Yaris' Involved In Crashes

[z-tune-z2]

Hey guys, I pranged my T- Sport two weeks ago today, broke my heart. It was my own stupid fault and I wasn't even being a boy racer!

A Volvo V70 drove in to the left hand side of the car, at a perfect 90' angle. Front left wheel now cambered insanely inwards and bodywork damage running from the front left wing to the rear quarter panel. A surprising amount of damage given the collision was so low speed (walking pace, no joke). I've heard the Yaris obtained its 5* rating through crumpling like a sandcastle but this was insane given the speed!

Long story short, my insurers 'approved' garage say the damage is estimated to cost £3,500! A near write off, but luckily they're greenlighting the repairs.

So my question is, how likely is it that your yaris (not brand new models) will be written off in a proper crash? I don't mean dinging the bodywork a bit, but a crash that affects a broad area of the Yaris?

Of course its better to be safe than sorry, at least the driver is better off than the car but I'm worried that the Yaris is a 'one crash vehicle' in that after one accident, its new car time?

Sorry if this is a silly subject, I've only been on the road for about 3 years and don't particularly have much experience in crashes! Are most 5* cars like this?

[aygoal]

As you state that the damage is extensive, would you not prefer the write off money rather that your car repaired?

[reece]

The T Sport is a 4 star car and very safe (the new version is 5 stars). They are designed to absorbed and deflect the forces and energy away from the driver and passenger. Your safety cell should be relatively in tact (although the laws of physics have a lot to say about his).

The fact you have walked away from this in one piece is testament to new car safety.

As your particular incident was to the front/side of the car I would be tempted to replace the vehicle. I agree with your view that a good smash is a one off and time to dump the car finances allowing.

[z-tune-z2]

Yeah, but the problem with that is the figure I would have received may not be what I agree with. Which would annoy me for a long time.

Also, I'm somewhat attached to my car, I really do love it, which is funny given what I did to it.

----

Reece, thanks for the reply. I dunno why, I always thought the previous generation were 5*'s!

As for replacing it, as I've mention earlier in this post, I'm way too attached to it! Admittedly getting the suspension and axle smashed in will affect a lot, I can't help it now that they've decided to fix it.

[Jamesbelfast]

Firstly - never fall in love with a car - sooner or later it'll only break your heart.:)

What many people fail to realise is that a damaged repaired car is always going to be worth less than one that has never sustained damage. No matter how well it has been repaired.

In the event of damage being the result of another drivers fault you may be eligible for a depreciation payment for any reduction in vehicle value as a result of the accident. So I suggest you take this aspect into consideration if insisting your car be repaired rather than written off.:)

[z-tune-z2]

Firstly - never fall in love with a car - sooner or later it'll only break your heart.:)

What many people fail to realise is that a damaged repaired car is always going to be worth less than one that has never sustained damage. No matter how well it has been repaired.

In the event of damage being the result of another drivers fault you may be eligible for a depreciation payment for any reduction in vehicle value as a result of the accident. So I suggest you take this aspect into consideration if insisting your car be repaired rather than written off.:)

I totally understand the resell value is going to dive, I never intended on selling it really. I hoped to keep it with me for years, as my main car or as a secondary vehicle. This is partly to do with the fact I love it so much XD

As for the depreciation bit... It was technically my fault, but it was one of those situations where you could argue it so that both sides were 'wrong' but no one can back you up, so I've had to suck it up and take the blame.

[Raeman]

Sorry to hear of your accident btw :(

If you have no plans to sell it, just keep it. A good repair centre should do an excellent job of repairing it, hopefully to a degree that you will never know it's been smashed.

I have seen some cars though that have been repaired and you can tell instantly, gaps in the panels and paintwork a shade lighter/darker.

If your's comes back like this, just keep taking it back and pestering the insurance to sort it.

Good luck. ;)

[Cyker]

Ouch, my sympathies mate :(

I must admit, I've become quite attached to my Yaris too, which is a pity because it has the structural integrity of tissue paper

The paint is thin, the panels have no strength at all and dent ridiculously easily. I will say the actual chassis is pretty tough, but everything else is pretty flimsy ;)

To be fair tho', the only company that really makes small tough cars is VW. My friend's Polo is built like a tank compared to my Yaris (and pretty much any car that size!) The main downside safety-wise is that the driver *is* the crumple zone

Me and my Polo-owning friend joke that if we had a head on collision, Me and his Polo would survive while he and my Yaris would be twisted into interesting pretzel shapes :P

[confidentSpeeder]

There are always ways to find out if a car has been smashed - thousands of ways

"£3,500! A near write off, " - a NEAR write off????

[z-tune-z2]

There are always ways to find out if a car has been smashed - thousands of ways

"£3,500! A near write off, " - a NEAR write off????

That's not the point, I'm not trying to hide this from future buyers. And I wouldn't, because it's pointless. I don't plan on selling it anyway.

You think £3,500 is a write off? The value of the T- Sport has shot up since last year...