A couple of days ago, a young girl hit my wife's 2000 LX nearly head on. My wife was traveling about 40 and the girl turned directly in front of her. Both bags deployed and the wife is basically OK except for some back pain. I went to take a look at the car at the tow lot and it looks like major damage. The body shop called with an initial estimate, without looking at the engine or taking anything apart. It came out to $9k. I'm concerned about damage to the frame. The explanation that we got was that indeed the radiator frame is damaged. The explanation that we got was that the way the Odyssey's are constructed, they can replace it with a new one and weld it on. I've been trying to find out about this on the WWW but can't seem to locate anything. Does anybody know any sites or have any info on this issue. I'm trying to determine if her car is totalled though it might be difficult given its blue book value. Thanks.

 

I'm sorry to hear that.
I hope she is feeling better.
I don't know of any resource (and would like to know too).
Everyone wants to total their car after a major accident....but we know the insurance company will try everything to stop that from happening as long as repairing is much cheaper....

 

Rule of thumb for accidents:

If it didn't come that was from the factory then you don't want it that way after an accident.

In other words, if the radiater wasn't welded down before, welding it down now isn't going to be good for the future. It's also a tell tale sign that the car has been in an accident when you try to sell the van down the road.

 

You might call Larry at Body Werks (the owner of Greg Stevens' Scarlet I, now the yellow s/c'ed, NOSed S2000) and ask him his opinion, though he will likely need photos to know.

www.bodywerksauto.com

 

David,

Where are you located?? If we knew where you are, we could help with some referrals or something. I know of someone you could talk to, but he's in the LA area.

 

Thanks for the input. I live in the Maryland suburb of Washington DC. This info is in my profile. I don't know why it doesn't show up. I've taken her car to Hersons Autobody, the collison repair shop affiliated with Hersons Honda.

I'm concerned about the damage to the A pillar. I read someplace that if the A pillar is damaged, the car is totaled.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by David
[B]

I'm concerned about the damage to the A pillar.

 

If it was me I would see if you could get a couple of body shop estimates. In most states you can request where it is fixed. If you go with the high guy it may total. Just a thought.

Another very IMPORTANT thing to remember... Do not settle for anything other than Genuine Honda Collision Parts. You bought your Honda for a lot of reasons I am sure, and I would lay money that it had a lot to do with the way that they are built and the quality of parts, don't let your insurance company use remaned or non-Honda parts. You will be happy in the long run.

Good Luck.

 

I'm sorry to hear that. Hope everything turns out well