2017 Cruze totaled by deer

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Well… Wife hit a deer.

Damage looked like one shattered headlight, bent hood, and bent front left quarter panel. Also windshield washer reservoir…

Took to dealership body shop and they say no fram damage, but damage to radiator support, rail under front fender is damaged, and headlight mounts are damaged. Also, side of transmission cooler is broken, and radiator support has damage.

2017 with about 101k miles.

Now, USAA is going to total the car. They are offering me around 10k. Repairs are estimated around $6500…

The car will have a salvage title if I keep it. If not, I get $10k…

I’m not sure which way to go on this. My wife likes the car, but I am worried about the transmission cooler… If any debris got sucked in there… Bad news.

Any opinions on what choice to make. I have a good mind to take the $10k and buy new. Especially now that I know the transmission cooler was compromised.

Car is paid for, so no consideration in that regard…

We live in Ga…

Thanks!

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I have NO experience in such matters, but $10k for a 7 year old car with 101K miles does not sound to bad.

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Kelly Blue Book is well under $10,000 and that vehicle isn’t known for being of high quality. Especially as it ages. Take the $10K and run!

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Ask what they will pay if you keep the car. It will be less but might not be a lot less.

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I believe that USAA is making a generous offer. I would take the $10K and trade up to a new car. My fear would be that with a 100K car will need major repair within the next 25K miles.

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I checked Consumer Reports reliability score for 2017 Cruze and it’s 66 which isn’t too bad. Comparable to Honda Fit and Mazda 3 and better than Impreza.

If you get a new car with a warranty, you’re probably better off. Although of course there are no new cars that cost $10K. Most run over $30K. If you were to buy a used car for around $10K or even $20K you may encounter problems that would make you miss your Cruze.

Maybe get a second opinion about the frame damage before deciding. Sometimes body shops find more problems as they work on wrecked cars.

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I went and looked at the damage.

Surprisingly, the front rail and the left frame member were actually pretty bent.

The collision happened at maybe 50 or so. Not even a full grown deer. At first, looked to me like only the headlight assembly and some panels needed replacing.

I’m fairly mechanically inclined. I was certain this repair would come in at under 4k. Which, was actually within a couple hundred of what the initial estimate was from pics… But once the body shop pulled all the affected panels off, they found a whole bunch more stuff. Almost 8k worth. Damage to wiring bundles, AC piping, and transmission piping… Surprising for so little visible external damage.

USAA just totaled the car, and gave me about 10k. I was happy to apply that toward a new car. I was never impressed with the durability and reliability of the Cruze. Wifey got a sweet new Camry. Loves it! I feel much better about her driving a car that is much higher rated.

Overall, I am happy. I had replacement value for the Cruze. 10k was legitimately 20% over book. USAA did us right, I was not at all sad to see the Cruze go. That thing gave a very strong “broke down on 285” vibe. It was only a matter of time before a car like the Cruze left her in a bad situation.