Depreciated value of vehicle

[round 1]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ca

Hello I was in an accident with a drunk driver. And not 3 moths earlier I had fixed since some major things on the engine. Now my question is does fixing things on a car actually depreciate the value of the car? I was told it does, is this true?

 

[ecmst12]

Generally, maintenence and repairs neither increase nor decrease the value of the car. The only things that really add any value would be if you had actually replaced the engine.

 

[round 1]

Generally, maintenence and repairs neither increase nor decrease the value of the car. The only things that really add any value would be if you had actually replaced the engine.

The reason I ask is because I went to a restitution hearing because the person who hit me was represented by an attorney n of course I wasnt because I wasn't the one on trial. Her attorney told me that I wasnt gona get wat my car was worth not even low blue book because fixing the car actually brings down the value.

 

[ecmst12]

Never take legal advice from the opposition.

If you had NOT done the repairs, the car would not have been running so the value would have been lower. The car's value in average condition assumes that regular maintenence and necessary repairs have been done. A new or rebuilt engine, or even a salvaged engine with lower miles than the original engine, could actually increase the value, but most repairs will not affect it.

 

[round 1]

Generally, maintenence and repairs neither increase nor decrease the value of the car. The only things that really add any value would be if you had actually replaced the engine.

So basically I got scwed

 

[ecmst12]

How did you get screwed? Did you accept less then the value of the car and sign off on the settlement because of what the lawyer told you? If so, then the case is closed and there's nothing more you can do. If the case is still ongoing, you can refuse to settle without an accurate valuation report on your car.

 

[xylene]

So basically I got scwed

You can still sue and or get restitution.

Don't listen to opposing counsel.

 

[ecmst12]

Not if he signed a release he can't...