NEED HELP- should I repair or sell my 4runner after collision? Where?

Hey, new member here! I have a 2007 V8 T4R that I have absolutely loved having for the past 3 years. 115,000 miles, was in great condition until I spun out on an icy highway last month on my way snowboarding. Collision center is quoting $8,000-$10,000 for repair. Car is paid off but I didn't realize my insurance did not include collision coverage, so all repairs are out of pocket for me.

I love this car so much but my spouse has a car I can use, so it's difficult for me to justify to myself dropping that much to repair it.

Any recommendations where I could sell the car to someone who will be able to fix it, love it, and appreciate it- not just carmax or a salvage company?

Damage is mostly to the front passenger body/ hood. Engine appears okay, radiator needs to be repaired/ replaced.

Thank you for any advice you are able to offer, and please pour one out in loving memory of "Roxy" the Patriotmobile.

 

Welcome. Pictures would help the assessment.

Repair all safety and structural areas. Buy used replacement panels for the cosmetic stuff. Do all of the repairs yourself and then you won’t be worried if you take it on trails. Unless, the air bags have deployed?

 

Here is a picture. I have no experience working on cars- I wanted to learn at one point doing some light mods to this car but never got around to it.

 

Airbags did not deploy, I think because it was a side hit. Since I live in an apartment I don't have anywhere to work on it and I would be in way over my head knowledge wise. Plus I'm in med school and have no time. I think I'd be stuck paying someone rather than DIY

 

I'd probably just sell it. Sounds like you're not in a place to even attempt a project like this. It probably has more value as a parts car for somebody who wanted to do an engine swap or has the skill/time/workspace to restore it.

I'd start by listing it on Marketplace and your local Off-road & Toyota nerd FB groups.

 

Since its coming out of pocket I would sell it as is.

 

welcome. And i agree with the selling as your option and using that as down payment (or payment if lucky) for something else. Just take off any mods that you can. Cuz if you get another same gen, then you already have it.

It would be a tall repair task for someone with a garage to store it and work in. And being in an apt will just get your in trouble with your mgmt.

 

After looking at the picture, I agree with everyone on selling it and starting over.

 

I was an auto appraiser for a short time awhile back and there’s always more damage than the quote. Your body man will find more damage as he takes it apart and your estimate can go up thousands in a heartbeat. The thing is you will have committed to the repair financially and now you are stuck finishing it no matter the cost or you walk away owing the body man whatever he has into it before the discovery of the extended damage and cost. Walk away.

 

Thank you all for your input. It's been a hard decision to sell it but hearing it from other people saying this is the right decision makes things a bit easier. I hope to rejoin the T4R community someday