Crashed 86 4WD SR5 Available Florida Panhandle

[paultry]

My first time posting on this board but I've owned and loved my 86 Tercel since it was new. Sadly, it was destroyed two weeks ago by a "distracted" driver who hit me at 45 mph while I was waiting to turn left. My Tercel is totaled (http://www.afn.org/~afn02552/1986toyota ... wagon.html) I'm negotiating a settlement with the other driver's insurance company. Her insurer has determined that the Tercel has no salvage value and suggested that I sign the title over to the towing and storage facility for casts incurred (approx $328 as of 10/26/10, increasing by $15 per day.) I'd rather see it go to someone who needs/wants the parts. 331,000 miles. 3AC engine with oil and filter changed every 3,000 miles since new, 15,000 miles since last timing belt replacement, 6-speed manual trans, 18,000 miles on Michelin tires. Tercel can be purchased and hauled away as soon as claim is settled - probably by Nov 2nd - for towing and storage costs accrued to that date. Not trying to make a penny on this - just hate to see it go the the crusher if someone can use the parts.

[ARCHINSTL]

WOW!
It's a wonder you were (apparently) not injured!
Let us know how much you will be getting for the car (if you can). I, too, own an '86 and for this very reason have saved every receipt for the last five years - if it ever comes to that.
It's a shame that it's "all or nothing" on your car. It looks like you have an intact luggage cover and seats, which I covet. The wheels are pretty cool as well.
Wish you could have found us before now -not that it would have helped in this unfortunate situation, though. Looks like a pretty clean car... And owned since new!
Tom M.

[paultry]

Not injured. Head rest stopped my head from snapping, rear of the car crumpled to absorb the impact. I was transported precautionary with full spinal immobilization but released within an hour. I loved every minute of driving this car. It never left me stranded in 24 plus years, and probably saved me in the end. I have all of my receipts but they mean little to the insurance people. Their initial offer is $1,125. NADA says as much as $3,200. We'll end up somewhere in the middle, but no amount will ease the loss or provide for replacement. Driver's seat is a little rough from so many times in and out. I've been talking about new upholstery and paint for the past year - glad I waited. Wheels were a birthday gift from my wife about 10 years ago.

[ARCHINSTL]

You were certainly lucky!
Again - a shame that individual parts cannot be removed.
You might periodically peruse the Complete Cars For Sale Forum at the very top of this Parts Forum segment - whenever T4WDs (or even 2WDs) are listed, whether in eBay, CraigsList, or a just plain local advert - one of us usually picks up on it and makes a posting.
They are increasing in value - but still eminently affordable.
Tom M.

[paultry]

A couple of people have asked about obtaining individual parts from my '86, but I don't have the facilities or tools to dismantle it and part it out. The insurance company has gone back and forth on picking the car up, but now has settled on abandoning it. The towing and storage operator has agreed to accept the title to satisfy the now $500 approximate towing and storage bill, so we are meeting with him tomorrow morning to sign it over. If anyone has the interest and means to buy it before then, please speak now. The good news is he says he will keep it on the yard for a while, so once it is signed over, I will post his name and location for anyone interested in individual parts.

[paultry]

The Tercel title was signed over to the towing and storage operator yesterday. He'll keep it on his yard to be parted out. Send me a PM if you need his contact info.

The other driver's insurer initially offered $1,125 based on estimates from a couple of local used car dealers. Kelley and Edmunds don't value vehicles older than 1990, but NADA listed retail dealer values of this car from $1,925 to $3,200. I, of course, asked for $3,200. The insurer came up to $1,828.75 (95% of $1,925 - they assumed a dealer would incur a 5% salesman's commission). Insurance adjuster was not impressed by 24 years of service records and receipts. Alternatives were to accept the insurance company's offer or go to small claims court. Too many issues to go to court: I live in Alabama, other drive lives in Georgia, crash was in Florida - who has jurisdiction? I'd be hard pressed to convince a court that a 24 years old, 331,000 mile car exceeded low retail. Court costs would eat up much of anything I might gain, so I caved.

A thought for others: If you carry collision and comprehensive coverage, see if your insurance company (or another) offers Agreed Value coverage, which will pay a value that you and the insurer contractually agree to before a loss. Actual Cash Value coverage leaves you at the mercy of the insurance adjusters.

While the beloved Tercel can't be replaced, we found, bought, and are now driving a one-owner, 109,000 mile, 1992 Toyota SR5 5-speed 4WD Pickup XCAB (came with all service records - even the original window sticker). While I'm not thrilled with moving up to a 6 cylinder and giving up my Tercel's 30 mpg fuel economy, the pickup's interior - especially the dash - and the classic look and feel of an older Toyota makes me feel somewhat at home.

[Petros]

Dealing with an insured loss is never fun, but I say you did just fine. In fact I am surprised they offered you more than $400 frankly. I have always drive older cars I fix myself, and after 35 years of driving have had a few cars "totaled" by other drives, you rarely get what it is worth to you. Realize these are big companies and they have policies for their employees to follow, it is these employees job to minimize the companies costs.

Where you are at the cars might be fairly rare, but on the west cost really nice examples will sell for $1500-1800, and fixers can be bought for under $400. and an occasional nice one shows up for only $500-600. So collecting $1800 from an insurance company actually surprises me.

Search craig's list and you can replace your Tercel4wd, better do it now before they become even more rare.