my friend has a 1998 outback with 165k miles that was in an accident (rear ended into vehicle in front), car still runs and all but needs major body work, front end collision wasnt terrible. about how much would you say its worth? He's not very mechanically savvy so probly not gonna part out, so would it be worth to sell to a local shop or on CL?

I told him he should "ask" for $2500.

sorry no pics, I know its hard to tell without seeing it, but just assume only someone with mechanical skills would be interested.

 

Is insurance not calling it totaled?

 

@ 2500$ no one is going to able to buy it to flip it so the buyer will have to be someone thats looking to drive it into the ground and you can find plenty of legacys and some outbacks in the 1500-3500 range.

He'll prolly sell it for 1500 but it really depends on the dmg imo.

 

I think it is, but b/c its still running, just wondering if its worth keeping the car and selling rather than take the insurance $$, which is not much. I assume the powertrain alone is worth much more than insurance will give him for the car. Only ones who would part out or fix up efficiently enough to turn a profit are probably local shops. just wondering if my thought process is correct.

 

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/ctd/2234047265.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/2241260687.html

And that much body work is going to be 3-4x the cars worth (is there a quarter panel involved?), so while I would probably still try to unload it I dunno how much interest you'll see.

 

I think damage is extensive enough that no one would buy unless they were gonna part out or fix up. especially if there really are plenty of outbacks in the range you say.