Been a rough few weeks. I was in an accident in my 'Mada almost 3 weeks ago. I was by myself (thank goodness the kids weren't with me!), and neither I nor the lady I rearended were hurt...she was driving a Ford Escape.
On the way to work in the morning, heading S. on I-680. Was maintaining a healthy 6-8 carlengths between me and the vehicle in front of me. At Andrade Rd., I saw brake lights, so I started to slow down. Then I realized "oh s$!t", and slammed on the brakes. As soon as I did, I realized I wouldn't stop in time. (Note: when you're 6'2", you will be able to bump your forehead on the bottom of the sunvisor, even when you are belted in, and the airbag goes off.:crikey:
I'd estimate I was doing 50mph when I slammed the brakes, and maybe 20-25 when I hit. The CHP officer asked if I was sure about that, & I replied "Uh, no... I wasn't exactly looking at the speedo at the time". There were no other accidents or stalls, and nothing in the road. I have no idea why someone felt the need to stop on the freeway (I do know that they often do in the Bay Area...frustratin as he!!
)
Anyway, hoping to get my baby back this Friday, the 12th. Stopped by the body shop today, and they said the total will be almost $12,000 by the time they're done. I don't currently have any pics of the damage since I had to go back to work and couldn't bring myself to ask my wife to go get them with our 3 week old baby. But the body shop has some they'll burn onto a CD for me. I'll come back & post a few. No frame damage, but the radiator fan & clutch were damaged, along with both fenders & hood. Front edge of drivers door slightly damaged. Multiple miscellaneous plastic parts up front...they had them spread across half the shop.
Was on the phone with the body shop last week, and after I told the receptionist what vehicle I was inquiring about, she asked if I was hurt. When I said "no", her response was "that's amazing, there's a lot of damage".
The insurance company was paying for a rental Toyota Highlander (until today, the 20 day limit). I can now honestly say that I hate Toyota Highlanders. I know they're in a different class, but it does not compare in any way to my 'Mada. The only things that are even close are better gas mileage (come on, I drive a 'Mada, what doesn't get better mileage?), and it seems to take bumps a little smoother (it is built on a Camry platform afterall). It's small, has a small engine, and only a 4-speed tranny. In the 'Mada, I hit the gas & I go. In the Highlander, I hit the gas, and a second later, I go. Armada always just seems to quickly find the gear I want without a noticable lag (or maybe it's psychic, and it knows what gear I'll want before I hit the gas...)
Was asking the body shop what they'd recommend to remove the adhesive after I de-badge it, & he said he'll do it for me .
Can't wait to get my Armada back!!!!
On the way to work in the morning, heading S. on I-680. Was maintaining a healthy 6-8 carlengths between me and the vehicle in front of me. At Andrade Rd., I saw brake lights, so I started to slow down. Then I realized "oh s$!t", and slammed on the brakes. As soon as I did, I realized I wouldn't stop in time. (Note: when you're 6'2", you will be able to bump your forehead on the bottom of the sunvisor, even when you are belted in, and the airbag goes off.:crikey:
I'd estimate I was doing 50mph when I slammed the brakes, and maybe 20-25 when I hit. The CHP officer asked if I was sure about that, & I replied "Uh, no... I wasn't exactly looking at the speedo at the time". There were no other accidents or stalls, and nothing in the road. I have no idea why someone felt the need to stop on the freeway (I do know that they often do in the Bay Area...frustratin as he!!
)Anyway, hoping to get my baby back this Friday, the 12th. Stopped by the body shop today, and they said the total will be almost $12,000 by the time they're done. I don't currently have any pics of the damage since I had to go back to work and couldn't bring myself to ask my wife to go get them with our 3 week old baby. But the body shop has some they'll burn onto a CD for me. I'll come back & post a few. No frame damage, but the radiator fan & clutch were damaged, along with both fenders & hood. Front edge of drivers door slightly damaged. Multiple miscellaneous plastic parts up front...they had them spread across half the shop.
Was on the phone with the body shop last week, and after I told the receptionist what vehicle I was inquiring about, she asked if I was hurt. When I said "no", her response was "that's amazing, there's a lot of damage".
The insurance company was paying for a rental Toyota Highlander (until today, the 20 day limit). I can now honestly say that I hate Toyota Highlanders. I know they're in a different class, but it does not compare in any way to my 'Mada. The only things that are even close are better gas mileage (come on, I drive a 'Mada, what doesn't get better mileage?), and it seems to take bumps a little smoother (it is built on a Camry platform afterall). It's small, has a small engine, and only a 4-speed tranny. In the 'Mada, I hit the gas & I go. In the Highlander, I hit the gas, and a second later, I go. Armada always just seems to quickly find the gear I want without a noticable lag (or maybe it's psychic, and it knows what gear I'll want before I hit the gas...)
Was asking the body shop what they'd recommend to remove the adhesive after I de-badge it, & he said he'll do it for me
.Can't wait to get my Armada back!!!!
