How much is "really low miles" worth?

[mtnsmith]

My buddy just got a small parking lot dent on his front bumper.
On his 1995 Honda Accord. One owner, well-maintained vehicle.
But because this small low-speed accident caused his airbags to blow (both sides), and the passenger airbag in the dashboard cracked the windshield right above it, the insurance company is calling this a total loss.

Here's the catch: The car has only 85,000 miles. This was his mom's car for many years, and she hardly ever drove it, letting her husband and adult kids take here nearly every place she needed to go, using their own cars. It was under a carport 75% of its life and the interior is like new. No sun fading, no stains, or rips.

So, is it worth trying to sell this car whole , or part out the engine and transmission, rather than let the insurance company pay the "book value" on it (probably less than $1000) and total it?

What's a good 23 year old Honda with only 85K miles worth, anyway?

Was your friend in the car when it got bumped? If so, tell him to go get a physical. A bump that sets of air bags is no little bump. This could be his leverage to get a replacement vehicle with similar mileage.