What to do with water submerged DD.
 

My step-son drove my elantra into a creek. Hydrolocked the motor and interior damage. If it's not totaled, what should I do with the car after it is "repaired"?
The car is a 2012 with under 30k and is paid off. How much less do you guys think the car will be worth?

:confused::confused: That's a tough one, brother, sorry.

Wow, I would for sure keep VERY detailed notes on what they are going to replace and what is staying the same. Demand 100% new interior pieces that are fabric/padding/carpet ect. The thing that would scare me the most is electrical. That could bite your a$$ soon or a long ways down the road. I'd get at least a warranty that states they will fix all future electrical issues. Of course, thats if they don't total it. I am guessing there is body damage also if it was driven into a creek. So $$$ might add up fast. I am not sure about the price hit, but it will be on carfax if insurance is involved.

It's totaled. Let the insurance company keep it, unless you're going to buy him the exact same car. That way you'll have the needed body parts for the next time!

That's my guess. Get the check and buy him a Jeep with a snorkel if he plans to keep fording rivers.

Yeah, it usually totaled. In the event of water damage like that, you usually need to replace most of the electrical and ECU's as well. The interior, motor, etc... all needs to be replaced or completely overhauled to get it back to where it was.

....on a side note, what the hell? How did he end up in a creek?

Book is 13-16K. The car is at hyundai. The tech said he has only seen one car of this value totaled from water damage, and that was salt water. Allstate said they will cover future repairs related to water damage, but I'm not convinced. Btw, my step-son is getting a new pair of shoes. Thanks for the responses.

If the motor is toast and the interior needs to be replaced, how could they not total it? :confused:

There was unopened beer in the car, but the trooper didn't see a need to test him. He isn't the sharpest tool in the shed.

Haha, I actually own a jeep on 36's with line-x inside and out. No snorkel yet but I guess if I get one it will be deep creek proof.

He's lucky he didn't repeat the crash into the bay like that idiot did a few months ago at Bayshore Dr.!

^^yeah I used to live in south tampa. Saw drowned cars almost every week. If it rained hard, I would go have a couple of beers until the waters receeded.

Soooo... Was there alcohol in him or not?

If yes, don't let him drive, if no, check his eyesight and maybe let him drive




Also, if your shítty insurance company isn't totaling it, make sure you tell them that aside from the repairs you'll be asking for a devaluation check of about 8-10k

Because NO ONE would buy a flooded car

^^Yeah I wouldn't buy one either. He is in for a rude awakening. I actually gave the car to him and was waiting for him to get his own insurance before gifting it to him. Some guys gotta learn the hard way.

If it's not totaled, I would sell the car as quickly as you can. Run a carfax and see if the report shows up the day you get it back, if not, take it to Carmax and sell it, or go trade it in for something else.

The electrical issues will haunt the car for years to come. Happened to my dad who bought a used Lexus a year after Katrina. All sorts of electrical problems every few months till he dumped the car for a loss. And you are right to question Allstate, if the future damage can't be proven to come from the water damage it will be tough to make them cover it.

And get your stepson a scooter. You can get them used for very cheap and save some of the check from Allstate or from selling your car. That way you don't have to drive his butt around anywhere, he can't go over 40 mph (if you get him a small engined one) and will have to face the ridicule of his friends until he can afford his own car.