Crashed the Taco....now what?

Had a nice little rear end accident that I'm hoping the tacoma will survive....after seeing the claims adjuster. Most of the front pieces and the hood are thrashed, but the frame is straight and the radiator/core support didn't take any real damage. This got me thinking. Is it worth returning it to stock or would it be cheaper/easier to slap an ARB or similar bumper onto the front? Any thoughts or similar experiences would be appreciated. Also, I wasn't injured and was able to limp it home.

 

If they pay out for it, and you want it, go for it. You're looking at a better, more durable bumper if it happens again. I guaranty you it wouldn't look like that with steel armor in the front lol

 

Easier, probably not. Cheaper maybe, or about break even. All of those parts screw on so you could do it you self especially if you get color matched parts. Could also change the front to a 12-15 parts for a 'newer' look.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2012-tacoma-front-end-conversion-rg11.293318/

 

Damn that sucks man, sorry that happened to you 3 times. Wish people would paid attention to the road more.

 

Bummer OP. Glad you're okay

 

Break your headlights before the adjuster gets there and insist on factory new in the quote can’t beat new lights

 

All the headlight tabs are broken, so those will need replaced. I just gave it an upgrade last year with new smoked TSB headlights, color matched grille, and ultimate headlight upgrade.

 

I had a very similar incident a few years back in my 2005 AC. I was pretty surprised how fast it all added up. I paid the deductible and ended up with an entire new front end from the insurance. Included a new AC compressor and condenser, headlights, etc.

 

That sucks man! I would go with an aftermarket because why not (plus more front end protection) but if you decided to go back to stock I would definitely do the newer front end conversion.

 

I would go after market bumper. That being said if you’re still on stock springs and shocks up front I would upgrade those to handle the weight of the bumper.
If you want lights and a winch do it at the same time as the bumper so you do t have to take it off and put it back on. Look local too I found mine on Craigslist. Also local means less money for shipping…

 

Florida or Mass?

 

It’s all pretty easy to fix, you just remove and replace. An aftermarket bumper removes a ton of clips and makes things a bit smoother

 

Glad that you're ok, it sucks that you rear ended someone. Hopefully they won't be trying to win an Oscar award with "aches and pains".
Check with the body shop that will do the repairs, maybe they can give you a check as a "credit" for the cost of the approved replacement bumper parts. You could use that to offset the out of pocket expense of buying the aftermarket bumper and have them install it.

 

I smoked a mule deer last thanksgiving and did about the same damage to my 05. Definitely recommend upgrading (i went with allpro apex aluminum). The shop I used credited me back the full price of the bumper and other components (fog lights, skid plate, and other things) to offset the cost of the bumper so it was worth it to me. I did have to buy the bumper out of my own pocket but once it was fixed, I got a credit check from the shop.

 

Get them to order the scooped hood too. Good opportunity if you want one.

 

My taco has been rear ended 5 times now (technically 7, but I let two go). People can't drive any more.

 

OP, did a reputable frame shop confirmed that there's zero frame damage?
Not that I would ever accuse an adjuster working for the insurance to ever be cheap and shady.

 

Haha not yet. It’s been a PITA to even get an estimate scheduled. Got one for tomorrow morning, and I’m hoping the frame is still straight. Most of the body shops I’ve contacted are weeks or even months out on estimates and repairs.

 

Dang no way sorry