ORS Chapter 746 Trade Practices 746.275 to 746.300

ORS Chapter 819 Destroyed, Totaled, Abandoned and Stolen Vehicles; Vehicle Identification Numbers 819.012 and 819.014

ORS Chapter 801 Oregon Vehicle Code 801.527 is the definition of "totaled"

Firstly, I'm not an attorney or insurance expert.

I don't read anything in these statutes that prohibit the business practice you describe.

Still, there may be other rules and standards. Try the Department of Consumer and Business Services, the Director of which is authorized to make administrative rules.

I'm not clear on one point, so the car owner should be prepared to clarify it: "mechanics are telling her that first she has to have the body repaired before they will even look at the mechanics of it".

Does this mean that mechanics refuse to provide even an estimate for the mechanical repair? Have they refused or not offered to explain the requirement?

The car owner is a female. Harsh reality prompts these suggestions: if she has a close male friend, recruit him to take the car to a couple of other shops and see if he gets the same line, or more detail. She might also call Reborn Automotive, Inc. in Portland. If Vince or his wife Becky doesn't answer the phone, ask for one of them, or leave a message to have them call you. I use this shop. They're ethical.

Good luck.