I have been perfectly happy with my moustachian 2004 Honda Civic with 127,000 miles, which gets 35/40 mpg and has never once given me an ounce of trouble. Unfortunately, I was in a fender bender last night, and the car in front of me had a trailer hitch. The good news is, no damage to the other cars or any of the humans involved (thank goodness!). The bad news is, the front of my car is pretty bashed in. It still drives like a charm and is not dripping from the radiator. I have solid insurance but the car likely isn't worth much--I assume it's totaled just due to body damage--but the collision centers and insurance always want to make your car look brand new, or talk you into selling them your car and buying a new one. This car does not need to look brand new. It was my first car in HS, so it's got some scrapes and dings, although I've been religious about scheduled maintenance. As a moustachian, I can afford to buy a new-to-me car, but I'd prefer not to (I don't drive on personal time but I do travel for work at the IRS reimbursement rate). Would you try to have a "cheaper" auto body shop open it up, make sure there's no engine damage, and then put a Pick N Pull or used hood/front bumper cover on the car and then paint it? Has anyone ever tried to put used bumpers on their car in an economical fashion? I love this car, and am distraught that it could be totaled for cosmetic damage when it still runs fine.
The real kicker is that I spent $470 last Saturday on brand new tires from Costco. I can't let this expense go (again, I can afford to, but this is torturing my frugal soul). Is it possible to sell tires used and swap on the buyers' tires before I total it (if I go that route)?
Time is not an issue here, frugality is (and not wasting a reliable car). Advice welcomed from car DIYers!