Requiem for my Golf

"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn) 03/30/2016 at 10:20 • Filed to: None

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My family was awakened this morning at 5 am by a knock on the front door. As I left my bedroom, I saw the red/blue flashing lights in the street out front, and there was a Travis County deputy at my door. “We’ve had a little fender bender out here.” Thank you, Deputy Understatement.

Apparently, a twenty-something-year-old was going an estimated 45 mph down my neighborhood side street at 4:30 this morning when he hit my ‘01 Golf parked out front. The kid’s story was that he swerved to avoid a dog. Later, the deputy told me that the driver was intoxicated and was going to jail. The impact totaled his Focus, and pushed my Golf back about 1.5 car lengths, with the car in first gear and the parking brake set. The streets were a little slick, though. Looking at the Focus, I’d say my Golf gave as good as it got, and stood its ground bravely.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

The Focus.

My Golf in the light of day. I saw the grille badge in the pile of debris the firefighter was sweeping up, so I grabbed it.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

It’s hard to know how bad the damage is to my Golf. It ran, and I was able to drive it forward a bit, since the Focus had pushed it back to where it was blocking our driveway (that’s our Odyssey in the background). I know the radiator is pushed in and it’s bleeding coolant. But the heater core was already leaking. It’s a VW, after all. Still, the insurance company is bound to say it’s totaled. It’s 15 years old and has 224k miles on the clock. In fact, when I called USAA this morning, one of the questions they asked was, “Does your car have over 100,000 miles on it?” The cost of repairs will be far beyond what the car is worth. In dollars at least.

I was trying to explain to my boys this morning that the car has so much more value than mere money. It’s paid for. It runs, and is relatively dependable. I love driving it. It’s a manual . Grabbing second in that clutch (the original clutch, thank you very much) is a gas, even if the 2-point-slow engine isn’t exactly burying you in the seat back. I was really hoping this car would be around when my oldest son starts driving. I want him to know how to drive a stick. For a long time, my wife drove this car, after we lost our Dodge Stratus. But since we got the ‘13 Civic just 10 days ago, this was Dad’s car again. The one he could smoke cigars in. The one he had just cleaned and washed because now Mom had the shiny new Civic. That is where the value was in this car, no matter what the Kelley Blue Book or some insurance adjustor says.

I spoke briefly with the drunk driver’s father as the wrecker pulled away with the carcass of his Focus. He told me about how his son has cancer and was working two jobs to help make ends meet. That’s why he “fell asleep” at the wheel. That may be true, but cancer didn’t necessarily cause his son to be drunk and speeding down a neighborhood street at 4:30 in the morning. But that wasn’t the time to have that conversation. Despite the apparent loss of my car, his problems have only gotten exponentially worse, and his son is in a world of hurt. That was also part of the object lesson for my boys this morning. I offered the man my best wishes and he drove away.

Perhaps the damage is repairable. But it probably makes little sense to get it fixed. It needs new brakes, the heater core is leaking, it’s got an oil leak (it’s a VW, after all). The door latch is messed up, the interior has gone to pot, the rear seats don’t fold down any more, the left door speaker only works when you kick it, the heat doesn’t work. These are all good reasons to let the car go. But still, I will miss it. It’s not how I intended to say goodbye.

Back in 2005.

Party-vi > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:25

3

“I offered the man my best wishes and he drove away.”

Classiest of the classiest, you are. good form. Sorry to hear about your loss.

GTI Sprinks > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:25

1

sorry to hear man.

ttyymmnn > Party-vi 03/30/2016 at 10:27

1

Thanks. I’m not a very religious man, but something the Navy chaplain said at my mother-in-law’s funeral has stuck with me. “Preach the Gospel every day, and if necessary, use words.” I lost a beloved car, but that man’s problems are so much deeper than mine that I can’t help feeling for him.

ttyymmnn > GTI Sprinks 03/30/2016 at 10:28

0

Thanks. I’m pretty bummed.

phenotyp > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:28

1

Aw, man.

Friend of mine has had two cars totaled this way (in Austin). At least in your case there were cops and some sort of acknowledgement— with his, he went out to his car to go to work, and found the entire driver’s side smashed in.

MountainRoadPhysicist > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:28

1

Sorry for your loss of a good, storied vehicle. At least you seem understanding of it all as opposed to being full of outright anger.

ttyymmnn > phenotyp 03/30/2016 at 10:29

1

I always worried a bit about leaving the car on the curb, even though this is a neighborhood. Thank God the new Civic or our Odyssey wasn’t out there. And, in a way, my Golf may have kept the guy from nailing a light pole or even driving into somebody’s house. It could have been much worse.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:30

2

Kid says he was swerving to avoid a dog, dad says he fell asleep. Just making up stories all over the place to try to cover up the fact that he was drunk.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:30

1

You are a far more patient man than me. I would probably have lost my shit. Good on you for being the better person, and sorry for your loss. I know the feeling of holding on to car that doesn’t really have a need to be held on to.

ttyymmnn > MountainRoadPhysicist 03/30/2016 at 10:31

1

I was plenty mad at 5:00 this morning. But yelling wouldn’t have changed anything, and I’m sure the kid’s father has enough on his mind without someone screaming at him.

interstate366, now In The Industry > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:33

0

Sorry for your loss.

cazzyodo > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:33

1

Dammit.

I understand the sentimentality and value in a vehicle. My family lost our truck too soon thanks to some kid rear-ending my brother (story at his school was, surprise, she was texting).

The value we had in that truck also exceeded anything KBB or NADA could say. It was also paid but it was 13 years old and approaching 200k miles.

I’m sorry, man. Keep that badge. I did.

ttyymmnn > cazzyodo 03/30/2016 at 10:34

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Will definitely keep the badge. I’m glad I saw it.

vondon302 > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:34

1

Sorry to hear that. I’ll poor one out in memory of your Golf. No pbr though somthing german for sure.

ttyymmnn > interstate366, now In The Industry 03/30/2016 at 10:34

0

Thanks. Me too.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:35

1

Well, I guess we won’t have to get the heater mix door fixed now. In seriousness, sounds like your Golf got rolled up into a big ball of tragedy as it passed by.

ttyymmnn > vondon302 03/30/2016 at 10:35

1

The PBR actually wasn’t that bad. But yeah, I’m definitely a German Pilsener guy. Thanks.

ttyymmnn > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 03/30/2016 at 10:37

0

Eh, it went the way of most old VWs. But it’s like an old pair of tennis shoes. You strap them on and you know exactly how it feels. It’s familiar. I put most of those 225k miles on it myself. I was proud of my beat up old car that still ran and ran and ran. *sigh*

CalzoneGolem > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:37

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Sorry for your loss but weren’t you just toying with the idea of retiring the Golf?

Jcarr > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:38

0

Damn, that’s a shame. Maybe you can use the insurance money to buy something with a stick that you and your boys can work on a little until they can drive.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:39

1

I imagine I’d be the same way if somebody ganked my Benz. It’s objectively worn out, but those seats, man. I’ve compared it to favorite jeans before.

ttyymmnn > CalzoneGolem 03/30/2016 at 10:41

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Yes and no. We got the 13 Civic, and that was going to be my wife’s DD. Since the Golf and the Odyssey were both paid for, and the Golf had effectively zero trade in value, we figured we’d keep them all, though having three cars is a bit of a luxury. I was having a lot of fun getting back to DDing the Golf during the week, and was reveling in the idea that it was my car again. I was going to get the brakes fixed and try to keep it running on the cheap as best as I could. But now I’m back to DDing the Odyssey. Which is fine, but it’s no 5-speed beater.

DutchieDC2R > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:41

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Sorry to hear about the car, unfortunately, insurance companies only look at the financial picture, not the sentimental one.

Patrick Nichols > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:41

1

This is good kinja. Sorry for the loss of your little hatch.

People can say what they will about the 2.slow, but having had one I can attest that it was dead reliable compared to friends with the 1.8t or the VR6.

ttyymmnn > DutchieDC2R 03/30/2016 at 10:42

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Exactly, as I explained to my boys. There’s monetary value, and there’s real value. Insurance only pays for one.

itschrome > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:42

1

Im sorry man, thats rough. But holy cow is that a solid ass car.

ttyymmnn > Patrick Nichols 03/30/2016 at 10:44

2

Thanks. No, I couldn’t kill that motor, and not for lack of trying. I fully expected it to be running in three years when my oldest (shown in the photo above) started driving. Then, I wouldn’t have minded if a 16-year-old beat it into the ground. That would have been a fitting end for it, not this ignoble manslaughter.

CalzoneGolem > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:46

1

You should take the check they give you and get a 5 speed beater.

uofime-2 > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:46

2

That stinks! It’s going to be hard to replace the car with what they end up giving you for it. Maybe you can find something that you can do a little work on with your son, make some lemonade out of the deal.

ttyymmnn > uofime-2 03/30/2016 at 10:47

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I like that idea.

jariten1781 > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:48

1

My wife always gets annoyed when I go out after 2200 to shift cars around so they’re all in our single file long driveway in the order we’ll use them the next day (we have tons of curb parking in front of our house). This is why.

Sorry for your loss; good on ya for keeping it in perspective.

ttyymmnn > CalzoneGolem 03/30/2016 at 10:49

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I’ve never had this happen before. Can I expect a check from the other guy’s insurance company? I imagine my company will handle all of that for me.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > itschrome 03/30/2016 at 10:50

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Between this and Opposaurus’s Allroad, I’m beginning to understand VAG products. You by them because they are tanks, not because they are the most reliable out there.

Ash78, voting early and often > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:52

1

As a fellow longtime dubber, my condolences. Now the trick is convincing the insurance company that the leaks and heater core were all caused by the accident. I prefer to look on the bright side — maybe your car kept the kid from hitting a tree, or a person, or something much more valuable. I’d be really pissed if my 01 Passat got totaled today (it has “over 100k miles” so totaling it would only require some birdshit and maybe a small branch falling on it). Not just for the emotional aspect, but because what am I going to do with the $2,500 the insurance company would probably give me? Good luck, man...maybe you can find another MkIV!

ttyymmnn > Ash78, voting early and often 03/30/2016 at 10:54

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I might find another MkIV, but it wouldn’t be my MkIV. I’m sure you understand how personal such an old car becomes. It’s that old pair of sneakers that may not have much tread and has a couple of holes in the uppers but they just feel good and you know how to make them work.

Thanks. I’ll be sure to keep Oppo posted.

CalzoneGolem > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:54

1

Your insurance will probably cut you a check and go after the guy’s insurance.

OPPOsaurus WRX > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:56

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OPPOs are having back luck with cars this week. The other guy also took the worse hit in my accident as well

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:57

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It’s a damn shame when you lose a car you love, sucks to see gone by a drunk driver too. Maybe you can get it running again but good luck on whatever you choose.

ttyymmnn > CalzoneGolem 03/30/2016 at 10:57

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A check for what, though? I’ve got a $1000 deductible on that car.

TheRealBicycleBuck > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:57

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I understand. My old truck is still sitting in the driveway despite enormous pressure from the Mrs. to get rid of it. It isn’t worth any of the repairs needed to make it road-legal again. But it’s mine .

Ash78, voting early and often > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 10:57

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"Let's see...needs a badgeless grille, HIDs, aftermarket front bumper...those were all OE, right?" (last year, I donated my '98 Passat 5MT to a women's shelter after 14 years of daily driving. It was the best possible use I could think of for the car. Maybe you can part the car out on Vortex, help pay for a new car, or even work with your kids to donate money to fight alcoholism or MADD or whatever. I'm all about the teachable moments with kids, even if they're not always practical.)

CalzoneGolem > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 11:00

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Something based off the NADA or KBB value of the car.

ttyymmnn > Ash78, voting early and often 03/30/2016 at 11:00

1

Before the Golf, I had an 88 Fox wagon. Loved that car, too. We ended up donating it to a women’s shelter in Austin. The guy who picked it up said it would probably end up somewhere in Central America. My wife and I are trying to figure out what to do with it. We’d like to get it back and donate it or something. I’d rather not let some auction house get the money (or however that works, I really have no idea).

itschrome > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/30/2016 at 11:01

1

seriously, no joke. that thing by all right’s should have been much much much worse! I’m impressed as hell.

ttyymmnn > CalzoneGolem 03/30/2016 at 11:01

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Like I said, sentimental value only.

RoadsterRevolution(wants a Range Rover Classic) > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 11:01

2

Man that focus is a tin can compared to the golf.

CalzoneGolem > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 11:09

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I think it will be more than that. Not the trade in value.

More like this:

ttyymmnn > CalzoneGolem 03/30/2016 at 11:10

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Thanks. That looks a little better. My car is definitely average.

ttyymmnn > RoadsterRevolution(wants a Range Rover Classic) 03/30/2016 at 11:12

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I saw the Focus first, since it was sitting where I had left my Golf. After seeing it, I was certain that my Golf would look similar. I’m really surprised, and pleased, at how it held up.

RoadsterRevolution(wants a Range Rover Classic) > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 11:14

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Is the golf a manual? My dad used to have an 01 manual that was gold.

ttyymmnn > RoadsterRevolution(wants a Range Rover Classic) 03/30/2016 at 11:16

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All day long. 5-speed. I love(d) it. Still on the original clutch.

RoadsterRevolution(wants a Range Rover Classic) > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 11:16

1

Nice.

ttyymmnn > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 03/30/2016 at 11:35

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In seriousness, sounds like your Golf got rolled up into a big ball of tragedy as it passed by.

I didn’t read your comment right the first time, but now I do, and yes, you are right. “There but for the grace of God go I.” The grace of God, and perhaps better decision making. Honestly, I can’t help but feel sorry for the driver, even more so for his dad, being a dad myself.

yitznewton > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 11:40

1

Sorry man. When I lived in Queens, some guy came through one night and took out a bunch of cars, ending up a steaming pile in the intersection down the block. Thankfully I didn’t have a car and my roommate’s was spared.

ttyymmnn > yitznewton 03/30/2016 at 11:46

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I’m just glad I hadn’t left our new Civic on the street. Or our Odyssey. There’s always a silver lining.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 11:47

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I remember some years ago in the middle of a storm some asshole plowed into our neighbors forester that was parked in front of their house and tried to drive away. We all heard the crash n went outside to see the rear quarter panel pushed in and my neighbors already had the police on scene when the driver of the other car came walking up to survey the damage. His excuse was a gust of wind made his truck unstable and that’s why he sideswiped the subaru. While the cop was taking statements my cousin and I went out on bikes to look for the damaged vehicle and a couple cul-de-sacs down we found a s10 with heavy front end damage and a broken mail box (one of those big metal ones with like 15 individual boxes) so we rode back to tell the cop and they ended up giving him a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer which he failed both. And the subaru was repaired in a week lol

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 11:49

1

that sucks man, I’m sorry for your loss...
on the up side, maybe it’s an opportunity to get an Mk6/7, or even a GTI? :)

ttyymmnn > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 03/30/2016 at 11:50

1

I just started making 5 years of payments on our Civic. I’ll be driving the Odyssey for a while. 5-speed swap into the Odyssey? That might be fun.

ttyymmnn > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 03/30/2016 at 11:53

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There are chronic, asshole drunk drivers, and then there’s the guy who hit my car. Maybe he’s on his way to becoming a chronic asshole drunk driver, but maybe this will serve as a wake-up call and he’ll be able to get his act together. It’s kind of sad, really, a no-win situation for anybody. And I really feel sorry for his dad. Though if it were my son, I would have straight up apologized to the other guy and not tried to blame cancer.

The Dummy Gummy > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 12:03

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This was really sad to read. Sorry for your loss. Even the pictures it looks like your car is sad/upset about the incident and it makes it harder to take in. I had a really hard time parting with two of my cars that I had for a long time. I totally understand the grief.

It amazes me how little damage the VW tank took in terms of impact. I would assume the frame is bent, but visually, there is a good chance it isn’t.

Stupid question because it is peaking my curiosity, why didn’t you keep it in the driveway?

MPA > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 12:04

1

I remember one day my mom came home and this guy followed her in. She told me he had side swiped my ‘89 Mustang LX (5.0 yo!). I thought she was fucking with me.

Nope.

He had a friend that did body work, and it was repaired, but never 100%. And it was a big inconvience for me.

ttyymmnn > MPA 03/30/2016 at 12:07

2

At least the guy owned up to it. I tell my boys, “Everybody makes mistakes. It’s how you handle them that’s the measure of the man.”

ttyymmnn > The Dummy Gummy 03/30/2016 at 12:12

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There’s only room for two cars in the driveway, and those were taken up with our ‘03 Odyssey and our new ‘13 Civic. I’m glad the Civic wasn’t on the street! A few people in our neighborhood park a third car in the drive, but then it blocks the sidewalk and I don’t want to do that. As it is, it’s likely that my Golf took one for the team and kept the drunk from hitting our van, or a light pole, or my awesome oak tree (as seen in that top photo), or the neighbor’s car, house, etc.

I will be interested to hear what the adjustor says. Many years ago, the car got rear ended by an older Chrysler 300. The front of his car was trashed, but there was only a scratch on my Golf. However, the tire shop has never been quite able to align the rear left wheel, so clearly, the frame got cranked a little bit. I have a feeling the frame is cranked again. However, the fact that it moved so far means that a lot of the impact dissipated (except on his tin can Focus). So maybe it’s not all that bad. We shall see.

The Dummy Gummy > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 12:19

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Ahh ok. I kind of figured there was probably just not enough room in the driveway, but couldn’t tell from the pictures.

Maybe hide this post until the claims adjuster makes the estimate, ha! Hope in the end you don’t have to lose the car and everything turns out fine. I will never understand drunk driving when cabs/Uber exists. Hell even a call to his parents...

Steve in Manhattan > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 12:23

2

You could buy it back from the insurance company and do some of the work yourself. Or you could say goodbye and get a newer Golf. Motherfucker - what an inconvenience, and a forced change.

And if I get cancer, I’m going to be stoned, not drunk. Drinking at that point is a bad idea.

Damn this sucks.

Steve in Manhattan > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 12:26

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Or he could have hit the house ....

ttyymmnn > Steve in Manhattan 03/30/2016 at 12:30

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Exactly, and my son sleeps in the front room. Surprisingly, he never heard a thing, not even the emergency vehicles.

ttyymmnn > Steve in Manhattan 03/30/2016 at 12:32

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I just started 5 years of payments on our Civic. Anything I might buy to replace it will be a cash transaction, so not a whole lot of money to spend.

Yeah, anybody who is out driving drunk at 4:30 am probably has a pretty serious problem. And I second you on your cancer treatment of choice.

mazda616 > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 12:34

1

Sorry to hear about that, man. That sucks. :( looks like maybe the Golf went up on top of the Focus. That would explain the folded back hood. Either way, I hope it’s a wake-up call to the other guy and I’m glad no one was seriously hurt.

ttyymmnn > mazda616 03/30/2016 at 12:38

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Amen. And if the Golf climbed up on the Focus, maybe that will limit the damage? We shall see.

Steve in Manhattan > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 12:43

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And that ability will serve him well when he moves into a noisy dorm. I, too, can sleep through anything.

DrJohannVegas > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 12:45

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Of course it started. It’s a 2.slow. Nothing can kill the 2.slow, not even time. It just wants you to bask in its tepidity for a bit longer.

Seriously, though: Sorry to hear about the accident. You might be able to get it back from the insurance company with the cash it’ll take to get things right. We’ve hit the point where Mk4s are coming off the roads, so a core support and body panels shouldn’t be that bad, if you are really feeling the urge to keep it.

Steve in Manhattan > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 12:48

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When you get a figure, put up a post, and we’ll all insist that you get something each of us wants you to get. A warning - it will get silly at some point - why not buy an ancient Mercedes wagon or an XJS with questionable electronics? But it’s all coaching from the couch.

ttyymmnn > Steve in Manhattan 03/30/2016 at 12:52

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How much are used Miatas? In other news, the local Humane Society is holding a raffle for a 2016 Miata (automatic, sadly). Maybe this is a sign that I should enter.

ttyymmnn > DrJohannVegas 03/30/2016 at 12:57

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if you are really feeling the urge to keep it.

I am and I’m not. I’m not really sure how to proceed, as I’ve never done this sort of thing before. I mentioned losing our old Dodge Stratus. My wife pulled out in front of a city bus (nobody was hurt, thankfully), but the the car was a write off and we never saw it again. That’s when she started DDing the Golf. I don’t really have the time to deal with any of the work myself, so I will probably take whatever I can get from the insurance and let it go. But it all depends on how bad the damage is. One commenter said that it looks like the Golf rode up on the hood of the Focus. Maybe that helped protect the frame? But still, there are lots of body parts that are broken, plus all the other things I listed still need attention. I’ll wait to hear from the adjustor before making any sort of decision.

ttyymmnn > Steve in Manhattan 03/30/2016 at 12:58

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But when I wake him up for school, I only have to whisper his name and he wakes right up. I saw a study that found that kids wake up better to their parents’ voice than any other sound, and that some companies are making smoke alarms that don’t make sound but blare a recorded message from the parents: “Johnny! Get up!”

Steve in Manhattan > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 13:06

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Enter - you can always sell it and buy a 5M or 6M something .... And used Miatas are all over the place. There’s also the S2000, which might go cheap with high miles. Just get something with an airbag or four- minimum safety requirement at this point.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 13:08

1

would something like an older stick GT mustang be out of the question? you could get one cheap....
idk, I’m just spitballing ideas that would put you in an interesting car!

ttyymmnn > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 03/30/2016 at 13:17

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Whatever happens, it will likely need to be something that can hold 5 people should the need arise. I can buy something older, but while my car had problems, I knew what those problems were and I knew I could trust it. Anything else might be a crap shoot.

VW Max > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 13:17

3

Make a rally car?

ttyymmnn > VW Max 03/30/2016 at 13:18

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Now THERE’S a thought.

The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 13:26

1

I’d be worried that it would compound the damage . Who knows if it tweaked the drive front suspension, axles, or differential? Did it puncture the oil pan at all? If it was a direct hit, you would see all the damage. I’d be worried that even if you repair the sheet metal, there are all sorts of things slightly bent or broken from the hit that you wouldn’t notice until you started the drive it.

ttyymmnn > The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) 03/30/2016 at 13:27

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Well, aren't you a Debbie Downer. You are likely correct, though.

DrJohannVegas > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 14:01

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Yea, fair enough.

(If it does get totaled, see if you can steal me your rear wiper motor before it goes!)

ttyymmnn > DrJohannVegas 03/30/2016 at 14:12

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Why? Do you need one? The rear wiper hasn’t worked in 10 years because the wires that pass into the rear hatch are broken and I’ve never bothered to get it fixed.

Leon711 > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 14:25

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I too know the pain of losing a sentimental Volkswagen. Back in 2012, in my ‘00 Polo I was rear ended by a Focus, which was rear ended by a Vauxhall insignia which pushed me into a Jaguar S-Type. Sounds dramatic but it wasn’t that fast.

I loved this car, it had a zingy DOHC 1.4 that loved to rev with short gears. It was so fun to throw around, on top of that it was comfy, just quick enough, made me smile (lift off oversteer will do that). Me and that car had plenty of adventures over the few years I had it.

I have never been as happy in a car as when I was in that little Polo and I followed it up with a Miata! Anyways it got declared an insurance write off because the rear impact bent the chassis rails. It, like your Golf, stood up well to the impact.

I hope you get yourself back in a VW soon!

DrJohannVegas > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 14:26

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Yea, I do. When I got my hatch replaced (yay rust warranty), the shop broke the wiper arm off and hacked up the mounting splines, but it appears the motor is also siezed. TBH, it was mostly a joke. I have to order a few new parts (wheel bearings, for one), so the wiper motor is just gonna go in basket, too. 10 years between replacement seems reasonable to me.

ttyymmnn > Leon711 03/30/2016 at 14:44

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Why do Ford Focuses hate VWs so much? Why?! I hope I’m back in a VW soon too, but when I went to the VW dealer a couple of weeks ago I was singularly uninspired by VWs latest offerings, at least in a car that I can afford.

Leon711 > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 14:50

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Maybe it’s time. Maybe it’s time for ttyymmnn to get a GTI? A mk4 or mk5, if the budget allows? I have no concept of US user car values.

I’m only slightly biased towards the mk5.

Ash78, voting early and often > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 15:25

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If you find just the right place, there are even adult vocational centers that will do the work on it after you donate it. In the case of my Passat, we got lucky that the guy in charge of their car donations was a retired 20-year Honda tech whose job it was to get all their donated cars in running order. He was like "new cat, window regulator, probably tie rod ends. I'll have it done in an afternoon." (and then it goes into the hands of one or more of the shelter residents). That's some efficiency! We just wanted to find a place that wasn't going to simply run it through auction for the bottom-feeders to snatch up.

WhiskeyGolf > ttyymmnn 03/30/2016 at 20:43

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I salute your trusty Golf. Mine didn’t quite die such a noble death but I also managed to snag the emblem, so maybe you can do something similar?

ttyymmnn > WhiskeyGolf 03/30/2016 at 20:47

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I like that idea!

thebigbossyboss > ttyymmnn 04/14/2016 at 11:35

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Oh shit he hit it head on! I thought from your email that he had rear ended it. What a maroon.

I repaired the Cavalier when it was totalled. I don’t regret it really, but now I am getting rid of it and it’s still running and driving really well.

I think for us car guys it’s always tough to let a car go because of all the memories. Especialy when you have a car a long time. I had the cavalier over 6 years and had tons of great great memories (and one horrible flat tire debacle) from it.

But I want something different. It’s time tim, it’s time buddy.