Crashed my Ti - help!

[imarami]

I frequented this forum about 4 years ago when I first was searching for a Ti and thanks to your help, I bought a gorgeous red 1998 5-speed with the California roof. Roxanne, as I like to call her, has been my baby for 4 years now and taken many trips between Boston and NJ shuttling me to and from school. Last week on my way back to NJ around 1am, and being a bit too tired to safely drive, I hit and popped a curb-height median after getting trapped in a left exit only lane, then launched to the right-shouder metal barrrier where I collided with the curb again. Thankfully I'm fine, but the car on the other hand is in bad shape. I had AAA tow it to their garage and just got the estimate back today. Here's a list of the main damage:

Front suspension: sway bar end links (x2), outer tie rod (x2), rack & pinion, strut (x2), strut mount (x2), trailing arm

Back: CV axle, drive flange hub, angular contact balance, sway bar link (x2)

All of this damage totals approx. $4000 in parts, and that's not taking into account some of the body damage that occurred to fenders, etc.

There is also a part listed as "Frame X Member" for $558, but I'm not sure what exactly that is, or where on the car it is located. Although I assume with such a hefty price it will be a necessary part to fix to get the car back and running.

Not to mention that after all this is potentially fixed, there could still be some frame damage as I hit at 80 mph.

So my question to you folks, what do I do? I'm not ready to part with this car and junk it, but considering that I only paid $3500 for it, and just replaced the clutch 500 miles ago for $1000, it really does not make financial sense to try and save her, does it? I am willing to store her in the garage and do the work myself, but is there options on where to buy these parts cheaper? I was also considering trying to find another beat down Ti that needs engine work but with an intact body/frame, and either swap the engine's or, pull parts into mine.

I'm honestly at a loss, and any advice you have whatsoever would be extremely helpful. Whether it's a local car for sale (I'm in NJ) that would be a good swap candidate, or advice on how to deal with parting with my baby, or even mechanical advice, I'll gladly take all of it.

Thanks for reading all that - looking forward to your help!

[BlackBMWs]

First, I'm glad you're O.K. That's really the important part.

I'm sorry about your car. The components you mention are all replacable, however, I'm curious about frame and alignment damage. Sounds like the estimated damage already exceeds the probable market value of the car, not counting the body repair, wheels, tire damage you anticipate. It comes down to how much to renew vs getting an insurance payout, buy back the car, part it out and take all proceeds and find Roxanne II. It's hard to part out a beloved car.

I have seen many of the parts you mention available here on other part out cars that may have had similar damage.

Any pics of the damage areas?

[imarami]

Yes, the fact that I'm okay is absolutely a relief and probably the only thing that's kept me sane over the last week. I truly never anticipated having to get rid of this car this early, let alone due to a crash of my own doing.

Unfortunately I have no pics of the damaged areas, but I hope to make a trip back to AAA tomorrow and will snap some then. Something I forgot to mention in the initial post was that both right wheels are damaged and will need to be replaced. As you said, the repair costs have clearly started to exceed the value of the car, even in it's best condition. Does anyone see a reasonable solution to get this car up and running again for less than $2000? The crazy idea I have in my head is to buy a body from someone else and do an engine swap, what does a decent '98 body cost these days, and where would I even begin to look?

[BlackBMWs]

There are a few examples of shells that have come up as of late. The trick is to buy the car before it starts to part out. Buying your car back gives you the option of swapping in parts worth swapping.

Do you have the time and means to execute a swap would be another consideration.

BTW, if you do intend to rebuild your car, I just swapped out my M-tech suspension out of my 97 ti. (Struts, shocks, springs and sway bars) so can discuss via PM when you get one more post.

[imarami]

I definitely have the time, and feel confident enough in my mechanical abilities to execute a swap, it's just a matter of finding the shell for the right price. I believe this post puts me at PM-level, so please feel free to message me more info about your suspension system!

Does anyone have any advice on being able to determine frame damage before I potentially repair my car? My worry is that after putting all this money and time into replacing the suspension, that I will then realize there's some frame damage and that alone would total the car, correct?

[cmoore]

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/3597550732.html

(not mine - no affiliation with seller)

not too far away i assume. this was listed on ebay a while back as no one bid on it (given the starting bid) but might be a decent candidate.

[imarami]

Originally Posted by cmoore

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/3597550732.html

(not mine - no affiliation with seller)

not too far away i assume. this was listed on ebay a while back as no one bid on it (given the starting bid) but might be a decent candidate.

Thanks for the find! Just texted the seller. I'm starting to think that repairing my car is out of the option, and either parting to buy a new car, or orchestrating a swap are my best options. Just so hard to part from the sentimental value of that body

[cjm1219]

Good luck! I hope you can figure something out. It always seems like there are lots of TI's for sale in NJ, so maybe you will get luck and nab one. Seen high mileage ones going for under 2k. Hope you can snag one and piece back together a car. Then you can part out whats left, maybe $$ won't be as big of an issues as time, mechanical know how and space.

[xxxJohnBoyxxx]

Glad your ok!!!