From Dream to Disaster: My 100-Series Journey Cut Short

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i have an extra trans and T case for a 98-02 Cruiser that I was soon going to post in the classifieds. PM me if interested.

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Thank you for your kind words, advice, and well wishes during this frustrating time. It means a lot to have the support and different perspectives. I just received the pictures and video footage and am now filing an online claim with my insurance. I won’t involve the mechanic’s insurance policy in this matter. He’s a long-time friend with a complicated situation and a family to feed, and I don’t want to add to his burdens.

As luck would have it, I lost my parts rig with a high-mileage but functional drivetrain just last month due to a lack of storage options. Sometimes, when it’s not meant to be, it’s not. Your insights and encouragement have been constructive as I navigate this situation. Thanks again!
 
Thank you for your kind words, advice, and well wishes during this frustrating time. It means a lot to have the support and different perspectives. I just received the pictures and video footage and am now filing an online claim with my insurance. I won’t involve the mechanic’s insurance policy in this matter. He’s a long-time friend with a complicated situation and a family to feed, and I don’t want to add to his burdens.

As luck would have it, I lost my parts rig with a high-mileage but functional drivetrain just last month due to a lack of storage options. Sometimes, when it’s not meant to be, it’s not. Your insights and encouragement have been constructive as I navigate this situation. Thanks again!

Good luck!

Just note that it's possible your insurance company -may- end up going after the mechanic's insurer anyways as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the loss. But, it's out of your hands at that point and of course it won't be you doing it directly.
 
Hello, everyone; I hope you're all in good spirits this holiday season. My LX470 saga continues. After reviewing the camera footage and police reports, the driver responsible showed up at the shop and offered $5K to settle the matter.

We estimated the body damage to be around $4K, and knowing that a transmission/transfer case replacement would be a significant expense, we declined the offer. The driver then significantly increased the cash offer, and we’re waiting to see what they come back with.

In the meantime, I’m looking for advice: does anyone have a lead on a working transmission/transfer case in the NYC area? What’s the typical cost for one? Alternatively, would it be better to send my unit out for a rebuild?

Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
So, now that the driver is involved, Sue them. They made a cash offer likely because they have no insurance, are a terrible driver, or something worse, like they will wind up in jail because of this. Tell them you want what you have into it and five grand hush money on top of the (15K) or you will involve the police. If this gets accomplished, tell your friend he is not getting paid for labor because he can either eat the labor or lose his insurance. Your insurance will go after the business owner regardless of what you ask them to do unless you signed a waiver specifically stating they were not responsible for your car parked on the street.

As for your friend, him having to take responsibility for his actions can be a valuable lesson for him. Had this been another customer it would be worse for him. He likely regularly parks vehicles on the road and is likely not insured to do so. You involving him will save his business in the future when he undoubtably would still be doing this if he doesn't learn today. It does not have to be an argument or bad blood between friends and its just a learning experience. The thing that will keep food on his table is following the law and the rules of his insurance....because what other corners is he cutting now. Would you not hold him responsible if you drive away without working brakes and crash and have a bad injury? Friends and business are separate, and if you keep that line, he understands its just business.

For you, its time to take that money and buy a nice rust free baselined cruiser. Do not fix it, AND DO NOT LET THAT FRIEND OFFER TO TAKE CARE OF IT. It will always be in your mind and its time to let her go.
 
Life Tip: Try to not take advice from the dude rage typing.
Do you literally have anything to add, or just being a Karen, Ken or whatever you prefer? The internet may not be the place for you if you dont understand how to interpret the writing from strangers. Who knows, they may help you one day, even with your bad attitude.

So, since you've chimed in, what do you have to add based on your own life experiences and not something you've read on Tik Tok or your daddy told you?

Oh and since we handing out life tips. Its ok to keep your mouth shut when you dont agree, or cant comprehend.
 
Do you literally have anything to add, or just being a Karen, Ken or whatever you prefer? The internet may not be the place for you if you dont understand how to interpret the writing from strangers. Who knows, they may help you one day, even with your bad attitude.

So, since you've chimed in, what do you have to add based on your own life experiences and not something you've read on Tik Tok or your daddy told you?

Oh and since we handing out life tips. It’s ok to keep your mouth shut when you dont agree, or cant comprehend.
Ouch got me, I expected more caps though! My own life experience says the people immediately jumping on suing someone else who makes a mistake are the people I don’t associate with. We need less Facebook rambling boomers and more humanity here. So this guy who hit the car doesn’t have insurance, it’s likely cause he’s financially struggling. Be a decent human and give the guy a chance to redeem himself before you get lawyers involved. I’m all for protecting your property, but try a step first toward peace.
 
Hello, everyone; I hope you're all in good spirits this holiday season. My LX470 saga continues. After reviewing the camera footage and police reports, the driver responsible showed up at the shop and offered $5K to settle the matter.

We estimated the body damage to be around $4K, and knowing that a transmission/transfer case replacement would be a significant expense, we declined the offer. The driver then significantly increased the cash offer, and we’re waiting to see what they come back with.

In the meantime, I’m looking for advice: does anyone have a lead on a working transmission/transfer case in the NYC area? What’s the typical cost for one? Alternatively, would it be better to send my unit out for a rebuild?

Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
How much did he increase his cash offer by?
Suing him could end up being a long and drawn out process. Could also cost you a bit if your insurance won't cover the lawyer.
If the cash offer is substantial enough, use it to go buy a nice replacement and sell for parts or part out your current truck. Or keep it to scalp nicer parts off of.
 
Getting cash in your hand is way better than lawyers getting involved(if it’s a solid amount). Courts/lawyers/insurance are typically a pain to deal with and only work during certain times. I’d rather just work something out like responsible humans.

I’d try to part out the truck or sell it as is, get the cash you can from the driver and start a new journey. Restart finding the best condition 100 you can find and afford. Start driving asap 👍

You could also try and put this one back together but the unknowns of what happened with your transmission and transfer case could take time and parts to sort out. If your a wrencher theres nothing wrong with this option but I get the feeling your looking to drive the 100 more then work on it, and there’s nothing wrong with that!
 

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