2014 GMC Sierra SLT 4x4 vs. Minivan @ 50 mph

nate23 · June 4, 2014

Title says it all folks...this lady pulled out in front of me @ 55 mph on Sunday. I didn't have much time to get on the brakes and therefore probably hit her at 50 mph. Truck was just purchased in January. I am pretty surprised the damage is not worse, but the GMC took the blow like a champ. Body shop doesn't think its a total loss, and therefore I will be selling / trading it immediately. Not willing to take a chance on it for the next 8+ years. Any advice is welcome, as I know I am going to get taken to the woodshed financially on this one.

Anyone have any ideas as to trade in value on a SLT 4x4 with 3xxx miles? KBB and similar sites don't have the 2014 data up yet.

Nate

galliher_nc · June 4, 2014

That sucks man. I know the feeling, I got rear ended in my HC, but it's just minor damage. Your trade in value will be reduced significantly because of the accident and body/paint work it will need. Some dealers may not even touch it, if they do, I wouldn't expect much more than $20-$25,000. I know that's not what you wanted to hear.

Denaliboz · June 4, 2014

I had this happen to me some years ago. Really sucks. I'm sure it's the minivans fault and you will be dealing with their insurance company. If this is the case, because your truck is basically brand new you can get their insurance company to compensate you for the diminished value of your truck. Basically it's the value you will lose on your trade because their client damaged your truck. They will not want to pay, but the damage is real and so is the loss of value. It took me months to get this done, but it was well worth the effort when they cut you a check for, in my case, 6k to cover your loss. Just tell them Carfax doesn't lie and your truck is worth less money because of this accident. After all, it's what insurance is for.

'01LS1 · June 4, 2014

I would push to have them REPLACE your truck with a new one, let them deal with the fix & sell part. Won't happen, but would start there pushing hard.

Opposing insurance company adjusters are there to talk you out of money/value & save their own.

Glad everyone is OK.

soltys · June 4, 2014

I'm surprised by both vehicles on this one. I've seen more damage in two vehicles that hit at 30 mph. The damage doesn't look that bad, your door lines still look perfect so you didn't tweak the fame. If you can, I'd pocket the diminished value check and drive her for a while.

fondupot · June 4, 2014

damn bro. Glad you are ok. Sucks to see a truck go like that.

amxguy1970 · June 5, 2014

That looks a lot less than 50 mph, I think you slowed down a lot more than you thought.

Not sure why people are so paranoid to have their cars fixed, pocket the cash and drive it once fixed. Damage doesn't look that bad at all, easily fixable. Why go deal with selling and buying a new vehicle when they can make it look like new? Probably even get some stuff painted or changed that you might have wanted (AT grill, painted bumpers ect...). You say you don't want to deal with any issues, if this truck was perfect you take the chance of getting another 14 that has the issues everyone talks about. I would drive it first before making a decision after it has been fixed.

Tyler

VMaxtastic · June 5, 2014

I took an $18,000 dollar rear end from an 18 year old girl, texting, in my 2007 Sierra. They fixed it, and I never knew it happened. The frame was bent on one side at a 45, i hit the guy in front of me, he hit the guy in front of him. You will take a massive loss trying to trade it now with an accident like that on it's record. I can picture the dealer wincing and and telling you that will affect it's value on a trade.

I traded it off about 100,000 km later on a new one, and they didn't even bat an eye at the claim on it.

thewhitestallion · June 5, 2014

I had this happen to me some years ago. Really sucks. I'm sure it's the minivans fault and you will be dealing with their insurance company. If this is the case, because your truck is basically brand new you can get their insurance company to compensate you for the diminished value of your truck. Basically it's the value you will lose on your trade because their client damaged your truck. They will not want to pay, but the damage is real and so is the loss of value. It took me months to get this done, but it was well worth the effort when they cut you a check for, in my case, 6k to cover your loss. Just tell them Carfax doesn't lie and your truck is worth less money because of this accident. After all, it's what insurance is for.

what ^^^ he said. diminished value is real and if they have to do any framework then the price just keeps going higher. pocket the cash and enjoy the truck. as long as it drives good and doesnt make any new noises i would not worry about it. yeah it sucks that its a brand new truck and it wrecked, i get that "it will never be the same again" but it's not worth taking the financial hit on it IMO. good luck and glad your ok from the accident.

roadblock · June 5, 2014

Reading the thread title I was expecting a post about you racing a minivan, haha

VMaxtastic · June 5, 2014

Reading the thread title I was expecting a post about you racing a minivan, haha

That is what I was expecting as well haha.

Yotaman · June 5, 2014

While I don't blame you for being upset at all I too think that I would try to get the diminished value and keep driving it. Reason being if you trade it and take the loss get a new one and a month later someone hits you or pulls out again. Not likely but with so many people distracted/ can't drive to begin with it is worth consideration. Best of luck. The 88 Toyota in my avatar was totaled in 94 and repaired and still drives today....like a ole yota !!

Yotaman

Spurshot · June 6, 2014

Yeah, I think you'll have to work hard to get the diminished value claim. But you should prevail if you stick with it and give them the impression you'll go all the way to collect.

I think the other guys are right about the speed. 50 mph broadside is a fatal often for the recipients. That minivan would be about cut in half.

thewhitestallion · June 6, 2014

Yeah, I think you'll have to work hard to get the diminished value claim. But you should prevail if you stick with it and give them the impression you'll go all the way to collect.

I think the other guys are right about the speed. 50 mph broadside is a fatal often for the recipients. That minivan would be about cut in half.

its not that hard to get it you just have to ask because they are not going to offer it. now getting the price you think is fair is a different story, that you will have to fight for.

Reading the thread title I was expecting a post about you racing a minivan, haha

+1

20L8TSierra24 · June 6, 2014

You should get a huge Diminished Value check for a 3k mile vehicle. Pocket the cash & keep on driving it.

I would agree with Won here. Take the check and keep driving it unless they replace the whole vehicle. You could be looking at upwards of a 5-7 k diminished value check