This forum has been a massive asset in my 3 years of ownership - thanks.
I went around a corner that wasn't there and ended up in a field - I blame a blow out... Lots of body work damage and apparently some suspension/geo issue. The isurance are calling it an economic wright off.
'02 plate (facelift model) GT in red, 34,000 miles, totally genuine and standard car. I guess the question is what could I buy a similar replacement car for because that is what I want to do?
Does anyone have any other advice in dealing with insurance company valuation people?

 

Don't accept the first offer they make !
Oh, and bad luck with the car.

 

Bummer, but at least you walking and talking about it, good luck with the insurance and the car search.

 

Buy it back.

Sell the engine.

With 34K genuine miles everyone will be after it.

The rest you can scrap.

Good luck.

 

You dont want it back,it will never be the same. Cut your losses and walk away.

Rather get yourself another uncrashed one.

 

My guess is that to get a car in that condition will be difficult at that age. So realistically you're going to be looking at 04/05 cars, and for that reason I'd be asking for £9500. Whether you'll get it or not is a different matter but with average mileage (60-70k) early cars going around the mid £7k mark at this time of year I'd say that was fair.

it is always worth fighting insurance companies for an increased value, and their first offer is generally low to see what they can get away with - providing them with evidence of current prices can be useful.

Good luck.

 

Go on autotrader and have a look there.

If you have to have an arguement with the insurance company over the value of the car you can use cars on there as evidence to back up your valuation.