So...someone crashed into my 1998 Celica GT :-(, What to do? Options

[marblesmike]

Hey guys,

So I had my car parked on the street over the weekend and one of my elderly neighbors slammed into my car. The rear bumper is completely damaged (looks like it's about to be folded in half), as well as the tail lights and rear side panel on one side. The hatch still works and locks, but air and water is getting in the trunk now. I might be forgetting something and can upload a couple photos later. The car still drives okay, although I've only driven it twice since it's happened so maybe I'll notice something as I continue to drive it. Fortunately the driver left her information and lives right around the corner so we're going to go through her insurance company to handle things, especially since I don't have collision.

So right now I'm debating whether or not it's worth using the insurance money to repair body or if I should use that money, sell the car as is for $1500 or so, and then get something else. I'm leaning towards just repairing the car since I enjoy driving it, have recently upgraded the speakers, changed the distributor cap/rotor and plugs, changed the alternator so I know what's been done on it recently maintenance-wise. Plus, we're not sure if her insurance company will set a cap amount due to the age/wrecked condition of the car. They might declare it a total and just give me $3000 for the value of the car.

Thoughts anyone? What would you guys do?

[Box]

*Large resounding laugh* BMW's are a pain, especially on the E36 and later. Not the worst car out there in terms of ease to work on, but certainly not the best. Small things like needing BMW specialty tools for removing the fan clutch is stupid. Lots of other places that you need those specialty tools as well, Germans seem to have control issues or something. The Celica is easy compared to the bulk majority of cars, especially those of its time period. Now the 318 may not be that bad just for the sake it's a longitudinal I4, but any with the I6 it's a pretty tight fit.

[marblesmike]

*Large resounding laugh* BMW's are a pain, especially on the E36 and later. Not the worst car out there in terms of ease to work on, but certainly not the best. Small things like needing BMW specialty tools for removing the fan clutch is stupid. Lots of other places that you need those specialty tools as well, Germans seem to have control issues or something. The Celica is easy compared to the bulk majority of cars, especially those of its time period. Now the 318 may not be that bad just for the sake it's a longitudinal I4, but any with the I6 it's a pretty tight fit.

I've heard the E36 is very easy to work on aside from a few specific things (as it is with any car) but hey I could be wrong. I'm looking for an upgrade in power and control and I've always wanted one so that's where I'll be looking.

Trust me, I've loved my Celica and have really enjoyed driving it. It's the fastest non-turbo 4 cylinder I've ever driven. Driving in my 5-speed Celica and then switching to my sister's 2005 Corolla was painful.