Update on the wrecked Ironman in Colorado

[Trudy Carp]

Well, it's been a boring summer with my 01 Ironman out of commission needing a right door, hinge pillar, fender, and accompanying claddings, etc.

That fine insurance company, Progressive, has been paying for the Toyota Prius that I took as a rental back on July 7th, right after this all started. I like driving this little hybrid. Decided to capitalize on the situation and save some money on gas while I wait to get the "Turtle" back on the road.
Crossing an 11,000+ foot pass during my commute made me wonder if the little electric cart would deliver on power and fuel economy at the same time. Well, she doesn't like climbing from a dead stop at 10,000+, but still gives me 45 mpg with my foot in it a lot. Saving my husband and I loads of money on gas right now, we commute together. Going to hate to give it up.

Well, the latest news. My door and fender have arrived along with all of the claddings. decals. etc. I also have a rear gate & cladding coming, but somewhat behind schedule. Decided to take care of the "gate full of bondo" problem too while it's in my shop.
However, Izusu decided to obsolete my hinge pillar while on order, so that makes the rest of the parts a mute point, at least as far as Progressive is concerned. This is where working at a body shop as an estimator and the office manager pays off. We are now going to request that Progressive
"total loss" the VX, pay the salvage value of $2500 and keep it. We are lucky to employ one of the best "metal and frame men" in the area at our little body shop in the mountains, so we will repair that hinge pillar in spite of how ugly it is. And the door will close and seal nicely, I have that much faith in CJ. So, another VX will be saved from oblivion. Sucks that I missed most of the Colorado 4 wheel season. But, the loan balance will also be paid and no salvage title! Will post before and after photos when the big day comes. Whoo....hooooo! It'll be like driving her for the first time all over again!

[Triathlete]

There is always snow wheeling! Or you can take a winter trip down here to Arizona and we can show you some great trails.

Glad to hear you are going to save another VX instead of sending it to its grave.

[tom4bren]

That is great news.

[Joe Isuzu]

happy for you and glad you're not sending the vx to a salvage yard
How did you avoid a salvage title though?

[twistedsymphony]

it depends on the state but I would assume that once it's fixed it will get inspected and receive a "rebuilt" title (meaning formerly salvaged but fixed and roadworthy again).

It always warms my heart to hear about a rare car getting a 2nd chance on life

[Trudy Carp]

happy for you and glad you're not sending the vx to a salvage yard
How did you avoid a salvage title though?

Too easy. The title is never transfered. It remains in my name just like nothing ever happened. It's called an "owner retain".
It's easy to bypass the salvage title issue. The owner keeps the vehicle, they deduct salvage value from the total, pay the owner the difference. The owner then sells the vehicle to the body shop for a couple hundred more than he gave up for salvage. Title transfers directly from owner to next owner after it's repaired and sold. No record that a body shop ever owned it.
Some states do not allow an owner to retain a total loss. Florida is one. I'm sure a lot of the coastal states are like that to keep hurricane damaged vehicles from ending up back on the road.

[VCrossfan]

Too easy. The title is never transfered. It remains in my name just like nothing ever happened. It's called an "owner retain".
It's easy to bypass the salvage title issue. The owner keeps the vehicle, they deduct salvage value from the total, pay the owner the difference. The owner then sells the vehicle to the body shop for a couple hundred more than he gave up for salvage. Title transfers directly from owner to next owner after it's repaired and sold. No record that a body shop ever owned it.
Some states do not allow an owner to retain a total loss. Florida is one. I'm sure a lot of the coastal states are like that to keep hurricane damaged vehicles from ending up back on the road.

Great news your keeping her. And don't take this wrong by any means but this is another case where Carfax.com is only a hit-n-miss company. No paper trail...