07 outback manual wagon base model, 2.5L, 148k miles. Hit from behind on left side while stopped at a light. Crushed the aluminum bumper on the left. Damaged the trailer hitch and the left side frame rail a bit. Hatch opens and closes but there is a slight offset in the latch. With this amount of damage the car has been totaled. 2nd totaled car for us in the past two months. Car runs and drives ok. On impact, the car was pushed from behind into the next car ahead. No apparent front end body damage but the PS pump sprung a leak which has been fixed (new return side o-ring). The impact sheared a muffler hanger on each side, replaced with spares.  

https://photos.app.goo.gl/SusTyPs8RqCmTwBA8

How repairable (and necessary) is the frame rail and rear panel under the bumper? It appears that subaru does not sell any body panels for the back end / tire well / frame rail. I could grab an aluminum bumper and cover easily from a parts yard but doubt that it will easily bolt up without replacing or unbending sheet metal or cutting new holes into the bumper. The accident happened in TN so there will be issues with a salvage title / possible re-inspection.  Where to get parts? Not sure I'm ready to buy a parts car and have it towed or if this job is even conducive to harvesting the needed body panels. Just learned from my recent front end deer crash that my neighbor is keen to weld, and I'm kind of interested in welding all of a sudden given my track record with totaled cars. 

Replacing the bumper cover may hide most of the damage. You really need to know what you’re doing though, when you start cutting and welding on a unibody car.

9 hours ago, 88SubGL said:

Replacing the bumper cover may hide most of the damage. You really need to know what you’re doing though, when you start cutting and welding on a unibody car.

Going to try the cover and the bumper too if it will fit. The taillight is only 3/8" pushed in past the hatch on the left side. The right side taillight is flush with the hatch. Maybe try hooking into the trailer hitch but how to mimic the right amount of force that bent it inwards. 

Frame shop?  

I've had pretty good luck with a winch.  You have to strap the car to a tree or something secure so it does not move as the brakes are not enough.  Hook to the old bumper support before you remove it and see what you can get.  The problem is all the sheetmetal that is moved in is not hooked to the support.  Another option is to cut out a good section at a yard and place it over the top.  It will not be perfect and you will have to do some fitting to get it close.  JB weld and some screws to hold it in place while the JB cures, then grind off the screw heads and body filler.  No weld fix.