I own a 1996 Cherokee sport 4x4 that now sits in a impound lot following an accident. Sports car accelerated in the rain, spun out, bounced off the guatd rail into my lane. I was already slowing down because of the timing of everything. The engine stayed running, but the check engine light came on and radiator fluid was leaking. Most of the damage is the front left quarter of the jeep. Any experience or knowledge about likelihood of successful repairs? Might use this opportunity to upgrade.

 

Pics?

 

More pics to follow.

 

Betcha even money the frame is bent.
If it is...Totaled.

 

Why is it at the impound lot????

 

All concerned...at impound lot because the tow truck towed it there until an auto collision repair place was open. As it was a rainy day with traffic, they(they being the man/state troopers) wanted it off the road. The auto body collision place will take a look at it on Monday and I'll be there to assist with the evaluation. I want the jeep repaired and back on the road. So, unless informed otherwise that I can't, I will continue with that idea in mind. Before the collision, the body was in good shape, 4wd worked fine, engine was a champ, some minor cosmetic issues, but nothing major. Hood, front fenders, and roof were repainted several years ago.

I want the jeep back on the road.

 

Understand about the lot. Hope things work out.

 

Insurance company will likely total it, repair would cost more (at collision shop) than the 1996 vehicle is worth.

Your option would be to accept the settlement check and 'buy it back' if you would like to repair it/turn it into a trail rig.

 

I remember about 2-3 years ago, I had a jackass that stopped short to swing a really illegal left turn infront of me. I rear ended his quarter panel, I needed, according to insurance company, $1,600 in repairs, jeeps worth was 5,200. Got a check, fixed/upgraded it myself. Had my friends shop inspect and sign off on it. I'm curious the value of a 96. I have an 01 btw

 

Jeep at body shop. Hood operates fine. Motor works, I think a motor mount is damaged. Not sure. Small oil leak from the oil line to the radiator. What are your thoughts? As for the frame damage...the fender took the brunt of the impact, there is some damage to the frame where the fender connects.

 

Fix it and make it a wheeler

 

Why fight an uphill battle.
Start over.

 

When I purchased the vehicle, it had been towed behind an RV for the majority of it's life. It had 110,283 miles when I purchased in 2003. I'll speak with the insurance company tomorrow and give em that information. Just for parts, my total comes to around $800, and the value of the jeep is about 4-5 times that.

 

What really sucks is, parts are usually cheap. It's the labor. They also figure painting and such. Rate around $95/hr give or take per region. Of course that's all a guess

 

Looks like the front axle/wheel was impacted also. This usually damages/splits the rubber bushings on control arms, uppers and lowers.
Also, it would be the trackbar and its bracket resisting the side impact on axle, this will need to be carefully examined, especially at chassis mount.
Axle may also need ball-joints and hub bearings.