Sad News for a Rookie Owner

[spinootz]

I'll start by saying I've been a lurker for quite some time, never really felt the need to post, until now.
I would like some other owners input & experience dealing with Audi's after an accident.

So over a month ago I was rear ended at highway speeds by a Nissan Versa. Suffered a minor concussion but was otherwise Okay. The Nissan was totaled, I'm talking engine in the dashboard/airbags/no front end, totaled. Travelers and the body shop did about $10k worth of repairs to the back end of my 2010 A4.

Today, 40 days after the accident, I finally picked her up from the shop... From the beginning I knew things would never be the same behind the wheel.
I may be worrying a bit much or freaking out (in my head) about the accident, but things just don't feel the same.
There is a new trunk, rear bumper w/new sensors, tailights, seatbelts, and battery. They hammered out the floor of the trunk and patched it up.

The smell of the accident still lingers, there seems to be a different sound (than I remember) from the engine, the steering knocks (I equate the sound to cracking your elbow or something like that) with each 1/4 turn, and it just doesn't feel the same at highway speeds.

Now when i picked up the car, the Insurance Agent looked me dead in the eye and said, "get rid of it. Trade it in."
I absolutely love this car. It breaks my heart to think of letting it go, but I don't know if I can get over the changes.

I would like to know where people stand on keeping their Audis after an accident.

[adamazing]

If you don't have a lot of mods invested into it (or hell, even if you do) take his advise and sell it towards a newer one. The model isn't even current anymore, there are plenty of good used ones to be had.

[spinootz]

A little background info on the car:
2010 a4 prestige package, 6MT, second owner, w/ 68,8XXmi (25,XXXmi came from me), had the pistons replaces at 50k, no oil consumption problems, no problems of any kind, at all
Here are some photos of the accident:
I suspect this car hit me at ~80mph... I was doing at least 60mph and was coasting with traffic when he hit me.

[thrill23]

I'll start by saying I've been a lurker for quite some time, never really felt the need to post, until now.
I would like some other owners input & experience dealing with Audi's after an accident.

So over a month ago I was rear ended at highway speeds by a Nissan Versa. Suffered a minor concussion but was otherwise Okay. The Nissan was totaled, I'm talking engine in the dashboard/airbags/no front end, totaled. Travelers and the body shop did about $10k worth of repairs to the back end of my 2010 A4.

Today, 40 days after the accident, I finally picked her up from the shop... From the beginning I knew things would never be the same behind the wheel.
I may be worrying a bit much or freaking out (in my head) about the accident, but things just don't feel the same.
There is a new trunk, rear bumper w/new sensors, tailights, seatbelts, and battery. They hammered out the floor of the trunk and patched it up.

The smell of the accident still lingers, there seems to be a different sound (than I remember) from the engine, the steering knocks (I equate the sound to cracking your elbow or something like that) with each 1/4 turn, and it just doesn't feel the same at highway speeds.

Now when i picked up the car, the Insurance Agent looked me dead in the eye and said, "get rid of it. Trade it in."
I absolutely love this car. It breaks my heart to think of letting it go, but I don't know if I can get over the changes.

I would like to know where people stand on keeping their Audis after an accident.

Don't fall in love with the car. Sale it or trade it in. Start fresh with an B8.5 or B9. Feel better meng, hope you find the perfect ride for you.

[spinootz]

The only "mod" (if i can even call it that) was the RS4 honeycomb grill swap.
which i put in 5 $*@& days before the accident...
But thanks for the input, thats what I'm leaning towards atm. Going to a dealer tomorrow to see what they'll give me

[Dado]

Good luck mate, Glad you're alright.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[spoolin4jesus]

If you haven't already, look into submitting a Diminished Value claim with the Insurance company. My new (back in 2012) WRX got hit and had ~$8,000 in repairs. I had it appraised after the repairs and settled with the insurance company to get part of the lost value back. This was in North Carolina, but I think New York works similarly.

[bakedziti]

Your insurance adjuster doesn't say stuff like that often in experience, so I would listen to them. Or, I would have questioned them as to why they fixed it in the first place. Depending on who your insurance company is, I would tell them to take another look and make it right; if they can't, tell them you want it totaled out because you fell unsafe. It may take some time, but sounds like you have nothing to lose really.

[heatseeker23]

I agree with everyone else and think you should get rid of it. Get a B8 S4 or a B8.5 A4 S-line.

Some of the other options mentioned such as diminished value claim or arguing with the insurance to fix things because you don't feel safe are possible but a headache. You will be much happier in a newer, non wrecked car.

[ryanhmusic]

I'll start by saying I've been a lurker for quite some time, never really felt the need to post, until now.
I would like some other owners input & experience dealing with Audi's after an accident.

So over a month ago I was rear ended at highway speeds by a Nissan Versa. Suffered a minor concussion but was otherwise Okay. The Nissan was totaled, I'm talking engine in the dashboard/airbags/no front end, totaled. Travelers and the body shop did about $10k worth of repairs to the back end of my 2010 A4.

Today, 40 days after the accident, I finally picked her up from the shop... From the beginning I knew things would never be the same behind the wheel.
I may be worrying a bit much or freaking out (in my head) about the accident, but things just don't feel the same.
There is a new trunk, rear bumper w/new sensors, tailights, seatbelts, and battery. They hammered out the floor of the trunk and patched it up.

The smell of the accident still lingers, there seems to be a different sound (than I remember) from the engine, the steering knocks (I equate the sound to cracking your elbow or something like that) with each 1/4 turn, and it just doesn't feel the same at highway speeds.

Now when i picked up the car, the Insurance Agent looked me dead in the eye and said, "get rid of it. Trade it in."
I absolutely love this car. It breaks my heart to think of letting it go, but I don't know if I can get over the changes.

I would like to know where people stand on keeping their Audis after an accident.

Not sure why everyone is telling you to trade this in right away. That might be the long term solution but you haven't played this out yet. It was "fixed" but not to the standard it was in before the accident. Take it to a nice shop and get a quote to get it fixed right. You were not at fault, bring this up to the agent you're working with -- have them rent you a car -- let them fix it again. Give it another chance or two to be fixed and just keep fighting them until its right. If it still isn't fixed, push for it to be totaled out -- the car needs to be returned to you in the shape it was in just before the accident.

@allroadcorbin just went through a similar situation but he was at fault. It took nearly three months to be fixed right but its there now.

Don't give up on it and lose your ass financially on this because someone rear ended you.

[PurdueB8A4]

Not sure why everyone is telling you to trade this in right away. That might be the long term solution but you haven't played this out yet. It was "fixed" but not to the standard it was in before the accident. Take it to a nice shop and get a quote to get it fixed right. You were not at fault, bring this up to the agent you're working with -- have them rent you a car -- let them fix it again. Give it another chance or two to be fixed and just keep fighting them until its right. If it still isn't fixed, push for it to be totaled out -- the car needs to be returned to you in the shape it was in just before the accident.

@allroadcorbin just went through a similar situation but he was at fault. It took nearly three months to be fixed right but its there now.

Don't give up on it and lose your ass financially on this because someone rear ended you.

This guy has it right... Don't accept the "fixes" just because the insurance co/repair shop say they are done. It NEEDS to be back at a pre-wreck quality & workmanship level. I wouldn't settle for anything less, if they are not willing to play ball-- start mentioning getting a lawyer involved. You have rights as an insurance claimant, you need to research the laws for your state & take action.

[Dub_prime]

Not sure why everyone is telling you to trade this in right away. That might be the long term solution but you haven't played this out yet. It was "fixed" but not to the standard it was in before the accident. Take it to a nice shop and get a quote to get it fixed right. You were not at fault, bring this up to the agent you're working with -- have them rent you a car -- let them fix it again. Give it another chance or two to be fixed and just keep fighting them until its right. If it still isn't fixed, push for it to be totaled out -- the car needs to be returned to you in the shape it was in just before the accident.

@allroadcorbin just went through a similar situation but he was at fault. It took nearly three months to be fixed right but its there now.

Don't give up on it and lose your ass financially on this because someone rear ended you.

Listen to this man, and by God file medical expenses and if possible get a lawyer involved. Make sure you complain often and loudly to the insurance company because it is their responsibility to fix your car to pre-accident condition. If the suspension or steering is off or it doesn't "feel" right it's up to them to fix. I had an accident in December and all of the body work was complete ($11k worth) but the suspension was still messed up. After the accident I suddenly developed the high speed wobble in the front end and a roaring from the rear that the body shop didn't even diagnose. I had to pay out of pocket to have it diagnosed and it ended up I still had the recalled lower control arms and 2 bad bearings. After fighting with them for about 2 months and them denying the claim because of wear items being replaced the totaled the car (7/15/2016). I am keeping the car and have about $12k in hand after the total loss claim and for loss of use and reimbursement for the parts I put into the car and the parts I purchased to repair the suspension components causing the problems. After I fix the car I will still be in the black about $9k or so, but only because I'm upgrading the shocks and installing an APR DP and tune. With an injury claim you should make out much better than me, but don't expect it to happen overnight or without having to put up a fight

[zcspec]

First off, let me say that I am sorry that you got rear ended. Any accident you're involved in will always be a nightmare. I hope that you have a good attorney as you suffered cerebral trauma in the form of a concussion. Not good...you need to be compensated.

There are reasons why the adjuster recommended that you get rid of the car. Having been through a few and having close friends own body shops and such, I've be lucky enough to have done the right thing.

This applies to any vehicle which has been hit...it's never the same vehicle again. No matter how good the repair shop is, the structure of your vehicle will never be 100%. Cutting/welding/bonding/etc changes the integrity of your car. From a safety's standpoint, it's not as safe as it was unaltered. I am pretty sure there are researches out there which have indicated this. Another big factor, is the value of your vehicle. As one member indicated, you need to file a DV claim. Your Audi is now worth substantially less. A car fax will report that you were involved in an accident and perhaps, the airbags deployed. Why should you take the burden of this "scarlet letter A" when it was the other part's fault? A DV claim pays you for the estimated loss in value. I will stay this, going this route is not an easy process cause you'll need a good adjuster who has DV claim experience. Then you'll have to present this to the other party's adjuster to be fairly compensated.

What ever path you take, I do wish the very best for you...PM me if you need any suggestions or feedback.

[audigraph]

100% go for a diminished value claim, BEFORE you sell/trade in the car (if you do).

[spinootz]

thanks for all the input.
After much thought, I have decided to go forward with the DV claim, and hang tight for a bit.
I'm going to take it to the Audi dealer to run a diagnostic check, to make sure everything checks out, and a little peace of mind.

Updates will follow.

[cuda2000]

Same exact thing happened to me 3 yrs ago. Rear ended in a rain storm while I was driving 45, hit by a full sized van doing 60 or more. Same damage as you. About $12,000 to fix. Has been absolutely fine since. You need to take it back to the collision repair shop and tell them to fix it right!

[doublespeeded]

If you don't have a lot of mods invested into it (or hell, even if you do) take his advise and sell it towards a newer one. The model isn't even current anymore, there are plenty of good used ones to be had.

I agree with adamazing. The pre-facelift model looks so dated even compared to the facelift (no offence to fellow b8 owners).

Perhaps trade it in for something more modern?

[pkny]

A little background info on the car:
2010 a4 prestige package, 6MT, second owner, w/ 68,8XXmi (25,XXXmi came from me), had the pistons replaces at 50k, no oil consumption problems, no problems of any kind, at all
Here are some photos of the accident:
I suspect this car hit me at ~80mph... I was doing at least 60mph and was coasting with traffic when he hit me.

DId you get a alignment to make sure nothing was bent? If you did, ask for the readout from the bodyshop. WHen i was tboned they never did a alignment and it never drove the same. The insurance company had to pay an additonal 3k to get the alignment back to spec.

[spinootz]

Second Update:
been a bit busy lately, basically got a supervisor from the insurance to come inspect the car, at the body shop Audi uses in my town.
After a brief discussion and a few phone calls, they deemed the car a total loss.
The repair work was not done right the first time, and to do it again would exceed 75% of the car's value, which in NY = totaled.

tough thing to digest for me... but whats done is done.

Now the real question is what next?
I've managed to find a handful of B8.5 manuals w/ premium plus
But I also want to entertain the idea of a Subaru WRX
any suggestions?

[Dub_prime]

Second Update:
been a bit busy lately, basically got a supervisor from the insurance to come inspect the car, at the body shop Audi uses in my town.
After a brief discussion and a few phone calls, they deemed the car a total loss.
The repair work was not done right the first time, and to do it again would exceed 75% of the car's value, which in NY = totaled.

tough thing to digest for me... but whats done is done.

Now the real question is what next?
I've managed to find a handful of B8.5 manuals w/ premium plus
But I also want to entertain the idea of a Subaru WRX
any suggestions?

Sorry to hear that buddy, same situation I was in. I kept my car because the cost to keep it was only $2900 with 90% of the work done already. Part of the reason I kept it was because the weren't any cars available within a reasonable distance to me... The interior of the WRX is lacking compared to our cars but it's all about what you need in a car.

[Demringstho864]

I have nightmares about this. Granted my car isn't the newest or the nicest model . but I love it. I truly love my car. I have been obsessed with Audi's for close to 8 years. It was my reason to go to college work hard so I could buy one. I still remember the day I test drove my car and knew from that point that was going to be my car. I completely understand your situation

[Project Quattro]

Sorry to hear that, man, totaling a car you love is never easy. I considered a WRX Premium (has leather, etc.) but for the price of a new one you should easily be able to find a Prem+ 6MT B8.5. A lot of leases end this time of year so if you keep searching I bet you'll find one soon.


Sent from the Pedal Responce boardroom

[spinootz]

Sorry to hear that, man, totaling a car you love is never easy. I considered a WRX Premium (has leather, etc.) but for the price of a new one you should easily be able to find a Prem+ 6MT B8.5. A lot of leases end this time of year so if you keep searching I bet you'll find one soon.


Sent from the Pedal Responce boardroom

And find one soon I did,
The good man that sold me the b8 a4 back in 2014, had two b8.5's at the start of the day... Spent the morning playing the field with Volkswagen and another Audi dealer. By the time we got to Jack Daniels of Upper Saddle River (the dealer with 2 b8.5) the 2014 was sold! With one option left, a 2013 with 37kmiles, was almost the EXACT car as my b8 that was totaled. The only thing missing was the premium audio package, which honestly i can look past considering the situation.

[spinootz]

I just want to say thanks for all the input and suggestions, I really appreciated it!

[B7AudiSline]

Sorry to hear about your loss, I hope you get another Audi.

[Project Quattro]

And find one soon I did,
The good man that sold me the b8 a4 back in 2014, had two b8.5's at the start of the day... Spent the morning playing the field with Volkswagen and another Audi dealer. By the time we got to Jack Daniels of Upper Saddle River (the dealer with 2 b8.5) the 2014 was sold! With one option left, a 2013 with 37kmiles, was almost the EXACT car as my b8 that was totaled. The only thing missing was the premium audio package, which honestly i can look past considering the situation.

Nice! Did you pick it up? And is it 6MT?


Sent from the Pedal Responce boardroom

[spinootz]

It is manual! Basically the same package I got back in 2014! (the 2010 model that was just totaled)
The only difference, no B&O sound system :/ which is not a big deal, bout to throw in a sub for sure

Now the question is, have the car tuned to APR Stage 1 before I take it home?
(the dealership has a performance dept. that will do the work & warranty it)

[ak11214]

It is manual! Basically the same package I got back in 2014! (the 2010 model that was just totaled)
The only difference, no B&O sound system :/ which is not a big deal, bout to throw in a sub for sure

Now the question is, have the car tuned to APR Stage 1 before I take it home?
(the dealership has a performance dept. that will do the work & warranty it)

how much extra did you have to pay after your insurance total check.

[spinootz]

how much extra did you have to pay after your insurance total check.

$10k on top of what they deemed the b8 was worth, which was apparently a fair market value of just over $14k

[Slow4]

After a brief discussion and a few phone calls, they deemed the car a total loss.

why wasn't this done from the get-go?

rear-end collision resulting in damage to frame is not something a car can recover from.

[Dub_prime]

$10k on top of what they deemed the b8 was worth, which was apparently a fair market value of just over $14k

I hope you didn't take the first offer... You should have gotten in the $15-16k range easily with the options. My initial offer was $16,100. I have a prem plus with sport and no B&O with 84k miles. Ended up getting almost $21k after negotiations because of recent maintenance and other items installed on the car.

[spinootz]

I hope you didn't take the first offer... You should have gotten in the $15-16k range easily with the options. My initial offer was $16,100. I have a prem plus with sport and no B&O with 84k miles. Ended up getting almost $21k after negotiations because of recent maintenance and other items installed on the car.

We did negotiate... the insurance supervisor was just as pissed as we were when she saw the shit repairs and the song and dance from the responsible body shop.

why wasn't this done from the get-go?

rear-end collision resulting in damage to frame is not something a car can recover from.

The claim adjusted fucked up... it should've been fixed right, replacing the damaged pieces instead of repairing... but they didn't... at this point its like crying over spilled milk.