Requesting suggestions on replacement vehicle

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David Ponder

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Well, My daughter hit a deer in her 2001 Taurus on the way home, 12-27-10. The damage didnt look too bad until I got under the vehicle. The deer took out the Cooling lines, AC Condenser, Radiator, etc... Poor car was leaking all kinds of fluids..



Anyway, the Insurance company drug their feet and we finally got the info we needed last night. They totaled it. Valued at $3850, less her deductable of $1000, and less $500 for a paint scrape on the rear bumber, (Which I think is BS!!) leaves her $2250.00. I am still checking to see what the buy back is on it, but still not sure If I will do it. (Think it would have to be a slavage title if I do)



I need some suggestions on cars in the late 90's early 2000's to replace it. She and I are OK with any brand as long as it is reliable. Her Taurus had 135,000 on it. We know that due to the lessened amount she will be getting she may have to look at something that is a bit older, or something that has a few more miles on it. She would like something the size of the Taurus or perhaps a bit larger if needed. Nothing smaller. She would be ok with a Minivan too. She is 20 and has a huge student loan over her head, and payments are not an option. Nor are a bunch of repairs needed as she cannot afford it. So we are looking around the $2K range.



Thoughts, Suggestions, and referrals are welcome.



Thanks



Dave (And daughter Elizabeth)
 
Who was the insurance comapny? This sounds like something Allstate or Nationwide would do.





Tom
 
my kid wanted a little car as her first..i told her no. i got her a Chevy Lumina. i had one for 3 years and put over 90000 miles on it in 3 years. solid car averaged 25-30 0n the highway.

my kid loves her car she calls it Bertha. it hasn't let her down in 2 years.

only paid 1800 for it and its a 98.
 
I'm not sure on this, but can't you request a third party estimate? That doesn't seem like a fair estimate.



As far as vehicle recommendations: minivans don't hold value well, there are a ton of them, and they're generally pretty reliable. Saturn made some vehicles that lost almost all value after leaving the lot, but have high safety ratings and I think are fairly reliable. Of course, Honda Civics and Accords are everywhere. Avoid Toyota.
 
Tom, It is AAA insurance. I have had them also, for 15 years, and have my homeowners thru them too. I have called the agent to "Discuss" the settlement they are offering, but as it is her own policy, I dont know if I will get anywhere.



Bob, did that have the 3.1 or 3.8 V6 in it? I have a friend who has a 95 Lumina with the 3.1 and it had been a pretty good car for him but recently popped a head gasket. (Although it had over 180K on it when it did) His son is fixing it in School (Auto Shop). I also previously owned two Oldsmobiles with the 3800 Series II engine and I did like them. (The Supercharged LSS was really cool, but it had to have premium fuel)
 
Sorry to hear this, but glad your daughter is OK. You can't do anything about the deductable, but you can contact the automobile insurance advocate in your state to see if you have any recourse withh AAA. Even a consumer advocate might help. Not sure what you have in MO. Sucks, but start shopping now with the funds you have available. A Honda or Toyota may been in your reach. Good luck, Bob
 
"Avoid Toyota"



why?????



geeee, the company that sold the most certified used vehicles in 2010 then any other mfg by far (again) :grin:

what does that tell you!!



as far as a vehicle in that price range i would look at a mid 90's ford escort.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
geeee, the company that sold the most certified used vehicles in 2010 then any other mfg by far (again)

what does that tell you!!
Click to expand...



People that got them new traded them in on a new Ford.





Tom
 
That discussion again? Bud Light sells the most beer; I would hardly consider it the best. Ferrari doesn't sell many so I guess it must be one of the worst. It was just my opinion. A 2003 Camry's ABS and airbags failed in an accident my mother was in, so call me biased, but a Toyota almost killed my mother.



The Escort suggestion is good, though. Another Taurus would be an obvious choice as well.
 
Go to a police auction and pick up a used Crown Vic. Use the rest of your budget to pimp it out with some of the almost limitless (and inexpensive) bone yard and aftermarket parts.
 
Get her another Taurus or Mercury Sable. She knows and likes the car and there are an abundance with similar miles. I had a 1998 Sable with the same mileage. It was runing great and reliable until a Honda Pilot lost control in the snow and T-boned me.



The ins company totalled it too. (Hint: Do not buy a Honda or anything Japanese if you live in snow country. It does not snow much in Japan. They lack experience in this area.
 
Many of the ford five hundreds are under $8k. I cant atest to qaulity, but. I know a few folks that liked thiers well enough. They traded for the more upgraded version Taraus.

My neighbor bought a used 5hundred a year ago,under $10k. She has had no problems.
 
Bob, did that have the 3.1 or 3.8 V6 in it? I have a friend who has a 95 Lumina with the 3.1 and it had been a pretty good car for him but recently popped a head gasket. (Although it had over 180K on it when it did) His son is fixing it in School (Auto Shop). I also previously owned two Oldsmobiles with the 3800 Series II engine and I did like them. (The Supercharged LSS was really cool, but it had to have premium fuel)
Click to expand...



the 3.1 like i said mine was great on regular gas,my kids is the 3.8 and seems just as good on gas..that is when she dont have her foot to the floor..lol
 
I had two monto carlos, 2-door luminas, one with a 3.1 and one with a 3.8, if you get a lumina get the 3.8, it's a much better engine and the mileage isn't that far off.



As for the insurance company, they're making her an offer, feel free to make a counter offer. Get the KBB value for the car, and a few other places, and tell them you want dealer retail. It's not like you're trading the car in, you're out to buy another one, and guess what you'll pay, dealer retail. I'd also argue the $500, that seems nuts.
 
Several years ago I read an article regarding automobiles for teen drivers. The article suggusted a late model pickup (2 door). The pickup will carry a limited number of passengers, and it's bulk will provide a level of protection that smaller cars do not. In addition the late models have the latest safty features.
 
Have you priced a late model pickup??? They're hideously expensive!



And frankly, I don't want a new driver backing up a pickup anywhere near me...

 

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