Once again, my car got rear-ended.  This is second time I will have replaced my bumper.

I happened to be a at red light for a minute and the lady behind me ran into me.  She claimed that her sandals slipped off of the brake and then on the gas.  They were pretty thick sandals.  That is why I think it was a wardrobe malfunction.  She was nice about it and no hard feelings. 

Her mother works at Jeff Wyler's body shop and she suggested them again to me.  They put on the last bumper and did not do a very good paint match (see photo to the left).  Everyone thinks I am crazy and reminds me that I am color blind.  I really don't think I'll go back there.  I am almost tempted to go to an actual Toyota dealership.  Maybe, they will get the color right.

My previous accident, in contrast, happened on the expressway going 65 MPH in rush hour traffic.  A lady ram another guy's car into my bumper.  That was a little more dramatic.  The lady claimed that her car was pushed, as well, and she was a victim.  It was pretty obvious what actually happened with the 3 cars by examining the damage.  Mine in the rear, her's in the front, and the other man's car with damage to both bumper.  She started to argue with the highway patrol officer.  In fact, she called up her mother to come help her argue her case.  Regardless, her insurance company paid for my new mismatched bumper.

The other day my wife had a tire blowout.  She doesn't think she hit anything.  Nonetheless, it was a loud "explosion."  Fortunately, she was only driving about 40 MPH and could immediately pull over.  As you can see below, a huge 4" gash was in the sidewall.

Recently, my 1998 Honda Passport needed a new starter.  That costed about ~$650.  They also pointed out that it needed new axels & boots.  Plus, the brakes and tires needed replacing.  And finally, the windshield was cracked.  With all of that said, it was obvious I was upside down on the repairs vs. value of the car.

I started looking at new cars.  I really just needed a good commuter car.  The ones that I considered:

• Honda Civic
  Nice car but I felt the steering wheel was too close.
• Honda Fit
  Good car and good price.  It has a lot more space than you might think.  Unfortunately, a 3 to 4 month waiting list.  I called 5 Honda dealers to just see & drive one.
• Toyota Corolla
  Ok car...great gas mileage.
• Toyota Matrix
  Good looking car and very comfortable.

I didn't consider the Toyota Camry.  I test drove one because of the my uncle knew of a good deal.  I was pleasantly surprised about the ride, size, price and gas mileage.  Unfortunately, they didn't make a good offer on my trade-in. 

After I went to test-drive the Honda Fit, I stopped by a nearby dealership to show my wife the Camry.  That dealer had a "service courtesy car" that had 9500 miles.  It was fully loaded and I was able to get it for about $7k off and a fair trade in value. 

One thing that I did learn: if you have a trade-in car that is not in mint condition, don't bring it to the sale.  I actually firmed up my deal with my trade-in sight unseen.  I was honest about its condition but they were more focused on the new car.  It also helps that it was a few minutes before they closed.