Hi Folks,

I need help. My immaculate '01 s2000 was totalled on thursday. Torrential rains, and I hydroplaned and hit 2 separate light-posts (one right corner one left corner) at about 25mph. Car just snapped to the side as I was accelerating and went straight into the post. Totalled for sure. Thankfully I wasn't hurt (s2000 did perfect job with safety - I could even open the doors after the accident).

Prior to the accident the car was in immaculate condition (except for mileage - 110k). New driver seat, new top with glass window, interior perfect, no dents or dings, paint perfect, custom stereo & sub, etc... Car is silverstone with red interior.

So here's where I need help. I'm going to have to negotiate with the ins company to get the max value. Edmunds and other sites show a range of 9k-11k for retail.

I'd be happy if I can get them to 10-11k, but I think I'll have to really push - I expect them to lowball me.

I'm having trouble finding comparable cars to show them that the value is near the top, not bottom.

Any tips or advice would be GREATLY appreciated. I'm located in massachusetts if that matters (ins company rules etc...).

And you can see I've been an s2ki member pretty much forever - I've loved this car and this forum. I'm just glad nobody was hurt, and that the airbags and body structure were so great.

Thanks,

Steve

 

Steve, sorry to hear that. Glad your ok though. Ask over in the Ne forum also.

 

Great idea about the NE forum - thanks...

Steve

 

Go to Autotrader, Cars.com, Craigslist for as many cities as you have time for, S2k sites, etc. Print all ads for excellent condition cars MY 2000-2002 with near 100k miles. ANY ad in the USA is good. Document $ & time spent on your car.
Try to convince the ins co that you are not in a hurry to settle unless you get a fair market price for the car. If you rush them to pay, they will offer less.
If possible, ask to buy the car back- if you can find a place to store it. The ins co will frequently offer to sell to you at a low price, as it saves them a lot of expenses of storage & auctioning, and it "clears the case quicker". Then you can part it out or sell as is. My nephew cleared over $4000 on his rolled STI selling the whole car to a guy who wanted to modify a WRX.
Sounds like your seats, top, & stereo would bring over $1000. A little work could really pay off for you.

 

Thanks so much. I am in NO hurry. I'm not sure I want to buy and part it, but it MIGHT work (the engine in particular wasn't touched in the crash so that might be worth some real money).

I'll start collecting pricing.

Thanks for any and all help.

Steve

 

i have state farm and with them you get Retail value. If you have reciepts for the new seats and top show them that. I would show them you put money into the car and you will be fine. just minus your deductible

 

I think they will give you around $9000, anymore and they are giving money away honestly.

If you don't decide to buy it back it will be in the auctions for $3000-$4000 like most early AP1's.

 

Wow 3-4k at auction? I'm kindof shocked. The engine itself should go for more than that I would think. Of course it is an auction so the buyers would part it out and expect a hefty profit.

Steve

 

sorry to hear that steve,
glad your fine

 

Yup, I got my old AP1 for $3800 with 80K miles. All it needed was a bumper/lights/hood and I was set. Drove up to San Jose and purchased all 3 parts in the same color as my car and I was done. I see them regularly go for $3000-4000 in fixable shape and <$3000 when they have a bit more damage.

The good thing about S2000's is how far back the motor sits. Even with the core support damaged the motor rarely gets touched.

The Junkyard local to me has about 6 insurance auctioned S2000's all lined up with parts for sale. They go for dirt cheap on CoPart/IAAI.