Insurance Says Total Loss, Thoughts? Options

[Spider77]

Well, never did I think I would be writing one of "these" posts. Regardless, I am still waiting on some final numbers from the insurance company. News to anyone, if your going to get in to any kind of accident, don't do it on a holiday period, it just seems to make it worse. In all fairness, my insurance company has been working with me (this far), so I cant really write them off yet.
Anyhow, how this happened was an error on my part mostly. I was leaving work, there is a left turn merge lane right on the main road. The truck in front of me was stopped, so I looked over my left and spotted a clear spot. I looked at the truck and they were starting to go, so I check left one more time. A car was coming up, but there was plenty of room for both myself and the truck. Considering he was already going I eased into acceleration. When I looked forward the truck had slammed on their brakes (keep in mind there was room to make the merge), I hit mine and we had a rough 5-8 MPH collision.
Granted I hit him, so no matter what I'm at fault.
We exchanged information and I drove home. It probably doesn't help that he told me he could of made it, cause "V8 an all", but decided not to at the last second. I was more upset with myself for not assuring that he decided to go, even though he gave every indication that he was (as in starting to pull out). Long story short, his giant ass truck is fine and the Celica took the beating.
After talking to the insurance company for two days (holidays and what not) I was informed that they deemed the Celica a total loss. Now, I am still waiting on the payout estimate to decide on what I'm going to do. I don't plan on it being much due to the age and mileage (263k), and currently there is only one Celica at any dealership that's within 75 miles (goes for 4200, less 50k miles).
So I figured I'd take to here to get some opinions on what to do. The hood and bumper cover is shot, high beams exploded, and the upper radiator support is bent (along with headlight supports)...its amazing what running under a truck will do when it hits just right. Anyhow here are the pics, and I would appreciate your thoughts (especially those that have been though this). Granted im still awaiting to hear back from my insurance.







Thanks!

[Box]

Similar nonsense with my Miata, I wanted them to throw on used panels in matching paint and call it a day but the way laws are written to protect you more often than not it causes more issues. Most states if the damage repair cost exceeds 70% of the car's retail value they'll total it. Another thing it's just easier for insurance to total a vehicle than to have one repaired and then have the possibility of the victim not signing off on the work because it's "not as it was" before the accident. Most states insurance is required to settle a claim within 30-45 days.

The only thing I'd know to tell you is shop around on body shops for estimates and attempt to find comparable vehicles being for sale at dealerships for high prices to try and show that "Hey, it'll cost more to replace than you thought". It'd be shame since it appears the damage isn't even that severe.