some rare options and very low miles.

In the end, you should be in a position to have a car just as nice as yours was at the time of the loss. If you do keep the car, remember that does make it easier for the insurance company as well. They don't have to go to the trouble of auctioning it off to get their money back out of it, etc. That engine is likely worth more than the salvage value of the car alone, so it would be very hard to lose if you keep it.

[amagalla]

Well, I settled for the $19,800 the ins company offered, but they let me keep everything that I wanted from the car. They even let me pull the 18" carreras that were on it (I replaced them with inexpensive 17" set that I found). In the end, I think the company was fair with me as they paid me more than I paid for the car. It sucks that I only had it for 9 months. Hopefully, I'll find a replacement soon. Anyone selling a Lapis Blue 03~04 S?

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by amagalla

Well, I settled for the $19,800 the ins company offered, but they let me keep everything that I wanted from the car. They even let me pull the 18" carreras that were on it (I replaced them with inexpensive 17" set that I found). In the end, I think the company was fair with me as they paid me more than I paid for the car. It sucks that I only had it for 9 months. Hopefully, I'll find a replacement soon. Anyone selling a Lapis Blue 03~04 S?

I cracked one of those Carrera wheels 2 years ago. The best I could find for a replacement was $500 for a used wheel from Wheel Enhancement and they told me up front that the wheel needed to be refinished. So $620 to replace that one wheel.
Those wheels are valuable. Even the replicas are going for double what they used to cost.

If I lived in SoCal, I'd put the $20K towards a Boxster Spyder.
Best used Porsche for the money if you need mid-engine.
Granted.. nearly double the price...but hey you only live once.


^ for reference, 991 Carrera S (395BHP/326 lb-ft) went 1:39... and that was by Rand Pobst no less.

[steved0x]

Cool video thanks for sharing!

[JayG]

sounds like you were made whole