How do we value our cars?

Insurance (different companies) has totalled my 65 Newport 3 times. The way it has flowed for me, I take it to their approved body shop, the bozos report "can't fix", insurance decides to total it, then it becomes just a question of price. I collect ads and such from ebay, craigslist, auto mags (before internet) and document comparables. They usually don't figure my 4 door is worth less than a 2-door high-option car. I recall $2500 - $3500 agreements. I buy the car back for ~$700 and fix it. Most were fairly easy repairs. One was a single door (deer crunched). Painting is the biggest hassle. Once your car is on a salvage title, more salvages don't hurt.