Wrecked My 986
 

Two weeks ago I wrapped my '99 Boxster around a tree. Actually took out two trees before being stopped by one I just couldn't get through. The cops kept looking at me and looking at the car and saying, "I can't believe you walked away from this". Literally only a scratch on my head and a sore shoulder.

I was going round a curve, coming back from lunch, it was wet and leafy. I have driven this road hundreds of times. It is not a bad spot. In any case, I thought I should take it easy. I was not going too fast it just started to slide as I came out of the turn. Slid side ways up on the curb, took out two trees and came to rest on the third.

The insurance company is giving me more than I paid for the car ($16k v. $13K). Trying to decide what to do. It may turn into granite counter tops and refaced kitchen cabinets or another car. I am thinking of another boxster (99 or 2000), an older 911, a 968 or a BMW M Roadster. Any thoughts?

Sounds like you got lucky. I've had a similar experience except where snap oversteer sent me into a tree at about 50 mph. After something like that you just have to be thankful to be in one piece.

$16K will buy a nice used Boxster these days. Personally I wouldn't be scared of getting another one. It doesn't sound like the car really acted up or anything to cause the accident. Of the cars you listed I think the Boxster will still be the most satisfying driver's car, so I would go that route. Although I personally would try to stretch up to an S model. I did that three years ago when I bought my 2000 Boxster S and I've always felt that was the wise thing for me to do.

You can do the kitchen, but only if you really, really want it and are staying in the house. USAA did an article on home improvements recently and I was surprised to find out that you rarely will get even 80% of your money back out of the investment that's made in home improvements when you go to sell.

Kirk

Glad to hear you weren't badly hurt.

I recently read that Jeph's 2001 Boxster may be for sale for somewhere around 16k. That's a sweet car, with the Carrera front end conversion.

NJkayaker, did/does your car have PSM (Porsche Stability Management) or Traction Control?

This may have helped you. "May" being the operative word. Consider this option on your next potential purchase.

Fuc$ the kitchen cabinets!

Glad you are A-OK!

Glad you are alright after the accident. Everything smells a little better, tastes a little better after you walk away from a bad one. Life is good.

Kitchen cabinets are for chicks, get the car.

:( Good luck! Well, you already hasd good luck, but hope you have an ounce left if you're searching for another Boxster and get a well cared for one at a good price.

I am glad to hear that you weren't hurt, but it is unfortunate that your Boxster was totaled. I would say get another Boxster, it sounds like you enjoyed driving it. The granite counter tops may be nice, but they don't go 150MPH. :D

A very similar thing happened to me about 30 years ago. I had a 914 and the motor was running very rough. It was autumn and there were leaves on the road and it was wet. Whenever I was not accelerating, I had to push the clutch in and rev the engine to keep it from stalling. I was doing all of 10 mph and went around a corner with the clutch in. The car did a 540 and ended up in a ditch. Luckily I was going slow and with the help of a tow from a farmer, I was able to get out unscathed.

Moral of the story is - a mid engine car turns so well because of low polar moment of inertia. It also spins very easily.

PSM is your friend. After seeing what it can do in the rain at the autocross, I would not think of driving on the street without it. Its especially good when you aren't paying attention to your driving or are taken by surprise.

Hope things work out. Glad you are ok and hope you get another Boxster.

One time on a small farm road, I came around a pretty blind turn a little "hot" during harvest season, and slid a little on corn kernels.

I made corn meal out of it!

Good thing I had PSM (a.k.a.- Please Save Me). :)

Please save US from YOUR "corny" jokes, Bill.

I was on the bay last night looking at Boxsters. There was an 06 base with incredibly low miles that looked like it was going to go in the low 20s. Demoralizing if you want to sell, but a great time to buy. I have granite countertops, but the Box is a lot more satisfying.

a bmw m roadster wouldn't be a bad replacement as you could get one for less than you would an s plus it puts down just as much power.... more if you get an 01-02 s52 engine that'll push out 315 hp... that's even more than a base carrera... if not an m roadster the m coupe would also be sweet...