2015 SR5, Trade or Fix

In a pickler here and looking for hive mind advice.
2015 SR5 185kmi Had a mouse get into the electrical and HVAC. Comprehensive claim $100 deductible.

Currently in the shop waiting on parts (Headliner, and side curtain airbag) which are very backordered, 2+ more months already been 30 days. I'll be out of pocket for a rental car during that period, Toyota customer care offered a "goodwill adjustment review" after repairs are completed, without specifying anything about what that could be. Rental car will cost me $2k for two months. Shop is valuing trade after repairs are completed at $7000, carvana was $8900 cashforcars.com $8750. I still owe $5k
1 accident, front steering yolk replaced 2 years ago.

Notes
I tow frequently, ~ 5000k+lbs
I work in construction and need a reliable work vehicle.

Options -
1. eat the car rental, hope for the best toyota "goodwill" and keep the truck
2. eat the car rental, hope for the best toyota "goodwill" and sell the truck private party after repairs are completed.
3. eat the car rental, hope for the best toyota "goodwill" and part the truck out ( haven't done this before but I learn quick and have a big shop space )
4. trade the truck- for a gen 2.5
5. trade truck towards a gen 3
6. something I haven't thought of

Advice appreciated.

 

6: buy a cheap vehicle, turn in rental. Drive cheap vehicle until truck is fixed. Sell cheap vehicle or sell truck at that time.

 

Took the words right out of my mouth!

 

Where the heck can you find a cheap vehicle?

 

In SC $3000.00 will get a good runner that can be resold. Not sure in CT. My son bought a fine little Avalon with 165000 miles on to drive while he repaired his truck and a line has formed to buy it when he is ready to sell. I believe he paid $2700.00.

 

Just like dating, all ya gotta do is lower your standards sometimes

 

This is a tough one......breaking down the numbers for each:
1. No guarantee that after yiu get the truck back it will be problem free......it will be an almost ten year old, high mileage truck with maintenance / upkeep likely required in the near future. Good news is you only have a $100 deductible. BUT you still owe $5k and might be stuck with a $2k plus rental fee.......on a truck that is only worth between $7-9k when fixed.
2. Say you get the high end of the value after repairs are completed....$9k minus $2k for rental minus $5k for what you still owe minus $100 deductible....you are left with less than $2k net.
3. Sounds great in theory but could be months or years before you can part it out and recoup cost - on a truck you still owe $5k on
4. I like this idea but am partial because i have a 2019 - what can you get trade in on current condition?
5. Same as above but will likely cost a little more than a 2.5 gen
6. What exactly is the issue? Is it isolated to a single wiring harness or at least a couple that you can source from a junkyard and do yourself? If you have the space, know how and tools, it might be a fun project.....what damage was done to HVAC? Can you get that fixed locally at a shop?


You also have to consider that a $3k commuter isn't JUST $3k......inspection fees, taxes, registration, etc are things that add up quickly and you don't necessarily recoup those costs.

If you could get trade in value that makes sense to mitigate the potential $2k that you would pay in rental car fees and pay off the truck, it might be worth it to cut your losses if you can afford to do so.......BUT I love the idea of a paid off truck if it is running well.

 

Someone please explain how this works, I am so confused...

 

From the initial post: "Shop is valuing trade after repairs are completed at $7000, carvana was $8900 cashforcars.com $8750." I assume because it is a high mileage truck with accident history.

 

Still that appears awful low. My 2010 with small v8 and 4x2 is like 10k for a trade in. (140miles)

 

Fix it, rent a car, then run the 2015 for another 185k