Originally Posted by Xan

This might be totally over the top, but definitely something I would try and do...
But couldn't you take the damaged car, the money you get for the repairs and the money you get for the diminished value all to the dealer and say; "you can have this car as it is, all the money and I want a new 40th..."

They might be able to get a cheaper rate on the repair. And have no emotional problem with it being a perfectly repaired car, which might just make it a good deal for them...