Tips on Buying Cars: To fix or not to fix?, barbed wire fence, honda element

Question
Hi,

I have a 2002 Honda Accord and was recently in an accident with it - went off the road in snowy weather and through a barbed wire fence.  It has about $4000 (estimates) damage between scratches and dings.  I am planning on trading this vehicle in within the next couple of months to move up to a Honda Element.

My question is this, am I better off fixing the car then trading in, or should I just trade in with the damage?  I'm wondering if I will get a significant return on the money I will have to put into the car to have it fixed.  Other than the damage to the car in this accident it was in perfect condition.

Thanks for your help!  

Answer
Depends, that is a tough question. If the body shop can fix it to the point where a good appraiser won't see it then I would say fix it. Because insurance will cover it. But if they can see the damage at the dealership then you are going to be in trouble. They are going to assume the worst has happened when they see the vehicle has been repainted.Which will have huge negative effect on the appraisal value. I would go to 2 Honda dealers with the car unfixed and ask them for a trade in appraisal with two values one fixed and one not. I would also then ask your insurance agent if they pay do you have to get the car fixed? I am not a lawyer or an insurance agen but.If your car was going to loose value because of the insurable loss you might be entitled to that money. For example the dealer says the car os worth 10,00 in the shape it is now or 13,000 fixed.You might be able to get the check from the insurance company for the estimated damages which you say are 4,00 and trade the car for ten taking the loss of full value but keeping the insurance check. Don't know if it is legal dso you need to check. But either way let the dealer decide if they want to fix it or have you do it. Please leav me ffedback and good luck if you have any others let me know.