Rear Ended !

[Qdog]

Sitting at a red light last night, a 70ish lady in a Saturn plows into the rear of the Q ! She was dazed but unhurt, her airbags deployed. This morning she was more coherent, and explained that she must have confused the two pedals ! I'm glad I wasn't walking across the street. Anyway, I've got major bumper damage, the muffler got hit, and there are now gaps on both sides of the trunk lid, but the trunk still opens (but not with the electric release) My question: what to look for to determine if the sub-frame bushings were damaged ? Will this be apparent with a visual inspection ? Anything else to look for ? The car seems to drive just fine, no new noises or vibration. The Saturn had to be towed, front end gone & hood buckled, while the Q drove away. I found my license plate firmly attached to hers, under the Saturn.

[Q451990]

That sucks... I'd try to have the sub-frame replaced regardless. Look for cracked bushings, etc. From what I understand the bushings won't show damage at first, but start leaking soon after the shock. Q45Tech will probably weigh in on this soon.

Heath

[PalmerWMD]

from what you write the collision will be almost certainly, large enough to need a new rear subframe Assembly.

According to Dennis an visual inspection will not always reveal that.

Fred...

[Q45tech]

A subframe change will be a $1,000 so what out and only pressure insurance to not total your car..........sounds like $4,000 plus in repairs to me.

[Qdog]

How to convince the insurance company that I need a new sub-frame ? If it's totaled, do I hear any offers ? 158K, trans rebuilt at 88k, serviced & flushed since, and the motor is solid enough for the mileage (guides done, valve covers re-sealed, never overheated), on Mobil 1 for the last 116K. Drive it anywhere. I'd drive it to T3 to swap my motor into a good body if it could be done for the dollars the insurance co wants to pay to total it. Any chain guide victims looking to unload your well maintained non-running hulk ?

[PalmerWMD]

longrunQ is looking for a cheap solution to his busted motor.

Fred...

[PalmerWMD]

Get it inspected at Lupient and expalin to them to take extra care looking at the rear subframe.

That way it may be at least recognized; Perry is a pretty good tech and he might understand this issue.

Fred...

[maxnix]

I would have it examined by the dealer in Minneapolis. Forgot the service writer's name, but he was at Infinity of Lisle before.

They should be familiar enough with the rear frame to inspect it properly. If they total it, let them, then buy it back and swap engines, or let T-3 swap in the rear subrame.

Clarification: I think I was referring to Infiniti of Bloomington. Thanks Fred.

[PalmerWMD]

I forget the name of the service writer too (if he's still the same).

In Minneapolis I always felt I would use Lupient Infinti for a harder job like engine diagnostics, but it seemed that Infiniti of Bloomington would try harder to save u money.

The above classification may no longer be valid, (if it ever was), its been 3 yrs.

Fred..

[AZhitman]

Also, don't take the ins. co's word for what your car's worth. You may be able to avoid totalling it by providing them with evidence that yours is worth more $$$.

[greg_atlanta]

It might be better to withhold the subframe issue until they've begun to fix the body damage. If the list of needed repairs grows longer and longer and longer prior to the work beginning, that increases the likelihood the car will be totalled, right?

A fair value for the car regardless of condition and past maintenance is maybe $3000-4000??

Unfortunately accidents are VERY COSTLY even if it's the other person's fault!! Tough situation.....

[greg_atlanta]

Another problem is that since the old lady was at fault and will probably not challenge that she was at fault, you have to deal with HER insurance on the damages.

The "hassle factor" for the insurance company is much less if they total the car. They're probably more likely to pay you $5000 and total the car instead of paying $3000 (???) for repairs with the chance of future work being needed.

That's why I'm so freaked out every time I spend money fixing my '92 Q with 182K miles. Once you've been through an accident it changes your perspective.

:rant

[landtodd]

. . . I'm so freaked out every time I spend money fixing my '92 Q with 182K miles. Once you've been through an accident it changes your perspective.

Our gen-1 Q45s are increasingly disposable. I have about twice as much R&R in the car than it's worth. Yup, taking a risk there . . . saving *all* parts receipts for that possibility.

Still, I'm SO far ahead cost-wise compared to buying new, I'll take the small risk.

[Qdog]

Glad to report NOT totaled. Will be getting repaired next week, estimates of 2400 & 3800, not including any sub-frame work. Having that inspected tomorrow. I'm told that in this state I have 2 years to uncover hidden accident damage and make a supplemental claim. Anyone familiar with Minnesota insurance law that can confirm this ?