Hello. I am not a mechanic nor a hobbiest. I have limited knowledge, so bear with me. I have a 2002 Camry, SE. I was in a car accident where a car broadsided me on the passenger side. I have a few questions that I would really appreciate answers, as I am having to deal with an uncooperative insurance company. Essentially, I will be getting the car repaired myself (they're totalling it, I'm buying it back)

1. the front passenger side tire was slightly bent inwards at the bottom, so now it's crooked. I was able to drive the car home. Does this mean I have a bent front axel? If so, how much should this condition cost be be repaired?

2. My front passenger door is bent severly inward, to the point where it cannot be opened. The electric window is intact and works. Can the huge dent be pulled out and straightened?Or should I have the entire door, including the motor, replaced? Can I salvage the window motor in my damaged door and sell it? One autobody shop quoted me $1300 for a new door replaced and painted. What should be the price for this?

Thanks for any advice. I can use something soon please. Thanks.

-Stan

 

Suggest if you doing repair work to obtain a Haynes or Chilton shop manual to provide details on repair.

The axle is pretty stout, thus the damage may be to the suspension or possibly the frame. If the car is home place the front end on jacks and remove both tires. The left and right axles are different but the other suspension parts are a mirror images of each other. Compare left and right sides to determine where the damage is. Use a tape measure to compare dimensions.

The outer door panel can be replaced but might be cheaper to buy a new door. The door may or may not come with the window motor assembly. If not it can be swapped out. You could sell the current one, plus any other door controls, not sure on price check Ebay.

Would think if the tire is damaged the car has also has damage between the tire and door. You will need to check this out. Typically the insurance company does not totally cars unless the repair cost equals a certain percentage of the car valve. Not sure what this is these days. As such the adjuster may have seen more damage then you think is present.

If the car has semi-metallic paint, matching it will be difficult. If a popular color might be able to find one the same color through a junkyard.

The price quoted is not out of line if including the door and new paint.

 

Okay, thanks for that info! It helps me make my decision.