Bad R/T Wreck, Need Advice

[Clean'n'Mean]

It tears me up but my R/T is in purgatory right as now and I need some opinions.

Last weekend I was almost hit by a drunk driver in black cavalier that was taking a turn way to wide, I was going 35 around the same turn and when I swerved to avoid his dumbass, my dumbass ran my pride and joy 2012 R/T 6 spd over an 8 inch curb. Of course, the cavalier man drives off without stopping.

The car is in need of serious repair, but has not been declared a total loss by my insurance. I've paid the 500 dollar deductible, but the car is getting nearly $9000 in repairs. Just some off the items needing replaced: New lower Front Grill, New front bumper, new rt front fender new radiator, new radiator mount, new ac system, new front 20in wheel, new tire, new tpms and abs sensors, new front rt suspension assembly ( all bars, knuckle, shock, upper/lower control arms), new engine crandle, new tire rods, and new rocker moldings. just to name some of the needed repairs.

The repairs are being performed by a Chrysler certified collision center, and save for the paint job, I'm led to believe that my warranty will still be intact.

Nevertheless, I'm still heartbroken over the car and shook up from the accident. It will change my life in the sense that I will always take turns slower on public roads, and DRIVE MORE DEFENSIVELY.

I'm asking if you think the car will drive the same after all these extensive repairs are completed. My R/T has just under 10,000 miles, and a great deal of TLC. But I'm concerned that it will never ride the same with new parts on one section of the car, with slightly used parts on the other sections. Along with the added hassle of a more complex maintenance schedule. If I notice a major difference, I'm considering selling the repaired car, at an unavoidable loss, then taking some time to save up for another.

What do you think? Is my Beauty worth saving? I'm tearing out my hair over this

[Richmonddjs]

Drive it and see. If you don't like it or the way it drives somebody will def take it off your hands. I personally would sell it and get another one.

[Redliner]

Believe it or not.........modern repairs of cars amaze me. With digital this and laser that, they get things back to as straight as new 9or better) in some cases because of the "now" personal attention. I understand that you are getting the work done No matter what. so..................this logically means that you can wait to find out, then make your decision. Personally, I would keep it unless they don't make it ride right. Also, make sure that you have someone ride in a car following you or you let them drive and then you follow your car to make sure it tracks square. Feel the ride, make sure of the warranty on the repairs and continue to enjoy your car. don't abandon her when she needs you the most!

[super8man]

A long time a go, in a galaxy far, far away, folks used to forage for parts at junkyards and cobble together some pretty fast machines. I think you are obsessing about the imaginary "some parts will be older/newer than other parts" syndrome. If you want a new car, sell it once it is repaired and buy new. But I would be willing to place a bet you won't be able to tell anything is "wrong" with the repaired car. Unless you have a crappy shop but it does not sound like you do. Let it go and just enjoy the drive. Like I said, if you are that worried, sell it and buy a fresh one.

[69 SIX PACK ROADRUNNER]

My guess is, it will be ok. Driving tip: Look at all drivers as "the enemy" trying to destroy your car.

[Madcoder]

I would get a new one if insurance covers it or at least enough of it.

Now that it has officially been in an accident it will forever be on the carfax and anyone who buys the car WILL bring that up.

[Go Goody]

See how the fit / finish / performance / driveabilty is then make a decision. Sorry that this happened......

[dizzyD]

BTW, dont sign the paperwork until you have driven it for some time. INSurance companies are all for closing and not for reopening, although since its your Ins, you might have some leverage if the repairs dont pan out.
My 93 dakota was hit and the frame was damaged at the control arms that was not visable at inspection, but later found thru the new measuring machines it was 1/2" out of spec and the steering/alignment could never get back into spec. could never get other insurance to reopen, basically "you signed" approving repairs.

[TRDutch]

If you want to keep it and drive it and enjoy it,Dont worry about it,to you it will be perfect.
I have had 2 cars and a motorcycle on the brink of total put back together and they all looked and drove fine.Actually they all turned out better than they were before (especially the bike) the accident cause little cosmetic things had to be replaced as well as the damage and I added custom paint and upgrades.
On the otherhand if you want to sell, collect to sell,or trade in you are never going to get anything back out of the vehicle.It is marked and the carfax will forever plague its value.
Think about it ,if you were going to buy a used car would you even consider a wrecked one unless it is a great deal on a truck or a car for your Kid,but not a muscle/performance car, and that is what I sold my thee vehicles for (someone got a great deal)
Ive bought cars/trucks that were put back together and they were all good rides, but again I knew this and got a great deal.
The challenger is not holding any value in perfect shape.No one can sell these cars for anywhere nere BB value and any cool stuff you put on the car is a give away (unless you put the car back to stock and sell parts for 40%)
So make it cool as hell and drive the crap out of it and you will be in no better of worse shape than any of us.
Or, total it out, take your lumps and start over.
Moral of the story every dime you spend on these cars will be for your enjoyment cause you will never get the value back.Just check most of the cars for sale on CT.com,
Price what is worth bump,Blue Book,bump,1000 less,bump,500 less bump,Make me an offer.........I traded it in sold ....for 3-4 thousand under BB.

[Challenged Grampa]

It's always tough when that "thing" happens that takes the new off of a favorite toy. Technology really is great these days and with automated assembly and computerized repair equipment, sometimes a shop can actually get the specs better than they were when it left the plant.

As long as the airbags didn't deploy you can keep it or unload it and start over if it loses that special feeling when you get it back.

Sorry that you're having to go through it but as long as you're OK everything else can be replaced.

I've been driving truck for 36 years and have over 3 million miles OTR and there just never seems to be a shortage of stupid people out there

Good Luck. Rob