Hit and run...99 LX470

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Joined
Sep 4, 2013
Threads
8
Messages
69
What do you guys think I'm up against here in terms of repair cost? Truck has 157K, pretty rusty (whole life in Northeast) but body/interior are clean and mechanically perfect.

I have USAA; they've been great so far, as always.

Tailgate catches on the body (there are a few spot welds that broke), but everything from the hatch on up is straight. Side is pushed in 3-4", all glass is OK. Bumper cracked; haven't opened up the fuel filler.

2015-03-29 13.35.45.webp
 
I'm going to be no help as far as an estimate, but good luck getting it all sorted out. Hit and run situations just suck.
 
You could be getting close to totaled with the body shoved over that far.

That is what has me worried.

My wife has serious health issues. We primarily use this vehicle to travel to out of state doctors appointments. She needs to essentially lay down inside the car for any trip over an hour, and being in an accident could be disastrous, due to her neck/back problems. We need a tank. It took me 6 months to find this thing. If they total it I'm going to have to scramble...
 
You could be getting close to totaled with the body shoved over that far.

^^ That is a possibility. Thinking 4-5k, but that is a WAG from internet pictures, without seeing what's underneath.

That appears to be more than a grocery parking lot incident...was it side-swipped on the street?
 
It's nowhere near being totaled. Take us a good picture showing how big the quarter panel damage is. That will help determine repair vs replace. All body shops will say to replace regardless of its repairable or not. Do you carry UMPD coverage or Collision? Keep in mind if you insist on replacing the quarter panel, it will be cut off and new (used if available) part welded on. Personally I would MUCH rather a good shop repair it. A shady shop will charge to replace it and repair it anyway. Hope that helps. No wheel damage I assume?
 
Here it is from the side. No wheel damage; but I haven't tried to drive it yet.

I have collision, not sure about UMPD - but USAA is accepting it without question as a hit and run.

I have a pretty highly rated body shop right across the street from my office. I can keep an eye on them!

2015-03-29 13.35.36.webp
 
1) I've got USAA as well and they're great in every aspect of the process so you're good there.

2) I'm no expert, but I don't think that's going to be totaled. Plenty of work, yes, but not totaled.

Where are you located? I can recommend a great body shop just outside Boston that I trust implicitly (and I do a lot of research on who touches my vehicles!) Let me know if you'd like their info.

Best of luck, these times suck but you do eventually get over it, it just takes a little while.
 
I'm in Philadelphia. I think I'm going to take it over to the Lexus dealer in Cherry Hill tomorrow to get an estimate.
 
That's a large enough area insurance and shop will likely agree to replace it. Just make sure the shop does a good job. Check door gaps and such before and after. If the shop will repair and warranty their work I would opt for that.
 
It might be the camera angle but make sure you check that real wheel assembly and your rear axel. It seems a little skewed.
It looks like the tire took a hit from the other vehicle's tire from the scuff mark on it.
 
Wouldn't you like to find that illegitimate off spring of a dog?
 
It might be the camera angle but make sure you check that real wheel assembly and your rear axel. It seems a little skewed.
It looks like the tire took a hit from the other vehicle's tire from the scuff mark on it.

It looks like that to me too. I'd definitely have it checked out.
 
Thanks guys. I don't think there is any axle damage, its the photos plus we're not used to seeing the wheel exposed in the way that it is due to the fender damage.

I drove it today (only up to 25 or so) and nothing was vibrating, but obviously need to shake it down some more.
 
I'd take the cash and drive it as is.

This. I would replace the tail light, but drive it as is. Keep the money, slowly add to it then use it to buy another car. Had almost similar damage, except on mine was at front passenger side. I kept the money, only replacing the parking light, didnt fix the bumper and fender. Drove that car for another 100K miles. I was in college, so didnt really care what I drove, and was wishing someone would hit me again lol
 
Estimate came back at $3700. If I'm doing the math correctly I save about $800 by not replacing the bumper, side trim, and damaged mud flap. And I think I can get the tail light for about 1/2 of what they estimated.

I want to get the quarter panel replaced because it looks horrible and it probably won't pass inspection due to how much of the wheel is exposed.
 
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