Put it like this. You dont want to drive anything that has been wrecked around for ten years. No matter what it is chances are that it will be a money pit.

 

Well, the pole is a total loss; who has to pay for that? It really depends if the damage extends to the engine. If the engine has been hit or jarred, for example if pulleys or hose fittings have been bent, broken off etc, I would bet the examiner spends very little time total lossing the car. If the damage is limited to the front end and body, they may try to repair it. Be sure to point out any engine damage.

Blue

 

Definately fight for the totaled route.
If you were to have it repaired the market value of the car would be significantly less as most likely the details of the wreck are in carfax.
Moreover getting it repaired and having it as good as what you had before would probably not happen.