Hello everyone, I hope this is the right place to post about this, as it's kind of unusual circumstance, and I couldn't really find a category I thought was better to post it in. If it needs moved, feel free to do so. Anyhow, last week, my car was broken into while I was at an overnight range for work, and my seats were stolen, my top slashed open and the frame was bent. That same night, it just so happened to rain, and water got into the car. My insurance company has declared my car a total loss. The only things actually wrong with it are the entire top needs to be replaced, my clutch needs to be replaced, a new battery, and a new window motor on the passenger side. There's also the "water damage" which I don't think is actually that bad since it really only rained through a slit in the top. I managed to track down the guy through craigslist and recover my seats free of charge and any bloodshed. So I have my seats. A previous attempt to break into my trunk that doesn't sit quite flush is also part of my claim The total cost of repairs is estimated at roughly $10,000, and my insurance company will give me $7,500 for repairs. But I have my seats, which I'm sure is a huge fraction of the cost. The motor is perfectly fine, along with all other parts of the car. The only thing making it undriveable is the lack of seats and it needs a new battery which was going out before the incident. I'm wondering what it would cost to replace the carpeting if needed, since I know how much it will cost to replace the clutch and top. I plan on putting the seats back in. My insurance company will give me $12,200 , plus the sales tax if I sell them the car for salvage. I will get all the money back I spent on the car so I'll basically be at ground zero if I go that route. I really like my car though, and plan on buying another S2K, but I feel like I would be hard pressed to find a deal like I did on my current one. What do you guys think? Sorry if this post is super long. I will also try to get the insurance company's cost estimates and what they're giving me money for repairs on. Thanks!

 

Sorry to hear about that whole situation. That just sucks

So you tracked the guy down...and charges filed? The law need to come down HARD on people who do this stuff...

Honestly, I'd sell the car for salvage and use the money towards another one, assuming its paid off. You could use the money as a down payment on a REALLY nice, late-model, low-mileage S2000, and have a low payment over a short term. Maybe set a couple grand aside for a hardtop for added security.

I know everybody has a different situation, and a car payment might not always be an option. If it were me, I would replace it with a newer one. I'd view it as an opportunity to upgrade.

 

Your location of "United States" tells us diddley and car values are highly geographic. Value is also dependent on model year and mileage. Without this information we can' even guess at the car's post-restoration value vs. restoration cost.

-- Chuck

 

you mean the soft top frame was bent?

 

Hmmm my location should be on there... but it's El Paso, TX. And if I get it repaired, I don't plan on selling it. Didn't plan on ever selling it before it was totaled either so post restoration value doesn't matter to me. Yes, the soft top frame was bent, sorry should have clarified. The entire thing needs to be replaced. I'd really rather not have payments either, since I might be needing a new job in the next 2 years... I didn't turn the guy in either who did it. I kind of blamed the trunk and window on him. Didn't plan on catching him 3 hours later on craigslist haha

 

My thoughts exactly. Perhaps no bloodshed at your hands but who knows what happens in a state prison. I would have had him handed over so fast it would not be funny. You got your seats back but this guy trashed your car and you find yourself in this unpleasant situation.
It may not be too late to turn him in. That low life is a thief and he will keep stealing/destroying other people's property. It may lead to violent crime. I am not in your shoes and it may be possible that in your area, El Paso, this guy may have some pretty nasty connections that you may consider in your decision not to hold him accountable. IMO, you can do it in a way to maximize discretion. At least talk to your friendly LEO agency of your choice.

I think you should take your money and add a little more to get another S. Your car, if you fix it, will have a salvage title. It may take a little work and or travel, but you can do it.

 

Why did you not turn him in?

 

Does your insurance company know that you have the seats back?

 

My company doesn't know I have my seats back, and part of the cost for repairs is for new seats. This guy would've ended up in Ft Leavenworth. Military prison, haha. The salvage title won't really bother me since I was never going to resell it anyway. I'm just wondering if it's gonna cost more to get the repairs done than what they're giving me. If I get it repaired, I'll have to buy a top, new clutch, which I plan on having friends do that labor, and possibly the interior. If repairing it works out right, I should come out on top I think

 

Ditto. Who is to say this guy won't do the same thing to You in the future?