Car totaled, how much can I expect?

[williegarvin]

I had my 1991 318i with only 75000 miles totaled. Just got it last year and it was in great mechanical shape, virtually no rust, although cosmetically not the best (faded paint, bumpers could use repair but only for cosmetic reasons, no fancy options added on, just power windows/locks, crank sunroof, and a stereo and alarm system I installed myself). I put in around $3000 for maintenance (brakes, tires, muffler, fuel pump, bushing, tie rods, etc, nothing engine or clutch related). The guy's insurance is offering NADA price which is $2750 for this mileage. Does this seem like a good settlement? Could I buy a comparable 318i replacement with this money? From my internet searches I can't seem to find one that low that doesn't look like it will need some $$$ to bring it up to speed. Any advice appreciated.

[DesktopDave]

Have them pay out & ask them to re-purchase the car.  Then you'll get all the parts you spent money on and you can look for another M42 to restore.

Alternatively, tell them that you're not looking for NADA blue book value, but a replacement car in similar shape.  Find some prices and insist that they cannot find a car in your condition for their offer.  They're just looking to cut your settlement down.

You're not going to find a decent iS for under $3500, even now.  But you can pick up a decent project sedan for ~$1000.  You'll have the parts from your old car...just swap them over & scrap the rest.  I'm starting to think seriously about collector's insurance as a better bet.  I need another car to qualify for that, not a problem.