End of the Road: 2010-2024

[Deserion]

As the legal paperwork has been completed, I may as well share with you my misfortune.

September 15, 2024. I was heading home from a farmer's market and light shopping trip in my '04 986. It's a 6-lane road, and I'm on the inside left lane. From the right, a car pulls out ahead and stops in the median cross-through while leaving the back half of the car (of course it's an Altima...) in my lane.

I come to a safe stop, lay on the horn, then the oblivious driver gets a move on about 10-15 seconds later. Off the brake, I started to accelerate-

I was shunted about 200 feet forward by a distracted driver in a GMT900 Tahoe. Immediately after I came to a stop, instinctually I knew the car was gone - especially after seeing daylight from over my right shoulder where the top had been.

The Tahoe was going about 50mph I would estimate, I was moving at 5-10mph at the time of impact. She claims her brakes failed (sure Jan), while there was no other traffic aside her or me at the time. Middle of the day, dry, clear skies.

I was so close to home. Ended up going to the hospital emergency to get a quick checkout, nothing broken. However my right foot ended up bruised to hell and both ankles had some swelling, bruising across my chest from the seatbelt.

The day after I went to the tow yard to get my personal effects from inside. The guys in the office, upon informing them which car I was there for, exclaimed "Holy **************** you're still walking?!"

For an early-mid 1990s design, the 986 held up extremely well (IMO).

After it was taken to Copart, I was able to get some of my accessories off before signing over the title. Unfortunately I didn't bring the right Torx driver and had to leave the leather armrest cover installed, and couldn't take the Tequipment carbon fiber door sill guards or H&R rear spacers. I did retain the GT3 console delete (especially given how pricey they are). I also brought a big pry bar to get into the trunk to extricate my Brumos Racing jacket - now with speed holes!

I had planned on keeping this car. Once my 964 was done, the goal was to swap in a 3.6 from a 996.2 along with a 6-speed S transmission to make it a total hoot.

But no, I had to say goodbye due to some jackass not looking where she was going. I'm doing well enough, now, physically. Still hurt, although it's improving and is substantially better than last year.

[Deserion]

The passenger door was jammed shut. You can see the panel gap disappearing at the top of the driver door.

What did I end up replacing it with?

A 996 Carrera 4S, same model year, same color combo.
Pics from the 2024 HPDE and the 2025 event, respectively. Still rocking the same numbers in remembrance.

[BruceH]

I am just glad that you are ok. It could have been much worse. The 996 looks to be a nice replacement

[husker boxster]

Glad you're on the mend.

That was a big impact. She was probably looking at her phone. Hope you've been made whole by her ins company.

[KevinH1990]

I'm glad you that you are likely to make a full recovery.

The main reason I decided to sell my 94 Miata and buy a Boxster was my perception that a Boxster would fare better in a collision than a Miata. Your experience seems to confirm my theory. If you had been in a Miata during the accident, I expect that there would have significant intrusion of rear sheet metal into the driver and passenger spaces.

In my area, it seems like drivers are becoming more careless and that the bigger vehicles seem to be piloted by the worst drivers. The fact that one of the largest SUV's available terminated the existence of your Boxster supports my theory about the drivers of large SUV's.

[Gilles]

Wow Chris, that was a major impact! Thanks God that you are ok!

[piper6909]

Sorry for your loss, Chris. I'm glad you're OK. She was a beautiful car and your new one is a beaut too, so congrats!

Your story reminded me of this song. Hopefully it'll cheer you up a bit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wwnpD9oTLI

[maxbottomtime]

I like where your head is at. If you had a FASTER car you could have avoided the accident altogether. Good decision. I think you ought to have sprung for the turbo though.

Not to victim blame, but if no other traffic I'd prefer to check and swing into middle lane rather than brake hard. Tough to make that decision in the moment, and of course if there were a car and you hit them you'd be at fault. You can't win sometimes, though looks like the 996 is doing alright.


Surely with failed brakes on the tahoe they were able to reproduce, see no fluid in the master cylinder, etc... No way the driver would lie.

[Classic Boxster]

I am glad you are overall OK.
I can't believe the Boxster held up that well from a rear end collision. She was probably on her phone reading a text that could not wait.
Your replacement looks sweet.
.