Could use some advice.

Long time lurker and I could use some advice.

I just got rear ended in my '05 a few weeks ago. The bumper and U-haul tow hitch receiver took most of the impact. The dude was going like 50-60mph and I was at a dead stop in stop & go traffic. Unfortunately, I was trying to be frugal with my old truck and only had liability insurance. The kicker of the story really is that the other driver fled the scene on foot and left his totaled car on the freeway. So we are still figuring out the insurance mess.

Took the truck to a collision shop and they said its totaled as the frame is ruined. I took the bumper and tow hitch off to get a better look and the frame is clearly "kinked" right where the bumper attached. The other side of the frame is bent slightly near where the bumper attached. The truck drives fine with no noises or shaking. Still rides straight during hard braking on the freeway.

My question is two-fold.

1. If I don't end up getting any insurance $ due to my dumb mistake, is my '05 unsafe to drive in your opinion?

2. If it is not safe to drive and you had a choice between 2015 or 2022 which would you prefer.

I apologize if question number 2 belongs in another thread and I really want to say thank you all for the wealth of info in this blog. I know that I and many others really appreciate it.

I can provide pics if that helps.

thank you all

 

So worst case scenario, if you get rear ended again, you cannot claim injury or damage because of pre-existing damage to a compromised truck.

It's likely fine, but far from ideal.

I'd take a 15 over a 22, but the prices really suck for used tacomas. It's why many just buy a brand new model.

 

In my opinion when a vehicle is totaled, until it is repaired you shouldn’t be driving it. Now, that being said the first thing insurance asks you is if it drive-able which is really not up to you to decide if it’s safe.

All that being said, if you can manage buy it back and repair it with friends? I would say you could probably make a flat bed out of it and bob the rear… that is a whole different can of worms.

If all was equal 15 v 22 in mileage, v6 4x4 and cab configuration I would go 2015 and save some money. If it was an economy 2022 with the 2.7l I would get the 22 over the 2015 the 6 speed transmission does make the 4cyl fairly drivable at hwy speed and does great in the city.

 

Any good quality frame shop can pull the frame and have it square. Then a good fab guy can make some brackets to re-enforce the frame where it kinked and it be stronger than factory.

 

Don’t be too hard on yourself.
After all, your truck is 18 years old.
If the market wasn’t the way it is (over priced) I’d probably do just as you.

It’s not uncommon for the frame to bend at the bumper mounts when rear ended.
Just to a search here on TW, that seems to be a “weak” point.
Which isn’t actually bad, since that area isn’t too crucial to the frames structural integrity.
I’d rather it bend there than further up.

Worst case, drive it.

 

A few pics from different angles would also help give better opinions…

 

If the guy fled on foot, couldn’t you grab his vehicle info (file a police report?) and get everything fixed or payed out on his dime ?

Ive never been in any situation like that before, so I could be ignorant to some stuff

 

Thanks guys for all your input , your opinions certainly help. The police report has been filed and the other vehicle is registered to a used car dealership in the area. There is no indication on the report that the vehicle was stolen and I am currently waiting for my insurance co to get in contact with the dealership. It's been a few weeks and I think my insurance co are dragging their feet because I didn't have the truck fully covered. I'd like to see what compensation I end up getting (if any) before I make up my mind between the 2015, 2022 or just trying to repair my '05. I'm currently driving the '05 and just wanted to make sure I wasn't making another bad decision by driving a potentially unsafe vehicle.

I will post some pics of the frame this weekend.

Thanks again for your thoughts..

Paul

 

Wow, crazy he just ran away. Would've been funny just to get that on video.
Glad you're okay. If you have the funds for another vehicle that would ultimately be safer. I think the truck is fixable, but depends how much effort, funds, or risk you want to put into it. My opinion is move on.

Depends on the forum you ask regarding a 15' or 22'. I've owned both the 2nd and 3rd Gen and I sold my 3rd Gen for my 2nd Gen. That said, it's best you test drive the 3rd Gen to see if you like it or not. Or just wait a few months for the 4th Gen!

Good luck man!

 

Dealership INS. Hmmmmmm. Does your neck really hurt??????? Lmao