Car totaled, what can I do on this list to salvage a bit longer?

Tiny
LOFALLON
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 187,000 MILES
I had a wicked run in with a pothole and my car took a beating.

I took it to a mechanic, and they gave me a huge list of things that needed to be done to fix it. However, insurance wants to total it out for less than the cost of the mechanic bill.

I don't want to throw a ton of money at a car that's likely going to need to be replaced shortly anyways. Could anyone tell me what on this list is really important to do in order to have it run a bit longer?

I'm going to buy back the car and fix what I can limp by on, then save the rest of the money for the next car I need to buy.

Insurance payout as salvage: $3,400.
Total cost of repairs: $3,900.

I know I for sure need a new transmission pan and to fix my alignment, but here's the rest:

Wheel bearing and hub assembly
Strut assembly, front right and front left
Sway bar link replacement, front
Automatic transmission mount replacement
Oil pan and gasket replacement

Thank you!
Wednesday, August 9th, 2023 AT 1:58 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,244 POSTS
Hi,

Wow, it must have been a heck of a pothole. Looking at the list, there really isn't anything that I would consider not needed. The wheel bearing was likely damaged and required and the struts may have been damaged and are actually what holds the weight of the front of the vehicle. So, if they are damaged, they are a requirement. The other things go without saying.

Is there a way the shop would repair it for the payout? Or is there a shop that can do it for less?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, August 10th, 2023 AT 1:34 PM

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