Rear Bumper Bent in Accident, Have Questions

[MatthewH12]

While stopped at a stoplight, some lady rear ended our 00 Explorer Limited. The damage doesn't look to bad, looks like it just pushed the bumper in and up 2-3 inches. (Also bending the rear edge of the left rear quarter panel). We haven't gotten it inspected yet, but I'm guessing this damage is very fixable and won't cause the car to be totaled?

If they DO total the car for some reason, we'd probably consider replacing it with a newer Explorer, possibly from the 02+ Generation. I've noticed on the 02-04 Explorers, they seem to have 2 radio types, a newer "6 Disc In Dash" model, and the old style Midline CD/Cassette model from the previous gen. Do any of the 02+ Radios support RDS and come with a stock sub-woofer? I don't care if the 6-Disc is in dash, or in the arm rest, but I can't seem to figure out how to tell based on the radio.

Thanks!

 

[71cutty455]

I was rear-ended last December, mine was hit on the right side and damaged the bumper, slight damage to the right quarter from where the bumper was pushed in - probably similar to your damage, and it also bent my tailpipe, scuffed my trailer hitch, and a tiny paint chip on the hatch door. In total the other driver's insurance cut me a check for around $1700 which was pretty much the same as the estimate I got from my own insurance. So I highly doubt they would total yours. Even though yours is a Limited I would think your estimate could actually be less since I had the damage to the exhaust and hitch.

Anyway other than replacing the exhaust with a Gibson Cat-back I didn't bother to have my damage repaired. Unless I pointed it out most wouldn't even notice it.

 

[gtyates]

I, too, doubt yours is totaled. I can tell you on my '04 the factory head unit is a 6 disc unit. It is satellite ready, though I have not added a receiver. My radio does have RDS, and the sub is in the back on the passenger side. I am pleased with the factory system in mine.

 

[MatthewH12]

Thanks for the replies, since it's my mom's car shes not sure if its worth fixing, but since it has the rear backup system, I suspect the damage would foul that up? Plus I'd say its fairly noticeable that the bumpers out of alignment/dented/scratched.

Myself I believe if the insurance is going to cover it, it should be fixed so it doesn't cause problems later. Would you agree?

--Matt

 

[technoboy235]

To bend it back, simply back up into a tree. If you dont want to do that, you can take the bumper to frame brackets off and bend them back with a sledge hammer. I have had this problem a bunch of times and I have done both of these fixes.

 

[MatthewH12]

The other ladys insurance is going to have to cover it, so we're just gonna take it to the dealer and see what they say. So no backing into trees here =D.

--Matt