Recently while driving Westbound on the hwy, A car turned around and came Eastbound and hitme headon (65mph). Hours later, my 03 Discovery SE was towed, Days later, TheL.R. Dealership called me with an estimate.

Repair estimate fromthe dealership: $9,000 (excluding Bmpr & renfrcmnt, grill, headlight,trim..)
steering gear box,
Rt radius arm,
mtr & trnsmssn mounts,
ABS clock spring,
Rt Axle,

Ordering the required parts online: $1,900
Doing the repair myself: PRICELESS!

Both Dealership and Ins. wanted to total the vehicle, I believe in recycling!

 

Its an 03??

Why not let them total it and get another one??

 

pics?

 

Is the frame bent?

 

Why did they exlude Bmpr & renfrcmnt, grill, headlight,trim from the estimate? I can help you locate parts from recyclers if you PM your VIN and zip code. I work for APU Solutions. We work with insurance adjusters and suppliers to locate aftermarket and recycled parts for repairing vehicles.

 

That is one of the stupidest things I have heard in quite some time.
First of all, why take it to a body shop, they usually don't have a body shop and sub the work out.
Why not let the other drivers insurance cover the damage?
Why not let your insurance cover it?
At a estimate of $9000, that is a total based on the current market.
What happens after you do the work and it doesn't drive straight?
This is not an issue of recycling, this is an issue of common sense.
Mike

 

I agree with Mike, let them total it, take the money and buy another one.
Once it goes to auction buy it back and then part it out. The engine alone is worth $4,000. Transmission another $3,000, you can probally buy the truck back for under $5,000.

 

All work done myself, 2 mnths ago and running fine! No frame issues at all. Body Shop-never consulted...This will be my last post. You people are unreal! Disco Mike....

 

Well, I guess if you don't want other people's opinions then don't ask! A web blog can be a cruel place since you aren't sitting face to face discussing things over a cold one!

I can see both sides of the issue. I, for one, would not want to do my own work on a car that was in a head on crash and would have to agree with those that wondered what would happen if there were unseen issues that later appeared such as a bent frame or damaged steering linkage. I think the risk outweighs the cost benefits of a DIY job.

On the other hand insurance companies routinely total out cars because of the high costs involved with reparing some and a Land Rover has parts and labor that can be expensive. And there is the issue of what the insurance company will pay you after totalling it out. I ran the numbers at Kelly Blue book's website and an '03 SE in fair condition (you can't even check off Poor even though it is listed) would have a trade in value of only $4200, so the insurance company might only offer him $3000 to total it out. That doesn't buy much of a newer model Disco.

Anyway, glad to hear that no one was killed or seriously injured that we know about and the fact that it was a head on at 65mph and this is all that needs repair says a lot for the car and makes me feel safer as I drive with all of the crazy Houston drivers!!!

 

So what was the reason for your post?