Targeting Toyotas--thanks Fly!

[cmattson]

Got into a car accident today. I was taking a left leaving a shopping mall & the car (an '02 Sienna minivan -> damn yota's) across from me ran his stop sign. My '04 Malibu took it in the passenger front-corner -- HARD. Both airbags deployed (what a treat that was -- do you like smoke?). Bumper was crushed, hood caved in, fendor damaged. For those that aren't familiar with the Malibu, the pass.-side airbag is hidden behind the dash -- and when it deploys, it punches a hole in your dash to explode outward. I calc $3k in parts on the inside of my car alone (2 airbags + dash + labor). Car was still drivable -- but it did get pounded -- and NO I didn't take pictures. Progressive had me drop the car off at their service center, where I picked up a rental car (covered by my ins. policy for all of $9 every six months). Anyways, I get home from work today & I check out my claim online & guess what? "Car is considered a total loss". Ouch. I'm still shocked. Nobody @ Progressive has any additional info tonight. I've gotta wait & talk to my claims adjuster tomorrow.

This sux. The car was easily the most boring ride I've ever owned. It was also reliable as hell & I could barely get the gas mileage below 32 mpg--even when I beat the crap out of it. I routinely got 34-36mpg, with a 75%hwy/25%city mix -- and half of those hwy miles were of the stop-and-go rush hour variety. Apparently Progressive uses the NADA retail value as a base; which roughly means $10,800 -- and I'm certain they'll find a way to adjust it downward from there. I'm not certain what I'll do. I'm probably not in a position to buy new, so I'll hafta start trolling used cars. What a pisser.

Edited September 22, 2006 by cmattson

[Northstar]

You might be able to find a leftover G6 with the 2.4 if you want something similar, and you should be able to get a good deal on one of those.

[cmattson]

Thanks Northy. Funny you should mention that. I was browsing the G6's. The "SV1" (value leader) would be very similar to my old Malibu -- but with a sportier look and a little more juice under the hood.

Edited September 22, 2006 by cmattson

[I hope GMRULES again]

Toyota, Moving Forward right into FlyBrian and Cmattson.

[Flybrian]

Wow. Two peas in a pod. I know exactly how you feel. I'm fighting mine, though.

Good luck and let me know if you want to drown shared sorrows...

[regfootball]

mattson, look at an Aura XE. my buddy gets 30+ with his malibu v6 (admittedly mostly highway) but the XE is close to 20g and still gets good mpg.

or go wpb and get a maxx this time! equinox/torrent might work for you too.

the G6 4 cylinder SV1 is a nice idea as well, since you like the 4 cylinder. A really nice idea.

Vue greenline?

Be sure to consider new with the new 100k powertrain wty for 07.

i bet there are plenty of new 06 Malibu 4 cylinders on lots with big discounts that would make it affordable. Some of the 4 poppers now have remote start and side airbags.

look at it as an opportunity to go car shopping and enjoy it. and hey some nice 1 and 2 yo cars may pop up also.

Edited September 22, 2006 by regfootball

[FAPTurbo]

or go wpb and get a maxx this time!

196551[/snapback]

I'm not sure if that's such a good idea... And way to go, mentioning his name. Now he's going to appear...

[GMTruckGuy74]

Wow... where do you guys find these drivers? My '04 Malibu gets hit by a stupid piece of sheetrock! I'd love for it to get totalled - a great excuse to buy a new car! I better be careful though - I'm just about to leave work, and I have the Malibu with me today!!!