bigjayzway Posted July 30, 2005 Report Share Posted July 30, 2005 Hey guys! Just thaught it would be interesting to hear the total write up for my 97' D'Elegance. I got the phone call this afternoon from the dealer bodyshop. The manager asked me if I was sitting down? The total cost to repair the D'Elegance is going to be $14 000.00 to fix it! So, I haven't heard from Insurance yet! I know now, it will be a write off! I go lookin for another replacement.....YEAH RIGHT! There is only one 97' D'Elegance in all of Ontario for sale, and it is $13800.00!!! So I guess my Insurance will try to give me what I paid for the car($9500.00). I only got it so cheap, cause I knew the dealer, and he gave it to me for cost, plus $400.00. So now what? I guess I am in for a good fight? Well I will keep you all posted!! Big Jay Life is too short to grow up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted July 30, 2005 Report Share Posted July 30, 2005 So I guess my Insurance will try to give me what I paid for the car($9500.00). I would think the insurance would have to give you fair market value for it. If you received the car as a gift, the insurance wouldn't give you $0 for it, because that's what you paid. Regardless of how much you actually paid for the car, I'd fight for at least NADA or Kelly Blue Book on the car...because that's how much you'll have to pay (in general) to find a suitable replacement (assuming you buy another '97 d'Elegance). Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OynxSTS Posted July 30, 2005 Report Share Posted July 30, 2005 Correct, Almost all auto insurance in North America is based on the concept of "Fair Market Value” What you paid for the car should have no bearing on your settlement. Assuming that the car that is for sale is the same year and has similar mileage and condition as yours; that is the amount that they will (should) give you. When you meet with your adjuster take that ad and any other that you can find… Even if they are out of province. Take the attitude that you want to work with them, not fight them, but be firm… (kinda like working with a dealer service rep ) When you meet with your adjuster you want to help them do their job (think insurance company = massive bureaucracy) and that would be to build a case for the cars value. Your adjuster is going to have to justify your cars value and the settlement to his boss too (think insurance adjuster = little cog )… And if the similar car that is for sale is at a dealer MAKE SURE the insurance company adds GST to your settlement. WhenI crashed my Allante my insurance company eventually gave me $12,000 more than I paid for it. But it was up to me to justify its value… Their first cut was based on wholesale dealer black book value…which, honestly was about what I paid (I got a very good deal on the car)... I kept my cool and on even a rare car like this I managed to produce about 6 adds justifying its value. The really funny part about my Allante story is that in the short 9 months that I owned that little red gem, my provice introduced a luxury car tax... My settlement just made it over that limit... So my insurance company paid me the Luxury tax on top of PST and GST... NICE! Good Luck! Easin' down the highway in a new Cadillac, I had a fine fox in front, I had three more in the back ZZTOP, I'm Bad I'm Nationwide Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjayzway Posted July 30, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2005 I f anyone can find a 1997 D'Elegance for sale in their area, could you please e mail, or post the ad. It will help my case with the insurance, as there is only ONE for sale in Ontario. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance..... Big Jay Life is too short to grow up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted July 30, 2005 Report Share Posted July 30, 2005 Jay, "shop" online. Autotrader.com, etc. There should be a lot of vehicles on there that are similar to yours. I would bring them all Devilles ads, not only d'Elegances. Show them a good average going price and I think it'd be hard for them to give you less for it. Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JIMDTS Posted July 30, 2005 Report Share Posted July 30, 2005 The ins. co is going to use some whack formula to get the price If I recall I see 97's D,el's priced in the 9k range or less depending on mileage and condition that is in US dollars I thnik they will give you a little more it's a red book formula they use You can argue that you had other items in the car etc etc better sound system add ons etc etc.. Good Luck Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjayzway Posted July 30, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2005 I have looked for these same cars....I say there is only one D'Elegance in all of Ontario that is listed for sale. It works out good so far for me, cause it is $13800.00 and insurance will try to argue, but I need to find more than the one. I cannot use a regular Deville, cause they are not worth as much. Big Jay Life is too short to grow up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjayzway Posted July 30, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2005 Oh by the way, I did have Vogue tires, tinted windows, and updated HID headlights. Big Jay Life is too short to grow up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marika Posted July 30, 2005 Report Share Posted July 30, 2005 When I worked in the insurance industry, I was always told by adjusters that I worked with that you should keep your receipts for the car. Even for stuff as simple as oil changes etc. They will use the information from the receipts to determine how you took care of the car and the more you did for the car, the higher it's value. If you really want to make people safe drivers again then simply remove all the safety features from cars. No more seat belts, ABS brakes, traction control, air bags or stability control. No more anything. You'll see how quickly people will slow down and once again learn to drive like "normal" humans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted tcb Posted July 30, 2005 Report Share Posted July 30, 2005 There are currently 18 1997 Devilles listed in the Ontario Auto Trader. The high is a 97 Deville with 168k at $15.9 ... dreaming. The realistic low is a 97 with 211k, at $5k. There's a real nice Concours with only 65k for $10.9. The average price point seems to be around 8k, with about 140-160klm. The D'Elegance you mentioned is only at $13.9k because its a Cadillac dealer, and super low 74klm. That's gonna be a tough sale ... I don't think a D'Elegance commands a big time premium over a Concours ....they simply mfg less D'Elegances, and most of the cars up for sale are at about $8k ... if you get $10k, I think you're doing well .... you'd be very hard pressed to retail your way out of any 1997 Cadillac for more than $10k ... its all the money in this market. Having said that, good luck and aim for $14k ... its unrealistic, but then, so are insurance company profits. 1989 FWD Fleetwood, Silver 1995 STS Crimson Pearl on Black leather 1997 STS Diamond White 1999 STS Crimson Pearl 2001 STS Silver 2003 STS, Crimson Pearl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OynxSTS Posted July 31, 2005 Report Share Posted July 31, 2005 All insurance co. are different, but if all else fails, I have seen Insurance Co.s buy cars for people to settle claims... As I said before your policy will read "fair market value". This isn't wholesale, this isn't black book, gold book, and this isn't dealer cost... This is what a normal person would pay for a car, just like yours was right before the loss... If its getting ugly and you like the dealer's D'Elegance... Ask your adjuster to buy you that car... You might be surprised with their responce. Most insurance co's have a lot pull with dealers and can get you the car at dealer cost... a win for you and a win for them. It is also easy for the adjuster to justify with their boss... Since no-one (except the dealer maybe) will profit from the loss... Which is the adjusters number one goal.... My wife is an ex-adjuster, and they beat it into their brains... NOONE must ever PROFIT from a LOSS! Easin' down the highway in a new Cadillac, I had a fine fox in front, I had three more in the back ZZTOP, I'm Bad I'm Nationwide Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjayzway Posted July 31, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2005 NOONE must ever PROFIT from a LOSS! You know....I don't want to profit from the loss by all means. I just want to be able to go get another Cadillac for my wife. I mean this D'Elegance we had was absolutely pristine, and did not have a single flaw in it. Check my posts, there isn't a single one of that car....and you all know I would post for the smallest thing.. Anyway, I did see the 18 for sale, and I went to see about 15 of them Yeah, Nobody that is selling them even knows of this site! I have seen some better cars in the scrap yard! Big Jay Life is too short to grow up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjayzway Posted July 31, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2005 Almost forgot...The one D'Elegance for sale in Ontario, at the Hummer dealer in London ....lets just say, they must of waxed it with 220 grit sandpaper! The paint was terrible, and the carpets were all grungy.....I don't know, I don't think I am being too picky. I just am a Cadillac man, and I want higher standards! Matt(canadian95sts) and I spent over 13 hours today looking at Cadillacs, and found only one in good shape.... It was a 2001 Caterra with 120 000kms on it. I know nothing of these cars, and espesially about the 3L V6. Big Jay Life is too short to grow up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted tcb Posted July 31, 2005 Report Share Posted July 31, 2005 I feel for ya, Jay. I've purchased about 40 cars in the past 25 years, and many of my pals are in the biz. Dealers don't want to put any $$ into cosmetic touch ups, hell, they don't even know what their cars require for a mechanical safety until a deal has been struck. If they get full pop on a car, they will agree to fix what bothers you. If they cut their price, then you will see very little effort on cleaning up the car. All they care about is how little a car will retrieve at auction dependant upon year and mileage ... thats it. Then, they quote you that figure for your trade. Then, they mark up your trade by greater than 50%. Their risk is that it may take 6 months to flip your car, and they must warranty the sale for a period of time ... a bad electronic strut or ac could turn the deal upside down for the dealer. They go to work in the morning to turn a profit, and margins are highest on low k used units, not on new fleet cars. My last few trades have involved cars that are cleaner than anything sold by the dealer ... they simply do not detail their cars well, and the public doesn't have the fastiduous expectations that we enthusiasts share. A clean car sells more quickly, but not necessarily for more $$$ ... year and klm determine the value. I'd get the highest cheque I could lobby for, get a dealer pal to buy the newest, lowest klm vehicle at auction, and then put a couple of bucks into preventative maintenance and detailing. That Catera is a european Opel, not a Caddy .... good luck finding a knowledgeable dealer in Toronto, let alone a parts supply ... its an orphaned vehicle with no resale value. Good luck, and keep us advised. 1989 FWD Fleetwood, Silver 1995 STS Crimson Pearl on Black leather 1997 STS Diamond White 1999 STS Crimson Pearl 2001 STS Silver 2003 STS, Crimson Pearl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjayzway Posted July 31, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2005 Thanks Ted tcb. I appreciate the feedback. I definately wont go to Toronto to find a Caddy at a dealer, after that episode where W5 did a story on the dealers there. Big Jay Life is too short to grow up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logan Posted July 31, 2005 Report Share Posted July 31, 2005 I'm curious. What is the difference between a Deville and D'Elegance? Logan Diagnostic LLC www.airbagcrash.com www.ledfix.com www.ledfix.com/yukontaillightrepair.html www.ledfix.com/ledreplacements.html www.ledfix.com/j42385toolrental.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted July 31, 2005 Report Share Posted July 31, 2005 I'm curious. What is the difference between a Deville and D'Elegance? The D'Elegance is a trim package for the Deville - it was offered for the 1997-1999 model years. It includes the D'Elegance badge on the rear quarter panels and a gold stripe in the door moldings that run the length of the car. I think heated/memory seats are also standard I think it also includes rear vanity mirrors and possibly different seats than the standard DeVille. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjayzway Posted July 31, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2005 The D'Elegance is a trim package for the Deville - it was offered for the 1997-1999 model years. It includes the D'Elegance badge on the rear quarter panels and a gold stripe in the door moldings that run the length of the car. I think heated/memory seats are also standardI think it also includes rear vanity mirrors and possibly different seats than the standard DeVille. Kevin.... You are absolutely correct. The seats are 100% different. I am 6'7" and I did not fit in my wifes Caddilac, cause of the seats, but my wife at 5'6" 110lbs was really comfortable. I think the D'Elegance was made for women, as there is nothing but vanity mirrors everywhere!! All the other stuff listed is there too, as well it is only 275 horse power, not 300. The car drives and handles a lot different than a regular, Deville. Big Jay Life is too short to grow up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadian95sts Posted July 31, 2005 Report Share Posted July 31, 2005 Matt(canadian95sts) and I spent over 13 hours today looking at Cadillacs, and found only one in good shape....It was a 2001 Caterra with 120 000kms on it. I know nothing of these cars, and espesially about the 3L V6. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!, That car is ugly and looks like a neon wearin a tuxedo, your not allowed to buy it!!!! I definately wont go to Toronto to find a Caddy at a dealer, after that episode where W5 did a story on the dealers there.Big Jay Jay. Its 1:49pm and i swear to god, i just finished watching that W5 show on the T.O. car dealers right now on CTV, check the tv guide (if that still exists)Thats funny EH!!!! Matt A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...BUT, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "darn...that was fun!" www.madd.ca Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjayzway Posted July 31, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2005 check the tv guide What is that? I know about the Catera, and I have moved on....I am still looking. Heck you know what it is like Matt, since you will be here looking with me...LOL Big Jay Life is too short to grow up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navion Posted July 31, 2005 Report Share Posted July 31, 2005 check the tv guide What is that? I know about the Catera, and I have moved on....I am still looking. Heck you know what it is like Matt, since you will be here looking with me...LOL Big Jay Did I miss something Matt? Are you looking for a new ride? Britt Britt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenJ Posted August 1, 2005 Report Share Posted August 1, 2005 Kevin....You are absolutely correct. The seats are 100% different. I am 6'7" and I did not fit in my wifes Caddilac, cause of the seats, but my wife at 5'6" 110lbs was really comfortable. I think the D'Elegance was made for women, as there is nothing but vanity mirrors everywhere!! I'd guess leaving the toilet seat up is the least of your problems! LOL Regards, Warren There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjayzway Posted August 1, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2005 Did I miss something Matt? Are you looking for a new ride?Britt No Navion, Matt is a buddy of mine that lives 15 min away, and we just finished finding a replacement Caddy for him. Now it's my turn! Big Jay Life is too short to grow up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjayzway Posted August 1, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2005 Well in all my searching, I have found one more D"Elegance. It is in Goderich, Ontario. $12900.00, only it is GREEN....YUK! I am destined to go get an STS, or an SLS...too bad for me My wife would love another D'Elegance, but what the heck, I can't get one that is in less than great condition. I should be hearing from the Insurance company today, or tomorrow. It is a civic holiday here today, so probably not till tomorrow. I will let you all know, what the outcome is for the settlement! Big Jay Life is too short to grow up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted August 1, 2005 Report Share Posted August 1, 2005 Keep looking, one will turn up. There are tons of low mileage Cadillacs for sale in Florida - might be worth a trip. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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