Not the way to start a new year

[RotorNutFD3S]

This is where the car was...
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z104/RotorNutFD3S/OtherCarShows/BrittsMiata/IMG_0527.jpg

And here's the car being pulled out:
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z104/RotorNutFD3S/OtherCarShows/BrittsMiata/IMG_0525.jpg
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z104/RotorNutFD3S/OtherCarShows/BrittsMiata/IMG_0526.jpg
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z104/RotorNutFD3S/OtherCarShows/BrittsMiata/IMG_0528.jpg

Long story short, my girlfriend was taking a right turn onto the road, hydroplaned and the back end swung out, she said she stayed calm, but over-corrected when trying to get the rear end out of oncoming traffic, missed the car coming from the other way, and went across the road and down into the ditch. She's fine, going to have a bruise under her eye from where she hit the steering wheel (she's 5'0", so the seat was all the way up), and probably some neck pain.

There's a good amount of damage, but the frame rails in the engine bay and the core support are all unaffected. All the mounting brackets on the underside are of course bent to hell. The shop will be checking the rest of the frame that's not visible at the moment.

This sucks... :(

[wildfire0310]

Wow that sucks, but glad to hear your girl is ok.

[Doppelgänger]

Time to teach her to drift?

Glad the damage is pretty minimal :)

[ben91]

Ouch. She's going to be sore tomorrow. I guess you were not in the car at the time and just went to the scene for support?

Car doesn't look bad really at all. Damage appears localized and moderate. No evidence of airbag deployment. The ins co will fix this one. This would be a perfect time for a 01 front end conversion.

[nickt93]

Glad to hear she's okay. Cars are replaceable, people aren't!

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yeah, we just got back from the body shop. (No airbags and I was not in it, was actually driving with Sean not a mile away.) The car seems to be V'd and pinched since it came to rest over that little creek bed thing. We'll know more on Monday. They've got to get it on the rack and pressure wash the underside to find out for sure. May be done.

[simontibbett]

Damn! Glad she is ok.

I hydroplaned my Miata at 80mph on the interstate into the median, caught huge air, landed bounced spun and finally stopped, then drove it home with a broken light motor and disconnected front bumper (zip ties>bolts),

[MeFryRice]

this sucks but it's better knowing that Britt was not seriously injured. :)

[JDM88]

Bad news but glad she's ok.

[jester911]

Bummer. Glad to see she wasn't hurt badly. These little cars just don't handle the same in the rain.

[metalman]

Wet roads and Miatas arent the best of friends. My only real wreck in all my years of driving came as a result of hydroplaning a Miata. A light car just doesnt grab well even with good tires.
Glad she's okay. Sure looks fixable from the pics.

[jesseealexander]

if that bent the chassis, she must have REALLLLLLLY took a hard hit. it looks like just the bumper and maybe some of the lower portions of the front part of the chassis could have been bent.

do the doors still open and close normally? and the top feels as tight as it should be when its up and latched?

[RotorNutFD3S]

It definitely was a hard hit. She went down a hill and hit and went over a ditch. You could see each point of impact in the mud.
The doors and hood operate normally as far as I can tell, didn't try the top, however each panel along the legth of the car contacted each other (the front quarter panels hit the front of the doors pretty hard). You can see where because the paint chipped off but no bent metal.
There's plenty bent on the underside. The radiator and consensor both got opened, the a/c lines were both contacting the crank pulley, and part of the power steering line was just gone. The sway bar was bent and of course both fans are done.
We'll know for sure Monday though.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

How much do you think it's worth insurance wise? I'll start hunting for a comparable value replacement.

[metalman]

How much do you think it's worth insurance wise? I'll start hunting for a comparable value replacement.

No need, I already found one. :lol:

[RotorNutFD3S]

Hard to say Jack. We were doing research on it last night, cross referencing NADA and KBB values with what they're actually selling for around Atlanta, who knows what the insurance company is going to offer if it is totaled. Her car is a 45k mile 2000 LS. At the moment though, she's not sure she even wants to keep it or not.
:lol: Kurt. If she has to get another one, she's going to want one with the same ext. package hers has, with the fog lights and the lip and "side-skirts".

[ben91]

It's tough to find 99-00 with the AP (apperance package). The front fogs were never available from Mazda Japan; they were usually installed at port by Mazda USA or by the dealer. If you find a nice car that is not equipped with AP, you can order the skirts pre-painted in most colors.

The 99AE and 00SE have skirts and fogs; any other package going to be fairly tough to find equipped as such. 01+ the front fogs are factory and the non-equipped cars still have the cut outs in the bumper. Another option could be to put an updated nose on a 99-00 and add the skirts.

What kind of cool rental did Britt get?

[RotorNutFD3S]

Thanks for the info Ben, that's the conclusion I had come to after some reading, but wasn't 100% on it yet.

She didn't get a rental. Her grandmother just bought a new Buick something, so she gets to drive the mid-90s Buick LeSabre. :lol: Although I can't laugh much, my current daily is a Toyota Previa. :D

[ben91]

<-- Green on green Taurus wagon with fold-away 3rd row seating. That's right, it seats 8. :)

[RotorNutFD3S]

:) You got a hell of a deal on that Taurus. I appreciate a daily driver that has a lot of room, means I can haul my parts around in any weather and they stay protected.

[Atlanta93LE]

Shame about the wreck. Didn't she mention wanting to get rid of the Miata?

[RotorNutFD3S]

You have a very good memory. She did. Totaled or not, fixed or not, I have a feeling she will not be driving a Miata after this is all over.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Get an E36 M3. Or a 2.5RS.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Parents won't go for the BMW. They're still paying for everything. I just modify the cars.
She doesn't like the RS. :( I'd go for it though. lol
At the moment, she's settled on a Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder in white. She had an '00 GT that was a good car, now she wants the new body style and still wants a convertible.

[Sawyer]

Sorry to hear.. Glad Brit is ok though!

[wildfire0310]

At the moment, she's settled on a Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder in white. She had an '00 GT that was a good car, now she wants the new body style and still wants a convertible.


I am sorry... I loved my old eclipse and the 3gens are ok, but i wouldn't touch a 4 gen if someone paid me to.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yeah, well, technically I do get paid to... :naughty:
Didn't say I was happy about it though.

[wildfire0310]

Yeah, well, technically I do get paid to... :naughty:
Didn't say I was happy about it though.

Well you do have a good point there, but there are such better cars then the 4gen eclipse. I mean it doesn't handle that great, the motor just sucks now that they aren't turboed anymore and oh it butt f**king ugly.

[RotorNutFD3S]

They haven't been turbo'd for 2 gens now. Her 2000 was a V6 and I thought it handled like a tank but it's good for her because it's harder to lose control of. I think they look ok, the white spyders do look pretty good. But then again, her car, her taste preference. She has to be the one happy with it.

[wildfire0310]

They haven't been turbo'd for 2 gens now. Her 2000 was a V6 and I thought it handled like a tank but it's good for her because it's harder to lose control of. I think they look ok, the white spyders do look pretty good. But then again, her car, her taste preference. She has to be the one happy with it.

Yea I know 99 was the last year to come with a 4g63t. Now granted the 3gen did come with a 4g64 and could swap the whole top half of an evo motor. I don't know when I drove my roommates 01 4cyl, it handle like crap to me. The car was stupidly soft and very little feed back in the steering wheel. Granted it did break on a dime which was nice.

But at last you do have a great point, her car and she got to drive it ever day, lucky for the reason of us, we don't :biggrin:.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Oh, when I said it handled like a tank, I meant I hated it. :lol: It was soft, rolled around, heavy as hell, and was just yuck. There was nothing in that car that I enjoyed, except the sound system I installed.

[wildfire0310]

Oh, when I said it handled like a tank, I meant I hated it. :lol: It was soft, rolled around, heavy as hell, and was just yuck. There was nothing in that car that I enjoyed, except the sound system I installed.


I had a 95 and it handle fairly well, nothing compared to the Miata, but miles ahead of the 3gen. I guess it was to harsh for the general public:biggrin:

One of the things I miss about my old elcipse, it did have a nice amount of power, oh and gobs and gobs of traction, got to love AWD. I would love to get another and build it to handle, since no one builds them for handling anymore, always for drag racing.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Eric! Friends don't let friends buy crappy convertible eclipses! Do your job and help her out!

How about a Mini?

[metalman]

Eric! Friends don't let friends by crappy convertible eclipses! Do your job and help her out!



:lol: Mitsucrapshi FTL

[RotorNutFD3S]

Trust me Jack, I'm trying!!! I don't want her in another Mitsu! Although I have to say her last Eclipse was actually a damn good reliable car, which is all she needs really. And to like it.
I suggested a Mini, she likes them, but her dad is not too sure about them being that a lot of people complain about having them in the shop all the time...

[Grantri]

Damn..

Sorry about the crash..Glad no one got hurt

[wonton]

what about a VW golf gti those are nice!

[RotorNutFD3S]

Nope. She says they look like eggs. :lol:

[wonton]

the new ones yeah a lil, try and talk her into a acura tl

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yeah right. She wants nothing with 4 doors.
Gotta remember, we're trying to meet her very picky standards (style and look based), her dad's REALLY strict standards (cost, reliability, and maintenance based), and try to wait until we find out what's going on with her Miata.

[wonton]

gotcha! get her a beetle! :lol:

[RotorNutFD3S]

Hell no!!! :lol:

[wonton]

Damn, is she really that picky! my tC is for sale, hahaha

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yes. You should know that. :lol:
No tC. Thanks though.

[wonton]

it was a joke.

[RotorNutFD3S]

I know it was. :lol:

[Doppelgänger]

MSM? lol

[RotorNutFD3S]

She doesn't want another Miata. :lol:

[mustangtomiata]

How about my topless, cold natured, no door, no interior jeep? I mean its easy to clean you just pressure wash everything? 5 dolla?

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Integra GSR
Audi A4
350z
Sentra Se-r
Altima Se-r
??

[RotorNutFD3S]

Let's just say for now that I have no idea what car she's going to want, or that her dad is going to approve of. When the time comes, I'll get to add my valued input. :lol:

Anyway, meant to add that the body shop called today, apparently there is a good deal of damage that was hidden under the body panels. The front end of the car appears to be tweaked in an upward fashion. Basically they're going to do a little more investigation, and the insurance company is going to take a look at it, but at this point, the Miata is probably a total loss. Kind of a sad moment, I enjoyed us sharing the same car, not to mention her birthday (on Wednesday) present was something really nice for her car...

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

The more I think about it, the more I realise that an SE-R Sentra is the best choice for her. It's practical, fun, cheapish, Nissan, etc etc...

[RotorNutFD3S]

She doesn't like it. 4 door thing comes into play there. No sedans. I don't know how I deal with the female pickyness factor. :lol:

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

.....ok so that leaves coupes and convertibles

how about golfs?

saabs? I can't think of any modern day good coupes

s2k? bmw 3 series of some sort? 240sx?

[RotorNutFD3S]

I could see her in a BMW coupe of some sort, and said so. It fits her tastes somewhat, and they're a lot safer than a lot of other things on the road. However, her dad is concerned about maintenance and costs if something were to break. The same concern came up when she suggested an older Audi TT. If you want a view into what she wants/likes the most, a TT Quattro hits the nail on the head.

[Doppelgänger]

The 3-series are actually pretty reliable. A friend of mine (the guy that owns the shop we are having the next tech day at) is a BMW specialist, which sounds strange when talking about how reliable they are, but he has had several of them and none of them have been problematic. I bet you cn get a good deal on a 3-series drop-top.

Or what about a Mercedes SL500?
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/958236044.html

Or the SLK 230
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/975549810.html[/URL]

Or the CLK 430
[URL]http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/977321917.html (http://atlanta.craigslist.org/ctd/975535719.html)



All of those are reasonable priced and have low milage for their years. Mind you, I don't know what the target budget is for Britt.... so I was looking in the 10-12 range.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Also, she has you to do the repairs ;)

[RotorNutFD3S]

She does and I would, however her dad only lets his mechanic friend do the maintenance. I don't argue with him. :lol:

Feel free to keep the ideas rolling, they're much appreciated, even if I do shoot them down immediately. :)

[Sawyer]

I could definitely see Brit in this. "HI M8NZ" tag and all...

[ben91]

do everyone a favor and don't go german. their cars are great under warranty, and are very durable after. but they are not reliable like a jap or us car! the cost to keep them on the road can be staggering, hence the ability to get a car that was $50k not that long ago for $10k or less out of warranty.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

How about a Ford Focus SVT?

[RotorNutFD3S]

Well, American is definitely out. She doesn't want anything American and they don't want her in one. After working for Ford for 2 years, I wouldn't let her near one of those anyway. The Focus and Taurus were our two biggest money makers for sh** breaking or not running.

LB, where did you find that? I'll have to show her that later just to get a laugh.

Ben, yeah, I know. But again, I'm not deciding on or paying the money for the car. It's her dad that gets to make the final decision, and he's definitely not car illiterate. He's very thorough in finding everything out about a car before he pulls the trigger. I doubt that she'll end up in a BMW, Audi, etc. and will more than likely end up in another Mitsu or Mazda.

[Sawyer]

I found it in Google. Just search for "pink car" and it's on the 6th page.

[RotorNutFD3S]

:lol: Bored a little?

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Mazda/speed 3? Mazdaspeed Protege? RX8?

[RotorNutFD3S]

She likes the RX8s. Certain years had issues. Dad is hesitant on that one.
She doesn't like the MS3 (although I do) since it has more than 4 doors. She doesn't like wagons. :lol: MS-P, sedan = no.
Nothing Nissan appeals to her, which sucks because I found a really nice 350Z convertible for a good price.
Nothing Honda except the S2K, which may be a possibilty.
Nothing Toyota appeals to her except the newer MR2 Spyder.
She didn't like anything Audi except the TT.
Mercedes coupes/contertibles may be an option.

I think at this point it's basically either another Miata (which I doubt), RX8, another Eclipse (3rd or 4th gen), TT, S2K, or MR2. Whatever it is, it will be stock or maybe with very minor modifications (wheels, springs).

[Sawyer]

She needs to buy Steve's S2k!

[Doppelgänger]

lol


The MR-S is a great option. The reliability of a Corolla, super cheap matainance and it's pretty cool. The cost on them has stayed high for how long they've been out and there are TONS of low-milage ones out there. Myabe you'd find a score on one with the dealer optional appearance package or the TRD stuff.

[MeFryRice]

She needs to buy Steve's S2k!

I agree. :) She can have it for cheap!

[RotorNutFD3S]

:lol: Only problem there is she doesn't like the Suzuka Blue or the blue interior. :(

Mike, you and I are on the same page there.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

God damn she's been picky! :lol: Doesn't the mazda 3 come in a hatch? Tell her that hot hatches are cool and have always been popular in europe.

[Doppelgänger]

Just an idea, because I don't know how "sporty" of a car she wants, but the Solara might be a good option if she *has* to have a 'vert.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/ctd/982291459.html

or even the coupe (this one has the appearance pkg)
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/ctd/982445460.html

or even a Lexus SC400..which is a damn good looking car and has good power
http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/ctd/974707054.html

And I know this may sound weird..but the Volvo C70 is a pretty damn ice car.. and it's boosted :)
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/961224992.html

http://images.craigslist.org/1281361433nd3pd3ld8ch0d2e672922f915e0.jpg

and a picture to show they actually do look pretty good.. and come in a 5-spd HPT (high pressure turbo...makes almost 250hp :) )
http://img1.pict.com/df/e5/ec/5a5a7ab1c4d833df468384b62e/tHmWG/benes.jpg

[JennB]

She sounds like me. I am easily just as picky.

I really like the Volvo C70 a lot.

[Sawyer]

Damn, does she like ANYTHING?

[RotorNutFD3S]

God damn she's been picky! :lol: Doesn't the mazda 3 come in a hatch? Tell her that hot hatches are cool and have always been popular in europe.

Sir, you don't know the half of it. :lol: Of course, when it comes to my cars, I'm about a million times more picky. But that's because I'm considering about a million more aspects of the car for different purposes. Hatch, wagon, whatever you want to call it. She doesn't want it...

Solara is a no go for sure.

I was actually looking at the Volvo line for sport-coupe ideas, and was reading up on the C70s. Great minds. :D We had one get traded in at the Honda dealer a while back and I drove the hell out of it and enjoyed it. Surprised I forgot about it, but then again, I was driving a different car home almost every other day.

[RotorNutFD3S]

She sounds like me. I am easily just as picky.

I really like the Volvo C70 a lot.

Good, I'm glad it's not just her then. lol
As do I, I'm going to be sure to bring that one up.

Damn, does she like ANYTHING?

:lol:

I wrote a list of what I know she likes, it's pretty limited, but in case you overlooked it, it boils down to another Miata (which I doubt), RX8, another Eclipse (3rd or 4th gen), Audi TT, S2K, or MR2.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

How about the Pontiac Solstice? Or a bmw Z3 M roadster? or just the 3.0l Z3.

[RotorNutFD3S]

She likes the Solstice and the Sky, but when driving them, she couldn't see well out of them, part of it was because she has to sit so close to the wheel (seat all the way forward), and part of it is the design. That broke the deal.
I know she likes the Z3, but there was something that stopped her from getting one before she got the Miata. Don't remember what it was...

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Price/maintenence? They're a bit cheaper nowadays. Get a Z3 coupe if she wants balla status.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Wasn't price... I think it was something her dad read about them. Can't recall for sure.

[mustangtomiata]

I agree with Mike on the MR-2, really fun, really reliable, really cool(don't get the gay jokes of a miata, which also doesn't apply to her :facepalm: ), and good on gas.

[ben91]

Miata is a better car than a Z3 imo. I had the M-Roadster back in the day (as a company car) while I had my 96 M-edition Miata. Never driven a Z4, but I love the look of the hardtop coupe.

The C70 is baller, but it's also very ford. ;)
Then again, so is mazda.

Anyone mention the accord coupe? Good car, and I've even seen them with 6speed manual.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

ijohnny on here has an accord coupe and seems to love it!

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Porsche Boxster?

[RotorNutFD3S]

Only Honda she'll consider is the S2000.
No on the Porsche.

[RotorNutFD3S]

figured out how to decode the VIN. shows that I have the small motor (which I knew already) but I have the upgrade trans from the SHO. which is great because the stanard trans is a known weak spot. this upgrade is not an available option, it's a random phenomenon and I happened to score. also I have keyless too so I have remotes on order. lastly I am about to start a projector headlamp project with TSX parts and an HID kit. qfter that I will figure out how to get the factory mach headunit and cd changer in there.
Posted via Mobile Device

:lol: Wut?

[wildfire0310]

:lol: Wut?


Looks like someone doesn't know how to move around the forum via their cell phones. I guess it time for you to be a MOD and move his post to....somewhere:lol:

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

:lmao:

[RotorNutFD3S]

Looks like someone doesn't know how to move around the forum via their cell phones. I guess it time for you to be a MOD and move his post to....somewhere:lol:

That's the thing. IDK where the hell to move it to...
Oh wait, I have an idea. :D

On another note, she's trying to convince her dad to put her into a used Elise. lololololololol

[wildfire0310]

That's the thing. IDK where the hell to move it to...
Oh wait, I have an idea. :D

On another note, she's trying to convince her dad to put her into a used Elise. lololololololol

haha.. i am not sure where it would go either.... maybe update the original new car post he had in the off section area.

If she gets a used elise..:jawdrop:

[JennB]

The insurance for someone her age on an Elise will be lovely! lol

I came within one phone call of buying one about a month ago but the insurance killed it for me. It was literally 3 times what I pay on my MSM. (and my insurance is really cheap) Perfect driving record, over 25, tons of multi-line discounts. Even at 3 times what I pay, it was still not THAT bad compared to most people but it was just a stupid expense... I can't justify that.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yeah, the insurance is a killer for a lot of cars. She just turned 21 today.

The repair estimate on the Miata is ~$6500. :facepalm: The insurance company has not come to see it yet, but I'm pretty sure we can call that one done.

[metalman]

The repair estimate on the Miata is ~$6500. :facepalm: The insurance company has not come to see it yet, but I'm pretty sure we can call that one done.

75% of book is a total.
I'll buy it for parts. ;)

[N3v]

dude, that really sucks and I'm sorry for your loss.

But if people are gonna start being vultures, can I have the engine head? :D

[metalman]

d

But if people are gonna start being vultures, can I have the engine head? :D

:lol: Vultures peck at the pieces of carcass.
I'd take the whole thing. ;)

[wildfire0310]

:lol: Vultures peck at the pieces of carcass.
I'd take the whole thing. ;)

Yea and then we vulture from you.

[N3v]

dibs on engine pleasepleaseplease

[RotorNutFD3S]

Damn vultures. :lol: We'll see. I should have added that I'm going to see what the buy back price is. I actually want the whole thing myself. I have plans. Evil plans. But if I do get it, the engine and driveline would be up for grabs.

[N3v]

was it a 5 or 6 speed?

[RotorNutFD3S]

5 speed. 4.30 rear end.

[wildfire0310]

Damn vultures. :lol: We'll see. I should have added that I'm going to see what the buy back price is. I actually want the whole thing myself. I have plans. Evil plans. But if I do get it, the engine and driveline would be up for grabs.


Why do I for see, a group of people banging on a firewall trying to make clearance..:biggrin:

[RotorNutFD3S]

Shouldn't need to. "It Fits". :D
However, the frame rails are FLAT, like almost smoothed into the bottom of the car, and the underside of the car is wrinkled. Going with the assumptions of the body shop, I don't think this one is going to ever be right again.

[metalman]

You just need the straight 99 tub I have in the garage. :)
Well...that and 10k worth of work. :lol:

[RotorNutFD3S]

:D

So yeah, I'll keep the part out status updated as soon as I find things out.
If things keep getting delayed with my engine build, I may just keep the engine and put it in my car and sell my mildly built engine and be done with it.