L300 accident

A friend had a pretty bad accident with a 2004 L300 wagon. Basically lost
control and squeezed the front between 2 other cars. So bascially headlights
and fenders on both sides done it, along with hood, bumper and some damage
to the front under carriage.... a suspension cradle and some of the exhaust
pipe has to be replaced. All together about $5000 worth of damage on a $22k
car. I fortunately have never been involved in such a big accident or
repair so I have no experience but my buddy was wondering if he can expect
the car to be put back together properly, or should he get rid of it before
problems show up. Anyone out there with experience?

 

Depends on the shop. If a good shop he should not be able to see/feel any
difference in the car bad shop, well......
Larry

 

Glad your friend is OK. Otherwise, all it takes is money.
Look for rattles. See how well it rolls on a slight grade (an indication
that something is binding if it doesn't roll well). Have the engine and
transmission codes checked to see if anything was logged still (and the
check engine lamp just wasn't disconnected). Any fluid leaks. Clunks when
shifting.
If you have any suspicions, have the wheel alignment re-checked (4-wheel
alignment) and change fluids in the transmission and engine - look for metal
shavings in the oil.

 

I had a similar accident with my '98 SL2 but it was heavier damage on one
side instead of medium on both.... same tally, 5k worth of damage. I got my
repairs done at the dealers' body shop and my car had never run smoother
than after the repairs were done.