I bought an '89 240DL for my 16 year old son two months ago. He managed to get in an accident already. He did some front end damage: front quarter panel; hood; grill; headlights, etc. The initial estimate from the body shop is in the $3,500 to $4,000 range. The body shop guy tell me that the insurance company will most likely declare it a total loss. I bought the car from the original owner. It had been well maintained and came with a complete service history. It was perfect. I am heartsick. I have to find a way to keep this car. The body shop guy tells me that I should be able to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company where they will pay me book value less salvage, then I'm on my own to get it fixed. He said that he could work with me on getting the car fixed as cheaply as possible, hopefully, within the amount of the settlement. I trust this guy and am willing to take a shot at this.

I've never been through one of these and need some advice on how to proceed. Any ideas on sources of cheap/used body parts? Anything that I should know or be prepared for before I talk to the insurance company?

Thanks for any assistance that you can provide.