I was just recently in a car accident where the rear bumper was taken off my car, side panel dented all to hell, busted tail light, and some alignment issues.. other party solely responsible for the accident.

in purchasing a NEW car (likely scion tC), would i be better suited to trade my car in as-is, without repairing anything (repairs estimated around $1500) or spend money on repairs and then trade it in?
the damaged car in question is a 1998 honda civic lx 4dr w/ 130,000 miles on it so it's not worth all that much to begin with...

thanks guys

Not worth fixing ........... I have a 1997 Blazer with 283,000 miles, the truck is in outstanding condition with the only exception is that I nailed a deer and pushed in my fender and smashed my door, with vehicles of that age and mileage, it is not worth dumping 1500 into and maybe get 500 extra back, you know !

Get your salesperson to give you 2 appraisals, one with the vehicle fixed and one without. In most cases the dealership will be able to fix the car cheaper than you will be able to get it done. Keep in mind though that fixed or not fixed you are going to get less because it was in an accident.