OK, so I recently went through the process of selling 2 cars I had and searching for and buying a new one - all in about a week. Well not really new but a pre-loved one in good condition. Then the unthinkable happened...
But first, I made very good use of CraigsList.org to get rid of the 2 existing cars for a fair price each:
- a 1999 BMW 323iC convertible (I'm going to really miss that one)
- a 1997 VW Passat GLX wagon (gave me surprisingly good FE for being unmodified)
Next, I found a used 2002 BMW 325it wagon with low mileage and a CPO warranty from a BMW dealer with a relatively good reputation around where I live. It was in nice condition, and below retail price (though they never budged). I inspected all the body panels, got a carfax, and requested a copy of the paint density measurements: it was all originall and no damage history. It also had on it everything I would have wanted in terms of options (hey, life is short
).
I drove it home on a Friday night (Oct 9th), parked it in my driveway, and put a cover over it to protect it from the vicious oak trees (acorns are like falling ballpein hammers). I went away for the weekend, and then drove it to work for the first time on Monday. At lunch, I went out to return a set of license plates to the RMV, and I got hit going through a green light in the right lane of a 4-lane road (2-lanes each way) ... by opposing traffic!!!!!
No, nobody was hurt. The other driver was attempting a U-turn at an intersection and seemed oblivious to other cars. He wasn't going very fast and he didn't respond to my horn either. By the time I realized what was happening, I couldn't seem to avoid him. He just simply drove right into my left rear door and pinned me up against a curb. I couldn't believe it! I was even more astonished than when I was in a plane crash back in 1990 - but I digress. I hate it when this happens. His car was a 2006 Cadillac CTS and his license said his birthdate was February something of 1926. Afterwards, I saw him drive ahead and pull over to collect himself (he was OK), so I just sat there and swore for what felt like 2 solid minutes w/o repeating myself.
Then, having fully vented
, I got out and dealt with the whole trade-info / police-report / rmv-report / insurance thing.
So much for the pristine Bimmer. I know, I have elitist problems - you can say it. I've already gotten a check from his insurance company for the initial estimate and have it scheduled to go to a certified BMW collision repair center (the best I could do).
I think my next car will be one of those Civics like I've seen all over GS that I can heavily modify to get obscene FE... In the meantime, life will go on.
Threaded Mode
