Hey everyone, just wanted to update this thread. I really appreciate all of the suggestions given throughout this ordeal.
After plenty of consideration I will allow the insurance company to total out the car and be done with it. I'm currently in discussions with the insurance company to determine the fair market value.
And as an informational piece on fair market values: When the insurance company "tells" you what you're entitled to for your vehicle you should do your own research in the used car websites for vehicles with similar milage and conditions. They initially offered me about $24,300 for the FMV, then you add an extra $1,900 for tax and license paid. However, there are other '06 Mustangs with 21k miles that are listed for sale around $27,900. That establishes a fair market value. I asked the insurance guy to send me a copy of the report used to come to a $24,300 value. He did and I quickly spotted some critical points: they classified my car condition as "normal". And right next to "normal" is a description along the lines of: "Seats - Normal: light wear, some fading, minimal tears, etc". Well that category simply doesn't apply to my car. The company determined what is classified as normal and this clearly doesn't apply. Next, I spoke with the adjuster and pointed this out, he told me that they rarely use the "above average" category but he would check with someone. He did, and within an hour he called back to tell me they made the change and he is now offering me $25,800, $1,500 more just by paying attention to their report.
However, this is still significantly under the listed price for a similar vehicle at a nearby dealership of $27,900. So I contacted
Diminished Value Auto Appraisal Experts | Insurance Claims | Wrecked Car Value and had them prepare an appraisal to send to the insurance company. They have, and this week I should be receiveing an updated "fair market value" from the insurance company. I only paid $27,300 (using the Ford A-Z plan) but that doesn't change that value of my car. So I may be getting back more than I paid after taking the time and doing some homework!
Parts for Sale... 
