Mazda 3 in an accident - can frame damage be fixed?

[shikhan]

So my mazda 3 was in an accident with both rear and front damage.

After taking it into the shop, they did a tear down of both bumpers and they mentioned that there is frame damage, but they believe they can fix it. I'm not familiar at all with how they do this, so I asked them how they do it, and if it is common.

They replied that they do this often, and that they have a machine with a laser that checks the frame, and if it needs to be fixed, they first try to "pull" it. If they can't fix it, they will replace it.

It also looks like something called the rail extension or Front Body Sidemember Extension needs to be replaced.

My GoogleFu is coming up somewhat blank, but if a unibody actually has frame damage, how likely (and safe) is it to fix? After searching for the rail extension, it sounds like that is essentially my cumple zone, which I didn't even know was replaceable.

Has anyone had their frame fixed? How was your experience with the fix?

Generally, I think I trust this shop (I've had another car fixed there before), but I've babied the hell out of my Mazda and knowing there is frame damage just makes me nervous if I should expect it to feel different after all this...

 

[Nessism]

That car doesn't have a frame per say, rather it's a unibody type structure. It can be repaired, the question is cost. Needless to say, you need a reputable shop to do this kind of work since structural elements of the frame are involved. If repaired properly though, the car will be good to go.

 

[basslover1]

Depending on how bad the damage is, it's pretty common for shops to try and pull it back into place. If it's too far gone to pull, they'll cut out the damaged sections and weld in new ones.

I had a one foot section of my frame cut and welded in place. Other than them not painting underneath the new door's panel, you wouldn't be able to tell it was in an accident. Granted a small section of a-pillar damage is a bit different than front and rear damage on a car, which if done improperly can really screw up your alignment and steering.

 

[unokitty]

So my mazda 3 was in an accident with both rear and front damage.

After taking it into the shop, they did a tear down of both bumpers and they mentioned that there is frame damage, but they believe they can fix it. I'm not familiar at all with how they do this, so I asked them how they do it, and if it is common.

They replied that they do this often, and that they have a machine with a laser that checks the frame, and if it needs to be fixed, they first try to "pull" it. If they can't fix it, they will replace it.

It also looks like something called the rail extension or Front Body Sidemember Extension needs to be replaced.

My GoogleFu is coming up somewhat blank, but if a unibody actually has frame damage, how likely (and safe) is it to fix? After searching for the rail extension, it sounds like that is essentially my cumple zone, which I didn't even know was replaceable.

Has anyone had their frame fixed? How was your experience with the fix?

Generally, I think I trust this shop (I've had another car fixed there before), but I've babied the hell out of my Mazda and knowing there is frame damage just makes me nervous if I should expect it to feel different after all this...

I don't think that there is any more objective answer than 'it depends.'

In particular, it depends on the extent of the damage and the skill of the shop. So, its a plus that you trust the shop.

At the same time, I think that it would be prudent to have an alternate plan in case that you aren't happy with the repair.

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[EagleKeeper]

What has insurance told you?

 

[shikhan]

What has insurance told you?

Thanks guys, it sounds like this is something that does get done. I had never heard of something like being possible, which is why I got nervous about it.

Last time I spoke with the shop, they were waiting to get the full specs on the frame before putting it into their testing system to see how bad it was, and then they will go from there in determining if it is superficial damage, fixable damage, or not fixable. Hopefully, I'll know early next week.

 

[Jimzz]

If they do fix it make sure to ask for diminished value. I would not even buy a car with a damaged/fixed frame. Those that would buy a car like that expect the price to be much lower.

Heck even a small accident that only needs paint work can hurt the value of a car as it will show up on autocheck/carfax/etc... and people either walk away when they see that or expect a much lower price.

 

[dud]

That car doesn't have a frame per say, rather it's a unibody type structure. It can be repaired, the question is cost. Needless to say, you need a reputable shop to do this kind of work since structural elements of the frame are involved. If repaired properly though, the car will be good to go.

Agreed BUT ... there are other points to consider before making a decision. Is the insurance paying for repairs or are you? I ask because the value of the car will plummet once this work is done. You have to decide how much the car is worth to you and if not enough ... let go. If you repair the car with insurance money and drive it into the dirt (over many years) you would not really care about resale value.

Consider all the variables before you make a decision. My insurance company would simply total the car and be done with it.

 

[shikhan]

Jimzz,
Good point on asking for diminished value - I am planning on asking for that, but how do you go figuring out how much to ask/expect/demand?

Dud,
The insurance company is taking care of it - mine got me in the shop and the ball rolling, but liability is going to fall on the rear driver so their insurance will be on the hook for it. With how new the car is and it's value (KBB et all is placing it around 19k), I don't see any way that the insurance companies will declare it totaled - current estimate is just around 8.5-9k.

 

[Zivic]

My insurance company would simply total the car and be done with it.

they absolutely would not "simply total the car and be done with it".

the car will total if it the damage exceeds a certain percentage of value... whether that is the rails, frame, panels, ect.

 

[Jimzz]

Jimzz,
Good point on asking for diminished value - I am planning on asking for that, but how do you go figuring out how much to ask/expect/demand?

.

Check this thread out...
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/880666/

They have all the links and information needed.

 

[shikhan]

Thanks Jimzz,
Looks like the insurance companies don't make it easy to get DV, but it is definitely do-able.