So my Jag was in a wreck last year (I was sideswiped by a Ford Taurus). Turns out the driver (who did not stop) did not have a license or insurance and it wasn't ever her car. I did catch up with her and got a full confession in the presence of the Chattanooga PD. My ins co totalled it (est. repair cost of $4500) so I bought it back for $800. I looked pretty bad but turns out to be just front fender, door and strut. So I went to the pullapart yard in Columbia SC (they had 2 on hand) and got the fender, door shell, mirror and bottom trim for $100. The parts were even the same color! Just some minor surface rust to deal with and then fresh paint. The extent of the damage could not be determined until the fender was removed (just bolts holding in place). I still can,t believe they would not repair it. When my ins co tried to replace it, one like it could not be found within the 4 neighboring states (Sport model, 3.0 l and man trans). So I will repair it myself and get it back on the road soon (the wife will really be elated).
So, lesson learned: insurance companies (even the better ones) won't take the time to fully determine the extent of damage. I got a check big enough to buy a nice daily driver (97 540I sport) and was able to buy back the Jag. With a little work and parts searching it should be road worthy soon.
I highly recommend Pull-a-part. Their inventory can be accessed online, their parts yards are well organized and several are within a 3 hour drive. They had 2 mostly intact X Types available just in that one yard.
Thanks to all those who have contributed tips and techniques for moderately difficult repairs, I will be able to save my Jag from the salvage yard.
Hats off to all those enthusiasts who share their knowledge making home repairs possible for the average shade tree mechanic.

 

Sorry to hear about your wreck. But it is good to see you are on your way back to the road soooon!

Good Luck !

 

Hi, very sorry to read about your encounter with a looney ! In UK, when a car is a write off, it's history as such is noted, and made known to any subsequent buyer, is it the same in the US ?

 

In the US if a totaled car gets repaired and back on the road, it is issued a salvaged title. Many salvaged titled cars are good cars also.

 

Thanks George. Couldn't agree more though care is needed. Definition of an insurance company, a group of money grabbing b******s who collect together to find ways of avoiding paying out. Shitehawks every one ! ! !

 

George you are correct, totalled autos have the title changed to salvage status but it can be restored to regular status after some paperwork and an inspection once the repairs are complete. BTW I had uninsured driver coverage or I might have really been out of luck (i.e
trying to get blood from a stone). A regular title will yield a much higher sale price than a salvaged one, at least in this area.