Car was totaled. Should I buy back and repair it myself?
 

My car was backed into last month, and insurance totaled it this week. I initially thought I’d try to repair it myself because it looked like the work would be relatively easy. But I just noticed there’s a piece that’s welded to the strut tower sheet metal that is badly bent. I assume this piece cannot be repaired. Can a new replacement be purchased? Would it be worth it to repair the car, or should I let insurance take it away?

If I were to fix it, I’d want to enjoy the car for about a year then sell it. I have no emotional attachment to it, now that it’s not the original, stock, accident-free car that I was originally after.

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Re: Car was totaled. Should I buy back and repair it myself?
 

Easy fix, but keep in mind that the car will have a salvage/rebuilt title going forward.

Re: Car was totaled. Should I buy back and repair it myself?
 

EASY fix.

Re: Car was totaled. Should I buy back and repair it myself?
 

Okay, so how would I go about fixing the bent sheet metal? Torch and hammer? Have a shop repair or replace it?

Yes, the car will get a salvage title which is pretty shitty and will make selling it difficult. If I keep it, the good thing about having a salvage title is that future damage or putting it into the wall at the track won’t hurt as much.

Re: Car was totaled. Should I buy back and repair it myself?
 

**** dude, you have the worst luck. Looks like an easy fix though. If the car is in good shape otherwise, buy it back.

Re: Car was totaled. Should I buy back and repair it myself?
 

More pictures

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Lol. At least the flooded E46 runs fine. I just need to replace the rear wheel bearings and remove the filthy sound deadening.

Re: Car was totaled. Should I buy back and repair it myself?
 

agreed with above... easy fix. get your replacement parts from another junker to save $$.... perhaps an undesireable convert auto example with a blown motor.... can be had for low $$$ and all parts just bolt-on for low $$.
GL.

Re: Car was totaled. Should I buy back and repair it myself?
 

That metal is no big deal to move around.... torch is far too extreme.

Re: Car was totaled. Should I buy back and repair it myself?
 

Agreed with above. Just bend it back as close as you can. Especially if it’s going to be a track rat!

Re: Car was totaled. Should I buy back and repair it myself?
 

If you're in Texas as it seems, your car is more than 10 years old.. no salvage title if totalled. As long as the frame is straight, it's rebuildable.