saab blues

Well,It happened just as I feared.The last time my wife drove my 91 turbo saab convertible ,she was rear ended by a teenager.The car was off the road for4 yrs as I rebuilt and upgraded it . I got it back from final paint in early may.I have driven it daily as I worked out the bugs . Great car. My wife has her parents visit and gives them her Acura to drive ,she will just use my convertible while they are here ,I can drive my 12 mpg winter 4x4,just super ,thanks .I really don't want her to drive my car .She has been hit 5 times in various vehicles in the last 10yrs.Well,you know the story ,I get a call at work yesterday.she was backed into at a stop sign by a teenage girl in a truck!!! she had all our kids with her (4) going to the amusement park. Why me ?why my car? It does not look too bad, but I only had the car perfect for a couple months. I cry now . estimate is 2500$ I fear they will try to total a 17 yr old car. I also need a new top ,not part of the accident but original top is tearing. Jeez only 17yrs?any recommendations for top suppliers /manufacturers I want it back on the road soon.My wife will not ever drive it again!!

First thing.. demagnetize your wife.

Second, get another estimate and/or figure out how much of it you can do yourself. Obviously, I don't know what was damaged or how badly, but maybe you can get that $2500 down a bit.

Used parts FTW. Almost every body shop out there will just write an estimate with all new parts because they know the insurance adjuster (me) will do the used parts search for them. Problem is, many adjusters are not that ambitious when it comes to something that old and will just wipe it out. You need to be proactive and find as many used or aftermarket parts as possible. Hook up with your Saab club buddies, call Goldwing or other Saab salvage specialists and use www.car-part.com.

well good news on the old saab front. the girl who hit my wife in my car has a dad who is a surgeon!No insurance involved so it gets fixed correctly with no hassle/totaling.I even found european clear turn signal housings to add a bit of style.