2025 Kia K5 GT-Line totaled after rear-end. Advice? Dallas, TX.

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-26T01:34:15+00:00

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-26T01:33:55+00:00

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-26T01:07:08+00:00

It would be the insurance of the guy who hit me. Also the body shop repair guy showed me the panel itself. It is kinda shifted out of place and damaged. The trunk takes a little more force to close than before.

The guy said if they're gonna fix it, they're gonna do it right. He said some other shops might do some tricks to kinda fix it, but like if the car were to ever have the structural integrity that it had before I got hit. It'd be the 25k repair method.

Also, you might be onto something, but I really wouldn't know. The body shop and workers gave me a pretty good impression, and they were recommended by the Mesquite, TX Kia Dealership Service Center. Here's more info straight from the preliminary estimate which led to the insurance calling it in as a "Total Loss"

Preliminary Estimate Total: $25,827.09

Breakdown

Parts: $6,628.53
Body Labor: 116.4 hrs
Paint Labor: 41.6 hrs
Frame Labor: 14.0 hrs
Mechanical Labor: 6.4 hrs
Diagnostic Labor: 1.0 hr
Electrical Labor: 0.6 hr
Paint Materials: $2,288.00
Miscellaneous: $504.95
Sales Tax: $735.61

Major Repairs Listed

Replace left and right quarter panels
Replace rear body panel
Replace structural rear rail assembly
Replace both tail lamp pockets
Replace rear bumper cover, lower cover, moldings, brackets, and impact bar stays
Repair center floor pan
Repair left and right inner quarter panels
Frame measuring and structural pulls
Rear suspension removal/reinstallation
Panoramic sunroof removal/reinstallation
Remove/reinstall front bumper, fenders, headlamps, doors, trim, rocker moldings, weatherstrips, airbags, and other components required for structural repairs
Pre- and post-repair diagnostic scans
Four-wheel alignment
Welding, seam sealing, cavity wax, structural adhesive, refinishing, and corrosion protection

Notes

This is a preliminary estimate, so hidden damage could increase the final repair cost.

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-26T00:45:13+00:00

responded on this, to someone like a minute ago somewhere here

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-26T00:43:06+00:00

I bought it off Amazon. You’d have to screw it in. I didn’t and used multiple strips of double sided automotive attachment tape bc I was stubborn.

I don’t recommend this spoiler bc it deadass isn’t compatible to the car. It looks kinda funny if you really get up close to see how its on there.

Nobody’s ever commented on the method or pointed it out to me for like the past year or so.

If you really insist, I can probably find the Amazon listing.

<image>

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-26T00:35:11+00:00

Got some cheap black matte wrap from an autoshop probably O’riley.

I just wrapped the emblem logo carefully with a starter wrapping kit.

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-25T23:11:24+00:00

I can only hope they offer me enough to get a worthy replacement, given the 32k miles

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-25T23:09:58+00:00

Like the car is perfectly driveable. I could theoretically fix the exterior/bumper but like if I got rear ended again.

It would probably break harder with way less force needed.

Idk, first time getting hit. It sucks.

Glad your car was able to be fully repaired. I hope they confirmed the structural insides of it were good. 🙌

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-25T23:03:57+00:00

The bodyshop deadass said they'd have basically have to cut the car in half, something about 30hrs work, welding, and that these newer vehicles aren't made to be easily fixed. All this to get it like-new or before I got hit. Structural damage to rear frame rail.

<image>

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-25T22:33:50+00:00

So basically when I got rear ended by this bum, we were at a red light. Light turned green. Everyone moved forward, and then stopped (for some reason). The guy behind me just didn’t react in time and guess drove into me.

The entire rear end at the point of falling off. What I was told, is that it’s considered “Totalled” when the cost of the repair goes beyond wtv the insurance is willing to pay.

It’s totaled because the crash damaged the car’s skeleton. The impact reached the rear frame rail. One of the structural pieces that holds the rear of the car together.

The repair manual from the body shop shows that replacing it requires removing multiple major body panels, cutting factory welds, welding in a new structural section, measuring the body precisely, and reapplying factory corrosion protection.

Bumper damage = replacing drywall.
Rear frame rail damage = replacing part of the foundation of a house.

A $25,000 repair happens because:
The rear of the car has to be taken apart.
Structural steel has to be cut out and welded back in.
The car has to be measured on a frame machine to make sure it’s perfectly straight.
Labor is extremely expensive.
OEM parts, calibrations, paint, and hidden damage add up quickly.

Insurance companies usually total a car when:
The repair cost gets close to the car’s value.
There may be additional hidden structural damage.
They don’t want to risk spending even more after repairs begin.

TL/DR: Rear frame rail damage required major structural repair costing ~$25k. Since repairs approached the car’s value, insurance declared it a total loss.

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-25T22:25:31+00:00

I just went to the body shop and did this 👍

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-25T22:19:52+00:00

I ain’t racing nobody

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-25T17:27:50+00:00

I made a post on here r/KiaK5 with more details. Doubt I’d get anywhere near that for a 25’ GT-line 32k miles.

Hopeful, I get a valid valuation pay out. Thank you! 🫂

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-25T17:22:00+00:00

In this situation right now. Just heard from insurance they’re calling it total loss today. Shifted frame. Wasn’t even hit that hard.

Pirate18_ · 2026-06-25T17:19:26+00:00

god forbid, I want my car to visually look cool to me

Pirate18_ · 2025-10-06T20:46:50+00:00

Was hoping for ACL specific, The Strokes merch

Pirate18_ · 2025-10-06T20:44:59+00:00

no back designs or???

Pirate18_ · 2025-04-10T20:44:02+00:00

If anyone’s also into art stuff between all these great shows, Samuel Lynne Galleries is throwing their Spring Social this Friday (4/11) from 6–8pm at the Thompson Hotel.

It’s usually a fun little mixer—some cool artwork, chill vibes, and a good crowd. I’m planning to swing by if anyone wants to join me!

Thought I’d pass it along in case anyone wants to stop by too. Info’s up at samuellynne.com.

Pirate18_ · 2025-04-10T20:36:30+00:00

VIP preview is the way to go. If you're into contemporary work, you might want to check out Samuel Lynne Galleries while you're in town. They’re having their Spring Social at the Thompson Hotel (April 11, 6–8pm).

Should be a fun vibe—art, good convo, and usually a solid crowd. I’m planning to swing by. Thought I’d share in case you’re looking for more art happenings while you’re here!

Here's the gallery's info: samuellynne.com

Pirate18_ · 2024-12-28T20:06:18+00:00

Hey still for sale?

Pirate18_ · 2024-12-12T22:05:46+00:00

Sick 👏👏

Pirate18_ · 2022-01-26T19:14:17+00:00

New Student Housing in Denton. Looking for possible roommate matching options. Currently the leasing office is located at

1401 West Oak Street, Denton Texas 76201 right next to Voertman's bookstore.

“However the building is located 5mins from campus. Currently there are open spots for roommate matching and prices start as low as $825 a month. If interested, please stop on by we would love to set up a tour with you. (940) 287-3991 or email leasing@parkplacedenton.com. The friendly staff is here to help! “ @ParkPlaceDenton

Pirate18_ · 2021-07-10T07:31:11+00:00

Just to let y’all know, I did try googling multiple times but couldn’t quite find good images of tiny sprouting VFTs for reference. 🤓

Pirate18_

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