2005 Vibe Totalled (everyone's fine)

[MrTyke]

I haven't been here that long...but now I have some bad news to share. My VIBE bit the dust at "vibe-owner-error" accident. Yep, I goofed and that's all I've got to say about that. Everyone came out unscratched. The steering column air-bag did it's trick, though a bit low on the aim. It hit me in the chest. In retrospect, that's good. The OnStar immediately kicked in and alerted authorities. Here comes the bad news. The cost to repair was HIGH.. ..about $7k under the cost of the vehicle loan. My insurance company decided to total the vehicle. Yep, engine still turns over fine. Front-end damage as I thought wasn't so bad turned out to be a monster . Here are a couple images to my front-end damage.Front Right ProfileFront Left ProfileOh...I've got GAP Insurance, so I'm hoping that everything will be financially fine once all the paperwork grooves through the network.I've been doing my homework. Vibe is still a vehicle contender, but the Dodge Caliber is ranking higher. I'll let you know what happens.

[NascarXprt]

Ouch that looks nasty. it dosent look totaled or is the frame damaged too?

[BlueCrush]

Sorry to hear about your accident. Glad to hear everyone is ok, and that the Vibe did it's job protecting you. The Vibe and Caliber are both great options. Good luck and keep us updated as to what you get.

[ramenboy...]

glad everyone's ok. you gotta admit, the vibe is one safe car

[ArcsVibe]

Glad you guys came out ok!!

[MrTyke]

My opinion is that it's not totaled. Unfortunately, the insurance company probably has some weighting related to vehicle cost and repair cost. The vehicle isn't a year old yet and to repair it would amount to spending 3/4 the value of the car. Logic and math bode against their fixing it. That leaves me with the option to buy it from them or cash out. ...but I'm speaking too soon really. All of the paperwork has yet to be completed. From what I saw, there doesn't appear to be any frame damage...just a lot of repair parts and labor. I actually drove it out of the intersection after the accident. Engine turned over like it was brand new.

[Toasted7]

OUCH! Looks like that hurt, but glad everyone is ok. Good to see the On-Star did what it was supposed to do.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by MrTyke » That leaves me with the option to buy it from them or cash out. ...but I'm speaking too soon really. Seems like since you have gap insurance, the best bet would be to let it be paid off and move on to the next vehicle. However, it would be interesting to know what they would charge for you to keep the wrecked car. I can think of a few parts I'd like to buy off it but glad you're all ok, the Vibe saved another genviber.

[denvette78]

IT's too bad for you but i glad your ok. Your's doesnt look too damage compare to the one i bought. Im sure someone will get to have it for cheap. got mine for 14,000 $ Got check on my link to see what it look when i bought it.

[4X4CHICHI]

I tell you what, the Vibe sure does seem to protect its occupant beautifully

[goodvibe]

Once the air bags go off, it's easy to total a car. They're a few grand to replace on their own.

[1badvibe]

this is what mine looked like when i bought it

[MrTyke]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »... it would be interesting to know what they would charge for you to keep the wrecked car. I can think of a few parts I'd like to buy off it ...Joatmon, I plan to let it ride. I think that it's less headache for me. Insurance is pushing $17k and gap (if it ever comes through) should fill in the rest of the loan. Oh...and Joatman, thanks again for your excellent guidance on hooking up the lights. Unfortunately, it's just now getting warm enough to have taken some pictures of my work. Isn't that the way things go with procrastinators?!?! We'll see how things go with the paperwork and what I end up with as a replacement. I'll take "pros and cons" on Vibe vs Caliber. Anybody pushin' the info?????

[Katscan]

Quote, originally posted by MrTyke »My opinion is that it's not totaled. Unfortunately, the insurance company probably has some weighting related to vehicle cost and repair cost. From my understanding is that if the frame is damaged in the accident they will total the vehicle as the integrity of the vehicle is now comprimised. Before they would try to fix the frame but I think recently the laws have changed and they are required to total the vehicle if the frame is damaged in anyway. On a seperate note about the Caliber....I heard rumors that they are going to release a 300HP version of the Caliber.

[NascarXprt]

- off topic for a second 1badvibe your selling your vibe!!! why that is one uniqe vibe. back to topic (some what) Katscan the 300hp Caliber is the SRT-4 Caliber and its not a rummor at all its for real and will be out sometime in September.

[1badvibe]

i have a 6 and 8 year old that can't sit that close together for more than 10 miles, " HE'S LOOKING AT ME", " SHE'S TOUCHING ME" getting the picture. i need a third row seater, maybe a roof rack for the vibe????? that cold be the hot seat , or could depending

[Merzbow]

Well atleast the car is clean and still has the tire shine on it Your Vibe will rest in peace...

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by 1badvibe »i have a 6 and 8 year old that can't sit that close together for more than 10 miles, " HE'S LOOKING AT ME", " SHE'S TOUCHING ME" getting the picture. i need a third row seater, maybe a roof rack for the vibe????? that cold be the hot seat , or could dependingMy favorite:"S/HE'S LOOKING OUT MY WINDOW!!!!!"

[Trevinous]

(removed), i am soo sorry! I am glad everybody is ok though!