Should I repair my 2006 Honda Element or just replace it?

Posted by RogueMalygos@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 5 comments

I was recently in an accident where my 2006 Honda Element was hit from behind. The rear frame is damaged, and repair estimates are around $5.5k, which is more than I originally paid for the car.

Overall, it’s in decent condition with about 130k miles and a replacement engine that was put in before I bought it, though it does need new tires.

I'm in a situation where I could receive $5k cash for it or just get it repaired. I'm not sure what the smarter choice to do would be...

Appreciate any advice!

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AlaskaGreenTDI@reddit

I can see fixing it, particularly if the estimate is really high based on new hatch and bumper. Just really depends how bad the actual damage is to me rather than the current repair estimate.

gregsw2000@reddit

5500 bucks is 458/m for a year. Nowhere near another car.

Any car you can buy is going to cost more for longer

Ugh, this sucks no matter how you look at it because those Elements are such damn good cars. Personally, I would try and take the 5k they offer you, buy it back, and fix it myself for less than that 5.5k estimate. However, that might not be possible because that takes a LOT of bodywork knowledge. No real good answer here :(