Crashed,...will it be the same again?

[nikeian]

Just got it back a couple of days...

the crash made me think whether the car's back to normal. I doubt so.

Any thoughts?

[carniver]

Probably a total loss?

[MN Driver]

What do you mean whether it's back to normal? It still looks like this right now, right?

1/3 of the car is crushed, in the United States this car would be a total loss because every piece of metal, including the engine has moved and it appears that the engine dented into the firewall with how far back it is. The frame looks like it must be crushed in quite a bit too.

Can you describe how the crash happened? How fast you were going when the impact happened, oncoming car hit, etc? I hope nobody was hurt but this accident looks very painful.

I wish you the best in your recovery if you were injured, or the financial recovery if this set you back alot. I don't know how this sort of thing is handled in Singapore.

[nikeian]

Thanks but I think I may have caused quite a lot of confusion and disbelief.

Yes my car has been repaired. Thankfully, the engine and engine mount did not shift nor damaged. Otherwise it would consider as Total Loss.

I had occured into a 6 car collision. Downslope, leading to entrance of expressway tunnel.

My car is the 6th car. In front of me is a Honda Stream. (see attached)

Anyway the point is I want to highlight is that i was travelling at least 40km/hr - 45km/hr and this Honda Stream braked so suddenly, I had no chance to step on mine and thus crashed. The only thing I could recall before crash - "Heard a loud screech... and then I saw the Honda stream in front - Bam~!"

Both of my airbags were released. My spectacles flew to the front. There was slight smoke. If you notice my front, my lower bumper did not hit at all.

Most of the items at the front had to be replaced - air bags (sensor, ring and steering wheel cover)... wirings and pipings to the air con cooler and radiator... my air filter box was ok, but they replaced it. Kept my K&N filter though - whew~ (after my insurance co. sent the car for assessment & inspection) The workshop quoted repairs @ SGD$15,499.90. All I need to do is to pay SGD$600.00 as part of insurance excess. I may have problems finding another insurance company for the year covering Jul 2012 ~ Jul 2013.

I am heartbroken because most of the parts & assembly were in Japan. The authorised workshop is reowned for FIAT, MAZDA & ALFA ROMEO. They specialised in accident repairs as well. But being HONDA Insight is fairly new, they've assured me they gotten the parts from Singapore HONDA Authorised dealer (who recently in Dec 10' brought in Insight, there's only 1 x Honda authorised dealer in Singapore)

I am monitoring its capabilities again. So far, am concerned for the fuel consumption. However, it is only the first tank after the accident. I need to analyse it for 2 more full tanks. Start/stop function is normal and frequent.

To emphasize, at that speed, somehow it caused this

When I saw this, if I was going at 50 to 60km/hr,... I could not imagine wat is my car going to be like. Clearly, as the inspection centre guy quoted /commented "Japanese cars frame tend to be softer, continental cars are much better. Their car frame can withstand better impact."

Looking for a all Honda Insight weather cargo mat... lol...

[Jayemtee]

If the car is running fine after a tank of gas or two, I see no reason to think that it might have accident related problems in the future. The damage "seems" to be mostly unrelated to the reliability and performance of the car.

I'd get the alignment double checked. The electrical should be fine.

[nikeian]

Originally Posted by Jayemtee

If the car is running fine after a tank of gas or two, I see no reason to think that it might have accident related problems in the future. The damage "seems" to be mostly unrelated to the reliability and performance of the car.

I'd get the alignment double checked. The electrical should be fine.

You are right, the alighnment is a bit off. When I straighten my steering, its slightly to the right. Comes with 1 year warranty. I need to head back to the workshop when I have the time...

Electricals are fine.

[InsightRider101]

That's pretty amazing they could fix that... I always wanted to see the front of this thing smashed in though! This car is in the top picks for safety in front crashes which is a great thing, sorry to see that happen though...

[nikeian]

Originally Posted by InsightRider101

That's pretty amazing they could fix that... I always wanted to see the front of this thing smashed in though! This car is in the top picks for safety in front crashes which is a great thing, sorry to see that happen though...

After this experience, I don't really think it's much safety. Because to me, the impact was minimal but the damages looks extensive. At 40km/hr, I don't think this should happen.

It's not amazing, its just pure work and rectifying. The alignment is little off, which I may need to head back and seek adjustment. Performance wise, and even starting of the ignition is normal. But this has to be monitored at least another year.

[carniver]

Originally Posted by nikeian

After this experience, I don't really think it's much safety. Because to me, the impact was minimal but the damages looks extensive. At 40km/hr, I don't think this should happen.

If it didn't crumble to absorb the shock, however, you might have felt a more significant impact on your body. Glad you're ok!

[kennysmith]

I've done autobody work and I've bought totals to rebuild. My favorite car was one that was totaled at 2K miles. I bought and rebuilt it and drove it 175K w/o trouble until we slid on ice into a telephone pole and totaled it again. Rebuilt it again and gave it away when it was almost to 300K. Last time I saw it it was at 340K w/o trouble. Your car did not crush the frame since the damage was above the frame rails which makes for even less damage. Carniver is right about absorbing the impact. Better the car than the passengers.