So... basically... my car is totaled. I need buying advice

[Deoxyribonucleicvitriol]

If you're too lazy to read just skip to the questions at the bottom.

It happened yesterday... and considering I did 2 360s off of the highway, I'm lucky to be alive let alone competely unscathed. In fact, all I've got is rub burns from the seat belt and air bag. So I'm blessed for that...

The worst part is, I'm not even a bad driver. I don't weave or anything and I've never gotten a speeding ticket (because I don't speed). A truck just happened to be in my blind spot as I was getting on the highway... Blammo... I'm in a ditch slammed into a tree seconds later despite corrective driving.

But the fact is, my dream car is totaled. It was near impossible to find a Camaro with the options I wanted in the first place, and now finding one even similar will be hard enough.

I had:
-Black
-Auto (Yes, I know it's taboo on here, but I frankly don't like the chore of having to shift)
-1997
-Camaro RS
-T-Tops
-Multi-CD Changer
-Bose System
-78,000 Miles
-Power Everything (except passenger seat)
-Leather Steering Wheel
-Bullet-Proof Laminate on the side windows (which probably ended up saving me a lot of pain in the wreck)

I got that for $6,750 over 2 years ago (it was a great deal) and have only put on 6,000 miles since (it was originally 72,000).

Let us all mourn the loss of my beautiful car: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/673873

QUESTIONS:
1) What does insurance pay based on the Kelly Blue Book value? The retail is about 2k above my original paying price. The private party value is a few hundred below what I paid, and the dealer trade-in is just a complete rip-off

2) Where can I find a replacement car? I've asked for advice elseware, but I end up getting recommended to buy crappy ricer cars like civics and integras. I want a car I can be proud of y'know?... and at this point in my life (college) I can't afford to get a Lexus or something y'know? I can't wait for the new Camaro to come out because well... I'll be in college and need my own car. ...and I need to find one within a month! O_O'

I've looked on Auto-Trader as well as Craig'sList (which was useless)

Inevitably, any car even close to my original is like 300 miles away... and even then... it's the wrong year or transmission or something.

[camaroman1181]

Re: So... basically... my car is totaled. I need buying advice

man, that really sucks... I remember when I wrecked my first camaro.. I felt pretty ****ty as well, as it was my dream car too. It was pretty much perfect for me, low miles, etc... but anycase, there are others who feel your pain. I filed the insurance and got back more money than I payed for the car.. with helped me buy a second camaro that i've had to this day, as well as buy back my first camaro to use for parts and a potential rebuild.. so keep your spirits up. as for finding a new car. check out local car lots. depending where you are located at, there are also local or regional magazines that list cars.. In my area we have the Auto Locator, and Paper Shop. both list cars from private sellers and dealers. Also, go through the classifieds. The weekend editions usually have more cars listed. And if you have any contacts with garages or parts places, maybe someone knows a guy whos selling a car that youd like. Be diligent. Its not easy, and if you need a car ASAP, you probably wont find one with all the options that you want. but, you probably will find one close enough to be very happy with. good luck!!! and stay away from those Hondas!!!!!!

[Deoxyribonucleicvitriol]

Re: So... basically... my car is totaled. I need buying advice

Thanks :)

How can I guesstimate how much insurance will pay me for the car?

I originally payed $6,750 for it (I think it was a steal considering what came with it and it's condition and milage... All highway miles because it was a business car) Plus it'd been detailed.

Here are the kelly bluebook values for it (Assuming the car is in "good" condition. I think it could count as excellent but I wanted the estimates to be reserved):

Retail Value: $8,345 (Dang that would rock, but perhaps it's wishful thinking)
Private Party Value: $5,950 (Meh, not too bad)
Trade-In: $4,275 (Compete rip-off...)

[95fbirdkid]

Re: So... basically... my car is totaled. I need buying advice

i belive most insurance companies go by NADA value

[2K3800CAMARO]

Re: So... basically... my car is totaled. I need buying advice

Well depending on what NADA value they go with
Low ~ around $5500
Average (probably what they will go with) ~ $6300
High ~ around $7175 (dream on :P )

[black98V6]

Re: So... basically... my car is totaled. I need buying advice

have you thought to just call your agent and ask? Not to be an @ss or anything but all anyone can do here is guess what your insurance company will do.
There is no reason for the agent not to give you an honest answer. they don't loose anything.

[Deoxyribonucleicvitriol]

Re: So... basically... my car is totaled. I need buying advice

Yeah, we're in the process of figuring that out black98v6.

I was just wondering if there was a faster way to figure it out myself.

Thanks everyone :).

[Camaro Dom]

Re: So... basically... my car is totaled. I need buying advice

well, first off, i feel your pain. my first car got crunched too... it sucks bigtime.
second, i'd look at maybe another f-body. see if you cant get some money together quick and you might be able to snag a TA at a good price.
third,i bought my first car from a lot b4 and i'll NEVER do it again. lots are there to make a profit, whereas private sellers are usually just trying to get the damn things off their hands so private prices r gonna be a ton lower. its not like the lot really fixes it up either. maybe little bitty dents and french fries under the seat but thats about it. my advice to you is to cruise autotrader and just keep looking. expand the search to like 50-100 mile radius. in the long run, finding the car you want will be well worth the few extra hours you gotta go. you should be able to do and informed analysis of the running condition without too much trouble either. just look for oil leaks, scan any codes, rough idle, hesitation, mushy brake petal, etc, etc etc... keep looking is my best advice. there are so many good deals out there...

[airattack111]

Re: So... basically... my car is totaled. I need buying advice

Yeah, I hate the blindspots, I almost hit a car like that once. Now I alwaus make sure to check them before switching lanes.

Sorry to here about your loss :(

[Mystic98]

Re: So... basically... my car is totaled. I need buying advice

i had a 89 chevy silverado that got totaled and it had 353k miles and the insurance gave my 3400 with is way higher then book. with that i onlyt paid like 2200 for my camaro. i found mine about 120 miles away with auto trader