Hi all,

I just watched my 2001 XJ (my first Jeep) roll backwards out of the garage, smash through a fence, go across the street and down a steep embankment into the woods. It's most definitely totaled (bent frame, smashed rear end)

I've done a TON of work on it over the last 1.5 years (lift, wheels/tires, cylinder head, steering linkage, ball joints, u-joints, exhaust, bumpers...and other things) and I know I won't get close to what it's worth from insurance, if they'll cover it at all.

I'm looking for some advice as to what I should do - have it towed out and salvage what I can off of it, sell it for parts, jump off a bridge?

Any helpful advice is greatly appreciated. - JD

 

When I totalled my previous '99 the insurance offered me $3000ish, minus $500 and I got to keep it. It's definitely scrapped, make a deal with your insurance co to let you keep it. Strip everything of value off of it, and find another XJ.

That really sucks man, I feel your pain, been there too many times.

 

Thanks TW...and yes, I cried a little bit. That image is even funnier when you know that I'm 6'1", 250lbs, former bouncer who is now a self-defense and firearms instructor.

I was thinking along the same lines. I had just put on 4 Bilstein shocks, ball joints, axle u-joints, track bar, drag link and tie rod, swaybar QD links and more...in just the last two weeks! Was running and riding great

 

I know the feeling, lol. Had two months on the new engine in my old GT.



Then this happened.



Not a happy day!

 

Misery loves company. Nice to know I'm not alone. Thx, TW

How'd the Ford get wrecked, if you don't mind me asking?

 

Got cut off on the hwy, went head first into the concrete retainer wall. Lol, wasn't fun!

 

Holy Dale Earnhardt, Batman! Hope you were OK!

 

Pictures of the damage? Maybe it's not THAT bad lol

 

Lol, other than a split sternum, busted ribs and a broken wrist I was just dandy.

 

Unfortunately, it's that bad; frame is bent. That baby was full on Dukes of Hazard in reverse going over the embankment :-(.

 

Sounds like the result of a good fight to me. Could've been worse. Glad you made it out without something more serious.

 

Yeah, that is done. Sorry. Your best chance to recover greater value is to part it out yourself. Keep the parts you want for yourself for future use.

Silver lining is no one got hurt.

How did it get away from you, if you don't mind me asking?

 

The important thing is that no one got hurt. Atleast physically. Its bad enough that it happened, but watching it as it happens has to hurt just the same.

You got lucky. Reminds me of my 93 after a hit and run years ago. Was near mint at the time too. Both front framerails kicked to the right 12" with an upwards twist. Minor burn from the airbag, a hickey from the seatbelt and sore for a couple days, that was it. Calling my mother at 3am was the hard part. But atleast I was the one calling her.

So, BigJD, whats in store for your next XJ?

 

Yeah could have been a lot worse. Hit the seatbelt so hard it pulled the roof down 3" at the belt anchor, and used my chest to bend my steering wheel around the column.

All things considered, I got off pretty easy.

 

Where the hell is this car everyone is raving about? All I see is the skirt...