Hmmm...that's a tough call at those figures! You *might* get your money back, but it's far from guaranteed. It really depends on the condition of the car, aside from the collision damage, and how good your negotiating skills are.
If it's in really good shape, you might net $2000. OTOH you may be able to sell it as a fixer-upper or parts car, and make a similar profit without having to risk your savings. Either way, your best bet is going to be selling it on Craigslist and/or local paper. Look for those free "car shopper" rags that you find near the doors of convenience stores.
When you got those estimates, did you tell them that you were fixing it up for sale? If you're paying cash, you can negotiate price of repairs, and you might find a shop that will be willing to do the work for a lot less by using junkyard parts and other stuff, provided you waive the guarantee. (A good shop will warranty their repair job for a year or more, depending on the age of the car.) If you can get someone to "get it ready for sale" for $1000, I'd say go for it. The key here is to get just enough to make it look good for sale. Part of that will be a good detailing job. This kind of thing is done all the time. If one shop claims "we don't do that sort of thing", try another. Remind them you're paying cash, and willing to waive the warranty.
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