Shawn's (Colin's) '04 OB/tan, 6MT Sedan (KM06730)

[Oli77]

Sorry to see this (late) Shawn. Your son is OK I hope!

[BCS_ZHP]

Shawn, buy it back and sell it to Bruce's friend.

John,
"Friend" is a misnomer term in this case, I consider the "other John" an acquaintance - he buys totaled cars and parts them out, I've bought some parts from him in the past. A nice guy and a BMW fan but it's a business for him that requires space, his time, and positive cash flow. Aside from not having a facility or the time, I couldn't do it because I'd try to "save" too many of the cars and would likely lose money.
Bruce

[ELCID86]

I agree Bruce. I suppose eventually I could get my mind around "this ones a goner...", but trying to "save the ZHPs" would be hard to overcome.
I did ask him yesterday about a used set of rims I could buy and he gave a cryptic response. I think I found a set in MD and might get them to save the 135s off Colin's car (even though his need some refinishing).

[ELCID86]

Usaa does not appear to be budging off their initial value estimate of $8200 plus tax. I explained about the car and sent them three comps in the $11k plus range that they say are outliers and valued too high. I'm asking to speak to a supervisor.

[fredo]

Not cool. I assume you already sent a list with service records and parts replaced. Hope the supervisor will be helpful. GL.

[Vas]

Not cool at all

[ChristopherL]

Usaa does not appear to be budging off their initial value estimate of $8200 plus tax. I explained about the car and sent them three comps in the $11k plus range that they say are outliers and valued too high. I'm asking to speak to a supervisor.

Hi Shawn,

Sorry to see the damage. Glad to hear no injuries! Who was at fault?
Having been witness to this process with insurance companies a few times when dealing with E30 M3's, you need to send them recent sales data. Not just links to cars for sale at a higher price. You are not required to accept their offer for settlement. If you don't need the money to acquire a replacement vehicle immediately, it is in your best interest NOT to accept their offer.

Their goal is to close the claim ASAP for as little money as possible.

Also, find out what the buy-back is on the car. Again, I'm not familiar with your situation here, but if the buy back is $1,500 and you can get them to pay $10k for the car and buy it back, you'll come out $$ ahead if you part it out. The color combination should also work in your favor for valuation.

Best of luck,
-Chris

[ELCID86]

Hi Shawn,

Sorry to see the damage. Glad to hear no injuries! Who was at fault?
Having been witness to this process with insurance companies a few times when dealing with E30 M3's, you need to send them recent sales data. Not just links to cars for sale at a higher price. You are not required to accept their offer for settlement. If you don't need the money to acquire a replacement vehicle immediately, it is in your best interest NOT to accept their offer.

Their goal is to close the claim ASAP for as little money as possible.

Also, find out what the buy-back is on the car. Again, I'm not familiar with your situation here, but if the buy back is $1,500 and you can get them to pay $10k for the car and buy it back, you'll come out $$ ahead if you part it out. The color combination should also work in your favor for valuation.

Best of luck,
-Chris

Thanks Chris. No injuries and my son was at fault.

I have told them I don't accept their evaluation.
I'm not sure the best way to find "recent sales data". Suggestions?

I will ask about buy back but don't really have anywhere to store it though JohnMad did volunteer, he's several hours from me. A friend here on the boards knows a local guy who is interested so I might buy it and let him buy it from me.

[ChristopherL]

Thanks Chris. No injuries and my son was at fault.

I have told them I don't accept their evaluation.
I'm not sure the best way to find "recent sales data". Suggestions?

I will ask about buy back but don't really have anywhere to store it though JohnMad did volunteer, he's several hours from me. A friend here on the boards knows a local guy who is interested so I might buy it and let him buy it from me.

If you really want to go back and fight with USAA - start with the "What did you pay" thread here on the forum.
Live links to cars in comparable (or even worse) condition that have sold for more than what USAA is offering you plus confirmation of sales price from the buyer is current and accurate data.

That information, mixed with current sale listings in the higher price bracket will assist you in establishing a baseline.
No offense to any member who reads this, but if we're seeing Steptronic cars selling at $7,800-8500, a 6-speed manual should be worth a slight premium over that.

Best of luck!
-Chris

[ELCID86]

Still waiting on final evaluation from Usaa (cure at $9100 including taxes).

Colin fronted the money and paid cash for a very clean 1-owner Acura TSX. He's very happy and will be able to pocket some cash as well.