Totaled jeep buyback possibly?

[Robert Gessler]

A few of you are aware that I totaled my jeep earlier this week.
Spun out during a snowstorm and hit a pole.
Airbags did deploy and there is some solid body damage but mechanically its sound

I'm pondering the idea of a buyback and replacing the airbag system myself?

 

[RubiconMike]

Obvious question: frame damaged? If not, you can buy a complete tub and swap that out.

Other factors to consider:
If you can buy it back really cheap.
You have the time/skills/tools/space to do a complete body swap
You've done enough work or added enough stuff to your Jeep to make it worth saving.
Would you rather take the insurance money and buy a used Rubicon, maybe an Unlimited?

 

[Robert Gessler]

Obvious question: frame damaged? If not, you can buy a complete tub and swap that out.

Other factors to consider:
If you can buy it back really cheap.
You have the time/skills/tools/space to do a complete body swap
You've done enough work or added enough stuff to your Jeep to make it worth saving.
Would you rather take the insurance money and buy a used Rubicon, maybe an Unlimited?

Frame looks sound to me. The only issue I see with the buyback price is that I still have a loan on it. So the insurance money will likley go straight to the bank to pay that loan off (luckily its gonna cover what I owe)

I've done alot of "maintenance" to it but no major mods. The main issue with fining a new one is that I live in the midwest so rust is kind of a issue here.
I wouldn't mind getting an LJ or a rubicon (lj more because I want to start overlanding)

I dunno, I think right now I cant really decide what I want to do.

 

[toximus]

I'd bet you're going to spend more than $5000 in time and material fixing it to a good functional condition — even if you're okay living with scratches. You're better off finding another.

 

[toximus]

What's the buy back price? If it is low enough, you could always buy it back for just the top (depending on which you have, and if you like it) and that could open up more Jeep options later if say you want a hard top but can only find one with a soft top.

 

[Robert Gessler]

What's the buy back price? If it is low enough, you could always buy it back for just the top (depending on which you have, and if you like it) and that could open up more Jeep options later if say you want a hard top but can only find one with a soft top.

I might be able to nab the top before the insurance takes it and just throw the bikini top on it. Idk I'm new to this kind of stuff lol

 

[RubiconMike]

I might be able to nab the top before the insurance takes it and just throw the bikini top on it. Idk I'm new to this kind of stuff lol

If you can, pull off anything you added. The insurance company is not giving you credit for any aftermarket stuff anyway. Keeping the hardtop would be a major score too. How about wheels and tires? Can you swap some cheap steel wheels and little tires?

 

[Mike_H]

Hell...If you have a Dana 44 rear end, I'd find a Dana 35 on CL and swap it in! Keep the Dana 44 for your next one or to sell. Try to keep the hardtop, Wheels and Tires are a good idea (if they are aftermarket)...

The only reason I would keep that one is if the frame is REALLY good (straight and rust free) AND you can get it back from insurance for less than 2K. A rust free frame in the midwest is worth its weight in gold it seems.

 

[lindsey97]

Buy it back, and part it out. Or just sit on it, be patient, and find another jeep that is clean and straight, with a blown engine and/or bad transmission. When you get 2 or 3 of them together, pick which parts you want from each one and proceed to build something great.