Got an email from the appraiser that USAA sent out and he confirms that the car is indeed totaled. He said he will have a value for us in 48 hours. He commented that the car was in better condition than he expected for a 1995.
USAA was able to contact the father of the kid who caused the accident and I guess he seemed pretty annoyed about being "bothered" by this whole thing. They don't expect him to willingly fork over the money so now I'm really glad I paid for uninsured motorist coverage since they have found he does not have any other insurance. They said if they do recover anything we will get our $250 deduct back.
Kinda funny that it seems this accident will be settled before the one that happened a year prior.
They don't expect him to willingly fork over the money so now I'm really glad I paid for uninsured motorist coverage since they have found he does not have any other insurance. They said if they do recover anything we will get our $250 deduct back.
In your State do they not have a collision deductible waiver option for uninsured claims? Best $10-$20 dollars I spend every year if I do say so myself. I don't want to have to pay anything if something isn't my fault.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Actually I was going to ask if it was a record for the fewest you've bought in a year.....
Late to the insurance talk but I'm with New Jersey Manufacturers which is a good deal. When I switched over to them at first opportunity (you need to work for a company that's in their pool - my wife's employer at the time was in) and it pretty well cut my premiums in half. They are easy to deal with and since the company is owned by the policyholders I get a nice dividend check right before Christmas.
For those watching on my health front I go in on Sunday and will be posting from NYC for quite some time.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I think I could have gotten in with them many years ago, but didnt end up switching (quite a few people i worked with did though). I seem to recall the rates being good, but having to pay an entrance fee (like a bond?) that I assume you would get back.
I was with State Farm for many years (my first insurance co.) and they were great. When I bought the '91 Mercedes 560SEL in '93 they went really high. So, I switched to Geico as they were priced much lower. After one year with Geico, they almost doubled my rate (no accidents or tickets...nothing). They say it's because I went over 8,000 miles in a year, I drove 8,500. Crazy. :sick:
So, I switched to Tennessee Farmer's Mutual and have been very happy. For my 2010 Land Rover LR4 HSE it is about $500 every 6 months w/full coverage, $500 deductible.
About speeding tickets, my last one was in 1985 driving my sister Ford conversion van. What has really saved me is that I use the cruise control 99% of the time, especially in the city. It's like second nature to me. :P
Mark156
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
I'm with NJM. I was "gradfathered" in by my folks, who were able to get in back in the '70s when my dad worked for a company that had it.
I'm hoping 2012 will be a zero-car year for me. Although I know I'll be selling the MR2, I think that's all that will happen. Unless I decide to replace the 540 for some reason, but I don't see that happening. Although... a more frugal sedan with a stick....
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I just asked our HR department if we were part of that organization that gets you in with NJM. Nope! Guess I'm stuck with the Gecko, still the cheapest option for me.
I feel a little better now - over the past year (Feb-11 through Feb-12), the wife and I purchased six cars (4 in 2011 and 2 last month). Been feeling a bit embarrassed of the average of "every two months."
But, we have committed to each other to stay the course on what we have for awhile (though neither of us are bold enough to define what "awhile" means). I suppose going the rest of this year is a start.
Way cool. who cares if it gets schooled by a slushbox SUV or base 4 door sedan these days? it is for stylin!
Install a Conforti chip and a BMW Motorsport exhaust cam sprocket and the S38 motor makes over 300 bhp- good for a 0-60 time under six seconds and a quarter mile time in the low fourteens. Yes, that's not all that fast these days, but it's not too bad for 3,500 pounds and a NA 3.5 liter I6- especially considering the motor was designed in the late seventies.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Well, at the beginning of 2011, we had the Honda Insight (wife's daily), the CX-9 (my daily) and a Miata (fun car), then...
1) In January, replaced my wife's short-lived Insight with the 2008 328xi. 2) In June, bought the 1995 318ti, 'cause it seemed like a fun car for little money (which it was). 3) In August, replaced the Miata with a more practical fun car in the GTI. 4) In October, found the 2002 530i that I couldn't pass up (sport pkg, manual and 59k miles). 5) Last month, replaced the 328xi with the new X3 - we actually were "casually" looking for a newer, manual 3'er, and my wife fell in love with the spaciousness of the X3. 6) Then, also last month, I replaced my CX-9 with the Odyssey.
We sold the 318ti just last month, which had been the plan ever since we got the 530i. So we have four cars and a three car garage. I think about getting down to three, mostly so they all would have a garage space, but as I've said before, I really enjoy the contrast between the 530i and the GTI and don't really want to give either up.
And we love the Odyssey - I'm really happy with that move.
So - there you go. Famous last words, but I am really happy with our garage and don't foresee any changes anytime soon. I like the diversity - like having the "perfect tool" for any situation.
Once I take delivery of the BMW, I will be completely content with all 3 cars in my garage. Well, 2 in the garage & 1 in the driveway. The Prelude (10 yrs old on 4/27/12) will continue to serve me well as my 1-2x a week perfect day commuting car. The BMW will be my daily driver. The 2011 Pilot will continue on as wifey's ride/weekend family hauler.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
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Yeah, NJM told my daughter that she'll be able to get in because she's grandfathered with us. I should tell her she'd have to make me a grandfather first but she's still young and single.......
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
so the 328xi lasted 14 months? That's 3 less than my GTI lasted, but about 5 more than my V70.
HOWEVER, just to pick nits, those 6 span more than a year.
Yeah, you're right - just to make it right, I'll go shopping this afternoon.
I was looking at my "car list" and the longest I've had a car was five years, which was with my first car out of college, a '93 Prelude. That was a long time ago.
Every winter I start wondering if I'll keep the Miata, then spring arrives and days like today the top is down and all is well.
It's been in the 70's here in Denver all week and I'm starting to miss my Miata a bit. I knew that would happen - I traded it toward the end of last season, so there's been little opportunity to pine for it.
It's been in the 70's here in Denver all week and I'm starting to miss my Miata a bit. I knew that would happen - I traded it toward the end of last season, so there's been little opportunity to pine for it.
I wondered if the warm weather we've had this week had affected you with regards to the Miata. Guess the answer is yes, a little bit.
Yeah, and my step-daughter still reminds me how fun it was to be dropped off at school in the yellow Miata. She doesn't seem to enjoy being dropped off in the Ody as much .
By the way Michael, I'm sure you've seen that GTI is still at Shortline Auto (or at least it's still listed). From the carfax, looks like it's coming up on a month now - time for a good deal .
By the way Michael, I'm sure you've seen that GTI is still at Shortline Auto (or at least it's still listed). From the carfax, looks like it's coming up on a month now - time for a good deal
Oy, you're killing me.
Yeah, I know it's still there. Unfortunately, I did my taxes last weekend and discovered that I can no longer claim my step-daughter as a dependent. :sick:
This puts the kibosh on any thoughts I may have had of trading in the ION for something new and shiny.
Will continue to live vicariously through those of you who continue to bolster the economy with new vehicle purchases.
Yeah, moonroof on both the 5 and GTI, so that does help. The wind buffeting on that GTI is worse than any other car I've owned - rolling the windows down a bit helps of course.
Thanks breld! I know its a good car. My Mom had an '08 328xi that she leased for 3 years and it had ZERO problems & was lots of fun to drive. I'm looking forward to taking delivery!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
It looks like my poor little garage princess is going to have to learn how to work, biggest trailer its ever pulled was about 1000 lbs. We are going to be shopping for a 24-26' enclosed trailer that can haul our Civic and household goods, weightwise its going to be really a push. Starting to think I should have bought a bigger truck, but I don't want to take a bath on mine and trade it for a used 3/4 ton.
Sometimes when I buy a car I wish I could see the future....I would have looked at a new 3/4 ton, was about the same price as the truck I bought although it wouldn't have fit in the garage. Not to mention it would have sucked down the gas a lot faster than the one I have........heck at that point I should have just kept the 3/4 ton I had! :sick:
So, push the envelope with mine or take a bath and trade it? If it was just a small cross town move I wouldn't think twice but we are taking about 6000 miles through the mountains. Probably going to be about 1500-2500 lbs overweight too. I've pushed it with 1/2 tons before.......several time pulling 15k with my Titan over the mountains, no major issues, but there's always that what if.
Has anybody heard of spcial unpublished fees that a dealer can charge on the top of the cost of the car for alowing the custumer to finance through the manufacturer? For example, the dealer told me that in order for me to buy a new car (Mazda3) using the manufacturer's advertized deal of the month 0.9% rate, I have to pay extra 250$ or go to a bank and apply for a loan. This did not sound honest to me. Please let me know your thoughts! I have to know to be able to rate the dealer fairly. Strangely, they forgot to include the fee on the final paperwork and I never had to pay it after all.
Probably going to be about 1500-2500 lbs overweight too.
I wouldn't do it for those kind of miles. I believe reading here that you have already had driveline problems with this truck (transfer case?) and combining hilly long distance driving with a heavy load could bring problems. I'm sure the engine will be fine, but the transmission could be an issue.
If you are going to do it, maybe get a shop to put an extra large transmission cooler, and maybe on of those aluminum finned differential covers to keep the rear cool.
my first vehicle was a '79 CJ7. Nothing says "please pull me over" to the cops quite like a topless, doorless vehicle on 32" rubber full of 17-year-old boys.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Comments
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
USAA was able to contact the father of the kid who caused the accident and I guess he seemed pretty annoyed about being "bothered" by this whole thing. They don't expect him to willingly fork over the money so now I'm really glad I paid for uninsured motorist coverage since they have found he does not have any other insurance. They said if they do recover anything we will get our $250 deduct back.
Kinda funny that it seems this accident will be settled before the one that happened a year prior.
Enjoy!
- Ray
Also a BMW driver......
I might be competition for you. Since 08 I have:
traded 06 Ram for 09 GMC Canyon which was traded for 07 Wrangler which was traded for 10 TSX which was traded for 11 328i coupe.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
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Although I am in the market for a "fun" car. If I can find a drop top that tickles my fancy I will add one more to the list.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Yeah, but the G37X wasn't planned, so I'm only gonna count 2 instead of 3.
nyc - congrats on the new ride! You should enjoy 'the feel of the road' as compared to your Acura.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Way cool. who cares if it gets schooled by a slushbox SUV or base 4 door sedan these days? it is for stylin!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
In your State do they not have a collision deductible waiver option for uninsured claims? Best $10-$20 dollars I spend every year if I do say so myself. I don't want to have to pay anything if something isn't my fault.
Ok... Just pulled up my spreadsheet. I see 4 in 2010 and 4 in 2005, as well. So, no, not a new record.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
but none in 2009-2011. 2 in 2008 (both for my son though), and none in 2006-2007.
before that, there was more activity!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Late to the insurance talk but I'm with New Jersey Manufacturers which is a good deal. When I switched over to them at first opportunity (you need to work for a company that's in their pool - my wife's employer at the time was in) and it pretty well cut my premiums in half. They are easy to deal with and since the company is owned by the policyholders I get a nice dividend check right before Christmas.
For those watching on my health front I go in on Sunday and will be posting from NYC for quite some time.
Oh well.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
So, I switched to Tennessee Farmer's Mutual and have been very happy. For my 2010 Land Rover LR4 HSE it is about $500 every 6 months w/full coverage, $500 deductible.
About speeding tickets, my last one was in 1985 driving my sister Ford conversion van. What has really saved me is that I use the cruise control 99% of the time, especially in the city. It's like second nature to me. :P
Mark156
I'm hoping 2012 will be a zero-car year for me.
Although I know I'll be selling the MR2, I think that's all that will happen. Unless I decide to replace the 540 for some reason, but I don't see that happening. Although... a more frugal sedan with a stick....
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I just asked our HR department if we were part of that organization that gets you in with NJM. Nope! Guess I'm stuck with the Gecko, still the cheapest option for me.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
But, we have committed to each other to stay the course on what we have for awhile (though neither of us are bold enough to define what "awhile" means). I suppose going the rest of this year is a start.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Install a Conforti chip and a BMW Motorsport exhaust cam sprocket and the S38 motor makes over 300 bhp- good for a 0-60 time under six seconds and a quarter mile time in the low fourteens. Yes, that's not all that fast these days, but it's not too bad for 3,500 pounds and a NA 3.5 liter I6- especially considering the motor was designed in the late seventies.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The rest, as they say, was very predictable history.
My dad always says there are 2 things you can never "just look" at. One is a new car and the other is a puppy!
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
1) In January, replaced my wife's short-lived Insight with the 2008 328xi.
2) In June, bought the 1995 318ti, 'cause it seemed like a fun car for little money (which it was).
3) In August, replaced the Miata with a more practical fun car in the GTI.
4) In October, found the 2002 530i that I couldn't pass up (sport pkg, manual and 59k miles).
5) Last month, replaced the 328xi with the new X3 - we actually were "casually" looking for a newer, manual 3'er, and my wife fell in love with the spaciousness of the X3.
6) Then, also last month, I replaced my CX-9 with the Odyssey.
We sold the 318ti just last month, which had been the plan ever since we got the 530i. So we have four cars and a three car garage. I think about getting down to three, mostly so they all would have a garage space, but as I've said before, I really enjoy the contrast between the 530i and the GTI and don't really want to give either up.
And we love the Odyssey - I'm really happy with that move.
So - there you go. Famous last words, but I am really happy with our garage and don't foresee any changes anytime soon. I like the diversity - like having the "perfect tool" for any situation.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
HOWEVER, just to pick nits, those 6 span more than a year.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Has he seen the new 3?
Every winter I start wondering if I'll keep the Miata, then spring arrives and days like today the top is down and all is well.
I've had this one 3 years now so I'm sure my membership has been revoked long ago.
And while I am always drawn to the new shiny models, there's something about having a previous style BMW - they age very well.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
HOWEVER, just to pick nits, those 6 span more than a year.
Yeah, you're right - just to make it right, I'll go shopping this afternoon.
I was looking at my "car list" and the longest I've had a car was five years, which was with my first car out of college, a '93 Prelude. That was a long time ago.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
It's been in the 70's here in Denver all week and I'm starting to miss my Miata a bit. I knew that would happen - I traded it toward the end of last season, so there's been little opportunity to pine for it.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I wondered if the warm weather we've had this week had affected you with regards to the Miata. Guess the answer is yes, a little bit.
By the way Michael, I'm sure you've seen that GTI is still at Shortline Auto (or at least it's still listed). From the carfax, looks like it's coming up on a month now - time for a good deal
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Oy, you're killing me.
Yeah, I know it's still there. Unfortunately, I did my taxes last weekend and discovered that I can no longer claim my step-daughter as a dependent.
This puts the kibosh on any thoughts I may have had of trading in the ION for something new and shiny.
Will continue to live vicariously through those of you who continue to bolster the economy with new vehicle purchases.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Our Forester has a moonroof roughly the size of, oh, Texas, and that's almost a necessity when it's wide open. :shades:
My favorite was when I had the Wrangler... doors off and top down is a great way to ride!
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
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Only Texas? That's not very big...... :P Now if you'd said Alaska......
Sometimes when I buy a car I wish I could see the future....I would have looked at a new 3/4 ton, was about the same price as the truck I bought although it wouldn't have fit in the garage. Not to mention it would have sucked down the gas a lot faster than the one I have........heck at that point I should have just kept the 3/4 ton I had! :sick:
So, push the envelope with mine or take a bath and trade it? If it was just a small cross town move I wouldn't think twice but we are taking about 6000 miles through the mountains. Probably going to be about 1500-2500 lbs overweight too. I've pushed it with 1/2 tons before.......several time pulling 15k with my Titan over the mountains, no major issues, but there's always that what if.
A 6k move? Where are you moving? China?
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
I wouldn't do it for those kind of miles. I believe reading here that you have already had driveline problems with this truck (transfer case?) and combining hilly long distance driving with a heavy load could bring problems. I'm sure the engine will be fine, but the transmission could be an issue.
If you are going to do it, maybe get a shop to put an extra large transmission cooler, and maybe on of those aluminum finned differential covers to keep the rear cool.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
My buddy had one, and we drove to see the movie Twister together. The ride home was hysterical, I kept yelling "DEBRIS!"
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S