What To Do With My SVX?

[angrydan]

So, I am posting this because I am at a total loss at what to do with my SVX. As I had posted in a previous thread a couple of months ago, the car was side-swiped in a parking lot pretty bad. Of course, the courageous driver did not leave his name or any contact information. To make matters worse, I had recently dropped the collision coverage on the car. So, this leaves me 100% out in the cold for covering the repairs out of my own pocket. All of the damage has been limited to the rear quarter panel on the driver's side. The door was not struck and the bumper has a little residual paint, but no rough damage. This could likely just be mostly buffed out.

I took the car to two local body shops and received estimates ranging from $1400 (to pop the dents and repair the existing panel to the best of their ability) to $2200 (to replace the quarter panel and repaint/blend). I had the car repainted a couple of years ago, and it looked beautiful before this happened. Mechanically, the car is very sound. The biggest problems (that I am aware of) is a small leak from the cam seals. Other than that, with 117k miles, it is fantastic!

So, I'm posting this to just see what other people would do in this situation? I realize that if I chose to sell the car as-is, I will fetch next to nothing for it. Even worse, I really wouldn't want to see the car being scrapped for parts. I bought it from a previous member of the site, and have all the maintenance records from Day 1 on. I believe it would be a shame to let such a great car go the way of parts.

On the other hand, I realize that investing $2200-ish into the car could be a bit of a mistake. After all, it is approaching 20 years old. Who knows what could happen to the car mechanically or otherwise months down the road.

So, I am just curious what you folks think? What would you do if you were in this situation?

[92snowmachine]

i would fix it. i am in a similar position with the driver front fender on my svx but just can't let it go to save a few grand. if you really like the car then it will be worth it to replace the fender. i think most svx owners have probably spent more on fixing and modifying their cars then they did to purchase it originally.

[icingdeath88]

Personally for $2200 I'd just fix it if it's in such good mechanical shape. That's not so bad. If you are going to fix it, get it over with, because sitting around for months is not kind to these cars. You may also be able to save some money by getting a quarter panel off a parts car, rather than buying a new one.

[angrydan]

Fortunately, the car is still drivable. So, I've been keeping it on the road while trying to determine the best course of action.

[icingdeath88]

That's good. Still any exposed metal can rust, so still better not to wait if you don't have to. Unfortunately financial decisions are the one thing that people on the forums can't really help with . Just remember to follow your heart if you've got the means.

[SVX_MY_BABY]

Effect a repair. It's cheaper than payments on a new car. You know this car and know it is mechanically sound.

Ask your self this. What kind of car could I get for $3500.00? (2200 repair+1300 sale of damaged car)

[Subix]

With that many miles, I would fix it.

Just as a side note, does your area have any high schools who take on project cars to do body work on minus the cost of parts/paint? I guess it comes down to trusting the students but I've been thinking about taking mine in to the local HS and having them fix mine up (needs paint and huge dent popped out or replaced rear qtr. panel).

I could spend $900 and 2 months with them or spend the $2000ish to have it done somewhere else.... if for whatever reason they can't do it, I'm sure I'll have it done somewhere though.

Pics?

[Green1995SVX]

Originally Posted by Subix

With that many miles, I would fix it.

Just as a side note, does your area have any high schools who take on project cars to do body work on minus the cost of parts/paint? I guess it comes down to trusting the students but I've been thinking about taking mine in to the local HS and having them fix mine up (needs paint and huge dent popped out or replaced rear qtr. panel).

I could spend $900 and 2 months with them or spend the $2000ish to have it done somewhere else.... if for whatever reason they can't do it, I'm sure I'll have it done somewhere though.

Pics?

I had my first SVX totally repainted by a high school body shop class. It came out really nice!

[svxcess]

Originally Posted by Green1995SVX

I had my first SVX totally repainted by a high school body shop class. It came out really nice!

I miss the days of the Enkei Shogun wheels. One of the best-looking wheels for the SVX. Sharp styling and directional as well.

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