Expert: webfoot - 8/10/2007

Question
I just bought a 2007 Mazda 3 i touring March 28 2007. I was rear ended by a dump truck on July 6 2007. Total damages amount to 6500. I bought the car for 18000. Average market value is 17000. CarMax appraised it at 10000 (ridiculously low I know) Ins. offered $650 DV.
KBV Excellent=17765
KBV Good=16720
KBV Poor=15300
After repairs I believe my car falls in either good or poor depedning on the definition of a certain question asked by the online appraisal.

This is the first major purchase I have made in my 23 years in life and absolutely do not want to get taken advantage of due to lack of experience. I have done a lot of research on the subject and was told by one expert (who is referenced in multiple articles about the subject) that the DV is $4000 minimum. I am not trying to get more out of this situation than what I had initially put in. The plain and simple fact is that if my car has been in an accident it has lost at least $1000 there was frame damage which required 'stretching' of the unibody as well as a new rear quarter panel that was welded on. Yes it got new paint but only in certain areas which I have been 'told' will fade differently no matter what. Everything damaged was replaced with factory parts except for the wheel well. The trunk lid and lights do not line up any more either.

Again, I am not looking for fast cash but I don't want to get robbed either. In your experience even if I thought that "2000" was appropriate compensation, how much should I ask for in order to receive that? And what in your opinion is an appropriate compensation?

I apologize for the lengthy question; I want to be as thorough as possible. I appreciate your time and expertise.
Thankyou,
Amanda

Answer
Amanda,
I'm not quite sure how to respond to this as it sounds like you've already been given such bizarre info.

After 20 years in the auto business, I've never heard of stretching a frame on a unibody vehicle.  There is no frame.  It boils down to this.  The vehicle is either properly repaired or it is not.  From what you describe, the vehicle was not properly repaired which means that you cannot even begin to evaluate diminished value.  If the vehicle cannot be properly repaired, then it should be considered a total loss.  If you or a shop were compensated to properly repair the vehicle and they failed to perform the repairs, then you have an issue with the shop.  Again though, diminished value cannot be considered until the vehicle has first been returned to pre-loss condition.  

As far as the amount of DV, it varies from state to state based on case law.  No one person is "correct" on the amount of DV.  I can say though that I've never, ever seen $4,000 of DV awarded on a car worth less than $40,000-$50,000.

Good luck!