1996 z3 rear end accident damage - Should I buy if declared a total loss?

[96Midlifecrisis]

I need some quick help from the experts. I love my Z3 and have been doing multiple projects to fix issues. I just replaced the master slave cylinder myself a couple weeks ago (not fun at all to bleed...). Unfortunately, I was hit from behind by a lifted truck recently. The damage seemed pretty minor. Their bumper slid over my bumper and hit the trunk and left quarter panel. The door gap on the driver’s side is pushed together. The body shop wants $7,427 to fix it. I was just offered $5,467.66 for it but they accidentally used 161k (100k more miles than actual) for their valuation estimate. Waiting on an updated amount.

I think that means it will end up being declared a total loss anyway. However, the car drives fine. I am considering buying it and fixing it myself since it seems so minor. I am mechanically inclined but have never done any body work previously. Not sure what I am getting into. I think the trunk lid and rear quarter panel are the main issues and appear to just bolt on. I was thinking I would just replace those with salvaged parts and see what else had to be done. I do have plenty of time on my hands since I was laid off recently. I included pics and the estimate. How hard would this repair be? What would a salvaged car be worth once fixed?

 

[137699]

Not sure how it works in the US but over here if you claim on the other driver's insurance rather than your own then they cannot write off your car or declare it a total loss. They can pay you out as if it is but they cannot record it as a total loss - only your own insurers can declare the car a write off.
Meaning you can then get the car repaired using their funds and have a car with a clean record at the end.

But it means you dealing direct with the other side's insurance and asking your own insurers to step aside. I have done this twice - it's really not difficult once the other side has admitted liability - and in a clear cut "hit from behind" case then this is straightforward.

 

[SV8Predator]

The door gap on the driver’s side is pushed together.

That would be it for me. I wouldn't go near it. Whole floorpan/chassis is bent.

 

[96Midlifecrisis]

In Florida, if it costs more than 80% of the total value to repair then it is considered a total loss.

Z3s have bolt on body panels. I think the outside edge was pushed forward.

 

[mwpe]

That would be it for me. I wouldn't go near it. Whole floorpan/chassis is bent.

Unllikely from the photos, it looks as though the impact was above the bumper. The bumper and licence plate look undamaged. The rear wing has been pushed forward sightly but they are quite light material and only held on with self tapping bolts. The estimate quotes lots of parts which are probably undamaged like the energy absorbers and impact bar. Typical garage estimate.

 

[96Midlifecrisis]

There was minor damage to the main shell. I would have to replace the quarter panel and trunk lid. However, the shell damage is mostly hidden by the bumper. I have been driving the car since the accident on labor day and the tires are wearing perfectly evenly. I am going to buy the car the only question is how for how much. Still negotiating...

 

[96Midlifecrisis]

I was able to get the value of the car up to $8,860.00. The salvage value was $1,300.00. So I now have a $7,560.00 to fix it myself. I found a 1/4 panel and everything but the trunk and hinge nearby. I thought I had everything ut some douchebag had damaged it after the picture was taken for the yard.