XJ go "CRUNCH!!" PG-13 version

[XJ Dreamin']

Here's the damage.

Sitting in the wrecher yard. Adjuster is suposed to look at it today.
http://img428.imageshack.us/img428/6181/1040731li1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

A closer look. At minimum: fender, hood, front clip, bumper, radiator
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/9754/1040733gf9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Fender detail. It ripped the inner and outer fender shells apart.
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/6821/1040734kl4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Detail: Front clip, bumper. Gonna need to replace that.
http://img316.imageshack.us/img316/2513/1040735wi0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

It pushed the fender into the tire, but did not damage the tire, so maybe suspension and steering are ok (smdge on the lens - sorry 'bout that)
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/5567/1040736kh1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Nothing obvious underneath.
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/4341/1040740tp5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Fender at the A-pillar.
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/2403/1040741wd1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Other side.
http://img429.imageshack.us/img429/7300/1040743du8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

A bit crowded inside. Don't know how much got damaged under the hood.
http://img429.imageshack.us/img429/7278/1040745kj5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The other driver was an 18yo freshman at Sam Houston State University. She had to call her roommate to bring her proof of insurance out of her purse in their dorm room. She was driving a late model Chevy 1500. I didn't pay attention to which model.

I was rolling at ~30mph in the left lane of a 4-lane section of 11th Street. She was in the driveway of the Walgreens, wanting to turn left onto 11th St. The right lane of 11th St. was already backed up as I came rolling along, but somebody in the right lane left a hole for her to get out. She told the cop that that person waved her out. She came out, accellerating and turning left, cutting across my lane at an angle toward me, cutting down the distance as I was trying to brake. She caught me in the front left, as you can see, with the rear edge of her front left wheel well. She was able to drive off the street into the CVS Pharmacy across the street. I was stuck in the middle of the street.

As luck would have it, a cop was three cars behind me. There was no question as to who got the ticket :D. Her folks have her on their Progressive policy. They have already admitted liability, got me a rental (a FORD Taurus :puke:) and should look at the heep today.

Kelly BB, with 227,000 miles (2WD, auto, 4.0L) for Dealer Retail, Excellent is $3,100: Private Party, Good is $2,100.

That's it. No injuries. No airbags.

[IcedXJ]

hmmm women cannot drive...and I will proceed to hide as I get ganged up on for that one...


Glad everyone is okay that is the main thing, and get that XJ going again

[Glenn B]

I once bought and built a simlarly damaged XJ and built it up. I paid $500 for it. Was a bitch to piece it back together. The unibody was buckled, but no big deal. The front axle actually dented the oil pan slightly. The front driveshaft hit the tranny bellhousing and took a chuck out of it. None of it too bad though, for an off-road project.

Hope yours is not that bad, good luck. Be sure to check the oil pan and bellhousing. :)

[XJ Dreamin']

hmmm women cannot drive...and I will proceed to hide as I get ganged up on for that one...


Glad everyone is okay that is the main thing, and get that XJ going again

:D :laugh2: She had a whole other scrape all down the side. When the cop asked about how much damage was from this accident the chick started in on a whole long story about a pole and going out find a friend 'cause he was drunk...

The cop was like, "ok. I don't need details. Just what damage was from this accident."

He driver's side mirror still had a salvage yard part number on it in grease pencil. Not her first mistake driving.

Thanks for the sentiments. It was pretty low velocity, so I'm holding out some hope (not much) that a shop can throw some salvage parts on for not too much $$. Not a lot of room between repair $$ and totalling it.

[jmowens]

FWIW, her insurance company should be paying for you to drive something comparable... not that there is anything used by rental companies today that is comparable to our XJ's, but at least insist on an SUV. They're (the insurance company) not going to offer it, but if you insist, they're more than happy to oblidge! They just don't want you contacting your lawyer!

[XJ Dreamin']

I once bought and built a simlarly damaged XJ and built it up. I paid $500 for it. Was a bitch to piece it back together. The unibody was buckled, but no big deal. The front axle actually dented the oil pan slightly. The front driveshaft hit the tranny bellhousing and took a chuck out of it. None of it too bad though, for an off-road project.

Hope yours is not that bad, good luck. Be sure to check the oil pan and bellhousing. :)

Much as I love it, It's just my 2WD DD. Even so, if my shop were outfitted properly, I'd take a shot at it.

Best option - it's just remounting salvage panels.
Second - they give me a couple thousand and I can keep a streetable title.
Most likely - they give me a couple thousand and I put up a couple more to upgrade to a '97 4x4.

At this point, it could even be just another 2WD DD. Still got two kids in grade school and one in diapers. Can't be spending money just yet.

[XJ Dreamin']

FWIW, her insurance company should be paying for you to drive something comparable... not that there is anything used by rental companies today that is comparable to our XJ's, but at least insist on an SUV. They're (the insurance company) not going to offer it, but if you insist, they're more than happy to oblidge! They just don't want you contacting your lawyer!

Yeah, I know. It's pretty funny watching me get in and out of that Taurus. I don't know how the ricers do it. I pulled up to the dirve thru this morning, turned to grab my drink and smacked my forehead into the top edge of the window frame. My head is about 1/2" from the ceiling. It doesn't matter to me though, what the rental is. Any new piece of cr#p is the same as any other new piece of cr#p. The Taurus is about the limit though. They'd never get my rear end into a Probe (hah! That's a joke - rear end probe, get it?).

I'm saving my ranting for the final settlement. Bottom line - I want to be driving what I was driving before their client plowed into me. Repair it or give me market value so I can replace it. That's me stand. :fingerscrossed:

[YELLAHEEP]

That damage is gonna be worse than you're expecting.

The "Inner fender shell" you mention isn't part of the fender at all. It's part of the unibody and part of all the inner engine compartment. All that is attached to the upper spring mounts, front radiator support and front unibody crossmember, etc. To get that "inner fender shell" area repaired, that entire left side of the inner engine compartment is going to have to be removed - spot welds drilled out and a new piece welded in CORRECTLY to maintain structural integrity of the unibody.

Sorry, but to fix that, there isn't gonna be any "Just remounting salvage panels", it's gonna require some unibody work.

They may very well total it out.

[Jeff in VA]

Yeah, I know. It's pretty funny watching me get in and out of that Taurus. I don't know how the ricers do it.

That's not the fun part......

wait until you smack your right shin square off the lower dash when you swing your leg in. It's a new experience in pain, and gawd help you if you have something in your hands when you do it (and you will, trust me). I think I have a permanent black-n-blue mark on that spot of my leg:(

Jeff (who drives a 94 Ford Escort daily, which is about 37" lower than the stock MJ I sometimes drive)

Jeff

[teamair2k2]

That is definately a total no, ifs, ands, or buts about it. IMO.

[Beej]

Sorry to hear about the crash, man. Up here, they would write that off in about three seconds flat. Your Jeep is worth about 4000 CDN tops. It looks to be easily that in damage...

If not, time to rice it out...
:D

[midnightrunxj]

Total Loss

[Glenn B]

That damage is gonna be worse than you're expecting.


Understatement of the day, I am afraid. Though your control arms seem (in the pics) to be straight, it is clear the XJ is not.

You might find a "used car salesman" though. They may give you a good trade in.

[Del00XJ]

Time to find a new DD it looks like... Insurance just raised up the bar though. I believe it is now 80 or 85% before a vehicle is considered a total loss. Problem is that adjusters do not look at the value, their computer does. Our computer's flag when it reaches hence the value is already engrained in there. May or may not be a total. Look at your cowl (area above firewall) and be sure that is not bent. Suspension and what not may be ok... It looks like a high hit. Goodluck is all I can say. Been there done that... I total them everyday...

[RCman]

Most likely - they give me a couple thousand and I put up a couple more to upgrade to a '97 4x4.

Honestly, I think that would be the best situation. You'll get the newer style (IMO, better) and you'll gain 4wd. Most stock 4.0L 4x4 97-99s now are going for the $3500-5000 in my area. So unless you have some sort of emotional attachment to this perticular XJ. Find yourself another. :)

Good Luck.

[Timber]

Most stock 4.0L 4x4 97-99s now are going for the $3500-5000 in my area.
You're kidding, right? Here used dealers are getting $5-10K still.

[UNCC_99XJ]

You're kidding, right? Here used dealers are getting $5-10K still.

Same here

Sucks about the wreck....we had a taurus when my heep was in the shop for damage repair....pretty good on gas for a 6 cylinder sedan.

[XgeekstarX]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v12/iigeekstarii/9f1e1b68.jpg

[Ghost]

XJ go to the scrap yard.... that is a total loss as far as the insurance company is concerned.

[IcedXJ]

I think having that in okay condition plays right into his NAXJA Forum username...Good luck with the trade in and getting a new XJ if ya can.

[XJ Dreamin']

That damage is gonna be worse than you're expecting.

The "Inner fender shell" you mention isn't part of the fender at all. It's part of the unibody and part of all the inner engine compartment. All that is attached to the upper spring mounts, front radiator support and front unibody crossmember, etc. To get that "inner fender shell" area repaired, that entire left side of the inner engine compartment is going to have to be removed - spot welds drilled out and a new piece welded in CORRECTLY to maintain structural integrity of the unibody.

Sorry, but to fix that, there isn't gonna be any "Just remounting salvage panels", it's gonna require some unibody work.

They may very well total it out.

Already heard from the adjuster. I don't think I ever said - her insurance is Progressive, if that makes any difference. Anyway, as per opinion here, the XJ is totaled. I was still in my old Mopar days, focused on the frame rail and forgetting the integral fender shell. Now that you remind me, I have to agree with you and everybody else at NAXJA. The heep is toast.

We haven't talked $$ yet: that's tomorrow. Has anybody heard of the Progressive Concierge program. Some kind of vehicle locator service. I couldn't get the adjuster to say if there was a fee or not. If they can locate a high mileage mid-90's 2WD XJ for $2,000, I'd call the deal settled.

HOBO. Thanks for moving my thread. Appreciated :thumbup:

Did I make Tard Wars for holding a faint, though misguided hope of recovering my ride? If not, I nominate myself :doh:

Thanks, all. I'll update with results when the dust settles.

[XJ Dreamin']

That's not the fun part......

wait until you smack your right shin square off the lower dash when you swing your leg in. It's a new experience in pain, and gawd help you if you have something in your hands when you do it (and you will, trust me). I think I have a permanent black-n-blue mark on that spot of my leg:(

Jeff (who drives a 94 Ford Escort daily, which is about 37" lower than the stock MJ I sometimes drive)

Jeff

Gas money is not worth that, man. When the wife's van went in under the factory warranty they tried to put us in a Probe. That was pretty funny. Not only do I not fit, but my trick knee will not bend that way. We paid the extra $11/day to step up a level. The Taurus is deffinately the lower limit for me if I'm not going to get back into 20yo fighting shape (reality check - not gonna happen).

Anyway, we got the Taurus through Friday. We'll see if I can find an XJ in three days.

[XJ Dreamin']

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v12/iigeekstarii/9f1e1b68.jpg

Oh, baby! Spank me! Spank me hard!!

[Phager]

I really sorry about it being totalled. I'd be pissed if my MJ was totalled out. It almost got creamed by a late model chevy fullsize the other day, stupid chick was on her cell phone and decided to merge into my lane when I was right beside her. Given the condition of my truck (all primer with more dents than straight panels) I should've let her hit me and collect some money, but I didn't want to risk an accident on my record even if I wasn't at fault.

Best of luck finding a suitable replacement!

-Pat

[XJ Dreamin']

I really sorry about it being totalled. I'd be pissed if my MJ was totalled out. It almost got creamed by a late model chevy fullsize the other day, stupid chick was on her cell phone and decided to merge into my lane when I was right beside her. Given the condition of my truck (all primer with more dents than straight panels) I should've let her hit me and collect some money, but I didn't want to risk an accident on my record even if I wasn't at fault.

Best of luck finding a suitable replacement!

-Pat

I saw one in a lot today. Don't know anything about it. I got unlimited mileage on the Taurus - I'll just have to burn some leave for the rest of the week and visit every lot north of Houston until I find one. Wife said I could add $1,000 to whatever I get out of Progressive.

[IslanderOffRoad]

FWIW, her insurance company should be paying for you to drive something comparable... not that there is anything used by rental companies today that is comparable to our XJ's, but at least insist on an SUV. They're (the insurance company) not going to offer it, but if you insist, they're more than happy to oblidge! They just don't want you contacting your lawyer!

they owe for comperable seating... a small suv should be what he gets, like an escape.


i'm an adjuster, what year is your XJ? its probably totalled.

[Rocketman]

For $2K you can get a 90's 4WD XJ, screw the 2WD variety.

[goodburbon]

Theres a jeeps only used car lot north of Galveston, I don't remember the exact name, but they had a good selection when I was there last, many lifted/stock tj's and some refurbed cj's. Don't remember if they had any xj's though.

[goodburbon]

long way from huntsville though.

[XJ Dreamin']

they owe for comperable seating... a small suv should be what he gets, like an escape.


i'm an adjuster, what year is your XJ? its probably totalled.

Sorry. I forgot I took the specs out of my signature.

It was a stock 2WD '93, 4.0L, AW4, 8.25, no visible rust, no ding or dents, interior is passable for 'Good' after a steam cleaning (not that I would bother, now :laugh2: ).

If it was you (and you worked for Progressive), would you give me $2,500?

[XJ Dreamin']

For $2K you can get a 90's 4WD XJ, screw the 2WD variety.

I was looking on-line last night. It starts to go up around '96, but there are a couple of '94-'95 around north Houston for $24,00 and a couple of '96's for $3,500. Some are 2WD, some 4x4.

Still waiting to hear from the adjuster on their offer.

[XJ Dreamin']

Theres a jeeps only used car lot north of Galveston, I don't remember the exact name, but they had a good selection when I was there last, many lifted/stock tj's and some refurbed cj's. Don't remember if they had any xj's though.

I'd drive to north Galveston. Do you remember the name? There was a guy here in Huntsville who always had one XJ on the lot. One would go and another would appear. This year, though, it's Liberty's - 3 or 4 of them - no XJ's. The one I saw yesterday is a 2-door five speed - '93 I think. I can't do 2-door. The boys climbing in and out all the time, plus the girl's car seat. Gotta be 4-door.

[XJ Dreamin']

OK. Just talked to the adjuster.

He started same as KBB at $2025.

Then he took off for the crack in the windshield (crosses field of view. I was always suprised that it could pass inspection).

Then he took off for the headliner hanging down (it hangs down everywhere except where I pinned it up right over my head).

Finally, he took off for the right fender needing to be refinished (the right fender and the front clip are a slightly different red than the rest of the heep - I always figured there was some unreported previous damage).

His final number - $1,695.56. He didn't say it straight, but he figures he's doing me a favor not nit-picking some other trim issues. I tried to point out that if I had been planning to sell it, I would have taken care of all that, but since I wasn't planning on his client hitting me I'm penilized for her negligence. That's when he hinted at the other trim issues.

I was afraid he'd come back at $1,500. My wildest hope (the dreamin' part of me) was at $2,000. He split the difference. I think that's a final. I'm gonna go get my getto hitch and put the OEM radio back.

I'll post a pic of the new heep when I find it.

Thanks all.

[Spudboy]

I think I would hold out for more money. Doesn't really matter what KBB says, what can you actually buy a replacement vehicle for? Seems like yours was in above average condition (body-wise).

The insurance company wants you to settle for a low-ball price as quickly as possible. If you aren't in a screaming hurry for some reason, take a few days to think about the offer and shop around. Then counter-offer at what you think you can buy a replacement for - probably a higher price. The longer you take, the more antsy the adjuster is going to get - he wants to close the books on this.

Good luck.

[Rattman]

My 92 looks just like that except on the passenger side.