AirborneJohn88

I joined a while ago but didnt post much. This is the only place for me to post this.

Ive had my 2005 RX8 since 2007. Yesterday I spun out on the highway and ended up going backwards into a barrier. My back right rim shattered off of the hub and my passenger side curtain airbag and passenger seat airbag deployed.

The insurance adjuster called me today and told me he didn't look at the vehicle yet but because of the airbags being deployed it might more than likely be totaled.

He stated they would pay me out 70-80% of the cars worth and blah blah blah.

Im really hoping this thing isnt totaled out. It only had 87k miles on it, i just replaced the clutch and assembly + full tune up, new coil wires ect. I got that car after my 1st deployment when I was 19. Agggghhhh,

MCCRX8

Dang bro that sucks. Hope it works out for you.

AirborneJohn88

Thanks man, apparently their were 4 accidents/ spin outs before mine in that 12 hour period.

I really hope they dont total it!

MCCRX8

4 in the same spot? That came be a coincidence

AirborneJohn88

It rained lightly during the night. It is a bit crazy, talking to friends a lot of have stories about getting sideways in that turn.

Bridge is slick and shitty apparently.

AirborneJohn88

Welp, its officially totaled! -_- Im glad im ok and what not, but I am seriously upset about it all.

I spent all of my money from my first Deployment in Afghanistan to buy that car. I had some great times in that thing. 11 years of ownership.

RIP 2005 RX8 with 85k miles on it.

New Yorker

Hey, sorry to hear this! I know what you must be going through right now. Believe me, I'm as emotionally attached to my car as any human can be. That said, two things: 1) yeah, be happy you're okay, and 2) this sense of loss will, believe it or not, pass in time. It really is just a car, a machine, and you will undoubtedly own many more cars in your lifetime.

You really will get over this. You will get another car you love, at some point, and your eleven years with your 8 will be a fond memory that you'll always have. (Think of the many RX-8 owners who, for one reason or another - more kids, changing family circumstances, accidents - didn't get to enjoy their 8 for that long.) Carry on, sir! Everything will be okay.

furansu

Have you considered another RX-8? May make more sense to consider another car, but if you really enjoyed your ownership, getting another may be the right move.

Was it structurally compromised or just totaled out due to the airbag deployment? I'm not sure how mechanically-inclined you are, but if you are emotionally invested in the car and the body is straight, you could always buy it back from insurance (usually a fraction of the insurance payout) and fix it yourself, or swap parts over to another RX-8.

AirborneJohn88

I hope it passes soon hahaha. That is true though a lot of people I guess dont seem to hold onto theirs for too long it seems.

Today I went to gather the last of my things out of it. Wife told me to take a badge off of it, so I did. Took the one from the trunk. Then sat inside it for the last time. Its insane how emotional I am about this issue, ive done and been through a lot in my life and these feelings are just completely catching me off guard. I hate to admit it but like I got choked up today a little bit.

This too shall pass, like you said its just a vehicle. Thanks for the words brother!

AirborneJohn88

Yea realistically I will get another RX8 at some point. I just hate not knowing if the previous owner new how to treat them. Some people dont get on em enough, some people dont shut them off properly and flood em out all the time. I know the engines can be hit or miss too. I seemed to of had a good one.

At this time I need a vehicle bad as I am soon to be starting a new job, the Rx8 was never really good to me in the snow so I think im just going to get a truck or a beater and what not.

I dont have anywhere on my current property where I could store it for repair or part out and that sucks. I thought about it but I just dont see it being realistic at this point. I dont believe any frame damage, from what the adjuster stated was he stopped the estimate at some point once it became totaled. Im looking at $10,644 in damages quoted with labor.

They are cutting me a check for $4,8XXX after my deductible.

jakejm79

It might be a little late, but A. Its always worth asking for more and not taking their first offer (this is often easier if the accident wasn't your fault and someone else tho) and B. Sometimes producing receipts for recent work can help, unless they know they will tend to value all the items on the car in average condition, if there are some brand new big ticket items it can help to boost the value.
Anyway glad you are OK.

AirborneJohn88

Yeah, I was thinking about this. Due to the fact that I just put in a whole new clutch, flywheel, coils, wires, plugs and a new AC/Heater control into it in the last 6 months to 1 1/2 year ago.

After getting together documents and the going rate for an Rx8 from local sales, dealerships and Kelly Blue Book it actually seems that the check my adjuster offered is higher than that of my researched price these are going for.

I dont think im going to haggle/negotiate with him cause I dont want to force it to the custom appraisal option that I am allowed to by law. I feel I would prob get fucked over and get a lower offer than what he is doing.

I know usually insurance companies dont have your best interest at mind, but it seems like they are throwing me a bone. He figured it was around $5,2XXX and after my $500 deductible, im looking at around $4,8XXX

Unless you guys know these things are worth more than the going rate Im finding, I think I will just accept the offer tomorrow morning.

mazdaverx7

iTrader: (6)

Why not buy the car back and buy a clean roller for cheap and swap everything you want from your car over into that one? That way the car will live on in another 8 that is owned and maintained by you.

AirborneJohn88

Thats what I wanted to do but I dont have the property space right now at my current residence. I rent a house, in the ghetto with like no land and a d bag for a landlord.

It just wouldnt be realistic for me at this point. I am soon to be starting a very good paying job so eventually after the Wife and I get a house, maybe then I will look into getting back into an Rx8.

It sucks, but it seems to be the end of this chapter for me.

mazdaverx7

iTrader: (6)

If you're close to Ohio, I would be happy to store the car for you at no charge until you get a better place. I have plenty of room.

GeicoGecko

Did they tell you what the salvage/buy back value was?

AirborneJohn88

They did not, im assuming I had to ask.............

I didnt.......

AirborneJohn88

Thanks man, thats an awesome offer, unfortunately I am not near Ohio. I am currently in Connecticut so it would be a bit of a drive.

Thank you again for that offer. Coming from a stranger it meant a lot.

mazdaverx7

iTrader: (6)

To a fellow veteran and rotary enthusiast its the least I can do.