993Dave

As a service to you, my electronic friends, this morning I conducted an involuntary road test to answer a serious question that some have raised: whether the airbags in these ever-older cars are still functional after all these years. Although my sample size is admittedly small, being limited to just my car, I can state with the highest degree of confidence that the airbags do indeed work.

All you need to do is hit ice and center-punch a roadside tree.

The airbags were perfect, and I'm uninjured. The car, now, not so much. I didn't even have the usual benefit of a cushy snowbank to accompany my extremely brief slide across the black ice. Word to the wise (ie, those wiser than me): it is possible to encounter ice on the roadway, even at sea level in California.

As I made all the various calls I had to make from the roadside, I felt an extra pang of regret for all of you who love these cars like I do, for taking one more of these great machines out of circulation. Sorry about that (truly).

I suppose now I have to ready myself to slay the insurance company dragon. I think I'm pretty well informed (I've been around here for a number of years, after all), but any sources for comps would be much appreciated.

goofballdeluxe

You have a terrific attitude and outlook. You will be well served.

Sorry for your loss, however, and am glad you are otherwise unscathed

samsnead

Glad you are OK, sorry to hear about your accident.

If you have State Farm and need some guidance let me know, I just went through a total loss with them.

Also, think about buying the vehicle back. If the drivetrain is unaffected there would likely be value there. You may be able to recoup some more money that way.

SeanR

Sorry to hear about the car but the important thing is you are able to post about it.

ilko

Glad you're OK! And sorry about the car. Please keep us posted on the impending fight with the ins co.

ShdwFx

Sorry about the accident but glad you're ok. Hope you'll be able to get back into another 993 soon.

P-daddy

So sorry to hear what happenned. I am glad you are well and uninjured. Time to start scanning the FS section.

T0M993

I've often wondered about the shelf life of my '95 airbags and appreciate your post. While I am sorry to hear about your ride, it can be repaired with much more ease than your health and I'm happy to hear you are okay.

Paul902

+1

ca993twin

Awww Dave,

Its great that you can keep your sense of humor with your entertaining while sad post. Are you sure its a total loss? A front clip, bumper, hood, and a few odds and ends, and you may be ok. I hope this works out in a positive way for you. And if I can add one, single word of advice it would be "TURBO". Just sayin'.

BradB

Your attitude is inspirational. So sorry about your 993. Though we may love them, they are not irreplaceable. Best of luck moving forward.

ZAMIRZ

Another +1 for your attitude!

Give the insurance company HELL, and whatever their first insulting low-ball offer is, DON'T TAKE IT.

993Dave

Thanks to all for your kind thoughts. I agree, as bummed as I am about the car, I'm very happy to be uninjured. I just have a hard time wrapping my head around the thought that my tenure as a 993 owner is probably over (for now).

Steve: I could never hope to find an Arena Red turbo as stunning as the two you have had, so it is unlikely that I will try, knowing I will fall short of that perfection.

I'd rather not lay everything out in detail now in this semi-public forum (maybe that's a little paranoid, but I come about it professionally), but I'll say that I'm pretty darned sure it will be a total loss. I wouldn't mind being wrong, though. I could get that turbo front bumper cover I always wanted, some M033 springs, fresh paint ...

Edward

Hi there Dave,

As a fellow SoCal'er and 993-devotee, sorry for your incident; but also huge thumbsup on your health and attitude! And yes, I've "found" those rare patches of black ice in the land o' sunshine, but fortunately never had to pay the consequences. Also, +1 on the suggestion to buy-it-back and part it to help recover more for your future-car-fund. Best to you on the next steps!


Edward

pirahna

Sorry to hear about the accident but very happy to hear that you are ok.