barrett

When I was single I had 4 Porsches in a row (one Boxster, then three 911s). I then got married and we started having kids, so I sold my 911 in favor of a series of SUVs. The idea, of course, was when the kids were old enough (no need for kid carseats), I'd get a 911 again. To me, there were only two types of cars in the world: 911s and non-911s. I honestly never cared about the latter.

So after about 10 years of being without a 911, of focusing on my career and being a dad, I gave myself permission to get a 911 again (along with getting buy-in from my wife). My kids had heard me talk ad nauseam about 911s and identifying the different variants on the road, so they were excited that Daddy was going to get his own 911. With the crazy Porsche market, it wasn't a great time to buy: new 911s had years-long waits, and the pre-owned cars were overpriced. I decided to go pre-owned, specifically the 991.2 generation. I thought, "So what if I overpay by a bit. I don't want to wait anymore, and who knows how long the tight Porsche market might continue?" So I launched a nationwide search for a 911 and, after a number of months, found one I liked in a state more than 1000 miles away. 2018 Carrera S Cabriolet with the options I wanted. CPO car. Got a PPI done (which checked out), but decided to fly up to the dealership to check it out myself. Bought the car while I was there. Arranged for transportation and was given the runaround by Plycar but called Liz at Bears Transportation, and she came through like a champ. Because the car is 4 years old, it had a few very minor blemishes here and there, and the dealership dealt with the ones they could fix, and I just obsessed over the ones the dealership couldn't.

I was excited that I was going to be back in the Porsche life. I started reading Rennlist again, I rejoined PCA, I bought a bunch of different detailing soaps and equipment (foam guns, microfiber towels, etc.). For the last 10 years, I just ran my Range Rover Sport through carwash services because, again, it wasn't a 911 so what did I really care? Boxes of random Porsche stuff started arriving at the house. I even bought the silly $149 gas cap. Like in the Godfather III, I was pulled back in.

Finally took delivery last Monday. The car arrived in great condition, and I was finally back in a 911. Because work was busy, I didn't really get to drive it much and was looking forward to the weekend. Friday night, I gave it a quick wash and drove it around after the kids were asleep and my wife was just reading. I was my young self again. Top down, going through tunnels, listening to music. Saturday morning, I ran a couple of errands, including picking up one of my kids from swim practice.

Saturday afternoon, I was running a different errand, and pulling out of the parking lot onto the road, and then . . . BAM!!! . . . I was rear-ended. The car behind me was also exiting the parking lot, but just wasn't paying attention, i suppose. I felt the jolt of impact, then a mix of surprise, confusion, and just the feeling of surreal disbelief. I literally thought oh, this must be a dream. I pulled into a side street to deal with the accident with the other driver, only to see that the other car kept going--it was running off! I did a quick turn out of the side street and chased it for about a mile: the car tried to turn down side streets and more side streets and I kept with it, eventually getting close enough to photograph the car with its license plate.

The other driver eventually stopped, seeing the futility of trying to escape. It was a 22-yo girl who acted like nothing happened. After awhile, she eventually admitted she panicked and that's why she drove off. Her car: a Chevy Malibu with the hood already held down by bungee cord (literally). My car: the rear didn't look terrible, but definitely now had some dents and scratches. It was, basically a parking lot fender bender. I don't know if the back bumper now needs replacement or what. I'll take it to a body shop this coming week. In Houston, I've been recommended to go to Einer's, an independent shop.

The girl first showed me expired insurance, but then ultimately got a copy of her current insurance after talking to her mother on the phone. She also called a bunch of friends who all arrived to console her. She was crying. Meanwhile, they probably just saw me as the lame rich dude in his 40s whose Porsche got hit. My car still had the paper license plate on the back. Little did they know that I honestly felt like crying, too. So much effort to find this car, after a decade of waiting and working to make it happen.

I literally felt sick last night. After putting the kids down for bed, I too went to bed. I know there are a lot more important things going on in the world, but this was such a bummer.

Porsche_nuts

It is a sad story and I sorry to hear. I am always looking in the RVM for those who do not pay attention, but there is only so much you can do. Know it hurts, but the only way to look at it is that at least no one was hurt. It sure sux, but the car will be fixed. Just a bummer that so much time and effort and money results in an inattentive driver hitting you. The good part is that is it will get fixed as good as new and you're set for some good driving. Make sure the body shop goes over it carefully as hidden damage from those fender benders

GP20

If it was me, for a parking lot fender bender, I'd probably just fix out of my own pocket instead of going through insurance - for my own benefits.

Any saving will be negated by the record on the carfax when it comes time to sell the car. For a niche car like the 911, I'd rather have a clean carfax.

stout

Sorry to hear this, and been there done that, having been rear-ended in my 914 after weeks of prep for the 1995 Parade Concours. It quickly got worse: The other driver's insurance agent at AAA excitedly told me she had great news when I arrived at her office: "Good news! We're going to total your car for you!" Yes, it was just a $3,000 914 at the time, but it was valuable to me. So began a fight to fix the car properly, which made it to the lawn in Portland as my first and last concours entry.

"Did you know you have dirty grease in your jack?" Needless to say, I didn't do very well. But she didn't spot any accident damage or paintwork, either…

I still have that 914, which was also backed into at an intersection in the 1990s, requiring a hood and full repaint. Point being: Despite my immediate emotions after both incidents, I learned it's just a car. And that, in most cases, it can be repaired. Now with 255,000 miles, it looks (and drives) better than it did then—so the hassle and downtime was worth it in the long run. I also found it easier to let go when I realized I signed on for unavoidable risk by putting the car out in the real world.

Find the best shop or two, get estimates, and be firm: Your car has to be put right. You'll get through this, and I wish you many miles of enjoyment in your 991.2!

dave morris

Barrett, well written! My sympathies. You’re more magnanimous than I’d have been. 22 years is old enough to know not to flee any sort of accident.

Patton250

Wow man. Sorry. Hopefully it gets fixed quickly.

Graufuchs

Brand New Audi RS3, dropping off kids at school, some ding dong backed into car and wiped out back door and quarter. I get it man, its horrible.

Get the car fixed to your expectations and continue motoring!

ash_schwin

Sorry to hear about this incident, I have been through a situation when there was a hit and run driver on one of my previous cars. I know exactly the feeling of how irritated and bummed out it feels. As you mentioned earlier, even though there are much bigger problems going on in the world, this situation hurts because it feels like the world doesn't understand the fruits of labor to acquire a car like a 911. Hope you can get the car fixed well and have it look like nothing ever happened soon!

Levy

can't even imagine how you felt/still feel. sorry to hear brother. get her fixed up and move on....there are no other options at this point.

best of luck

wardrive

I would have called the police on the hit and run driver. You are a patient and kind man.

158Sierra

My boss’s bought a used 997 after looking for months. Flew into NJ , picked it up and was driving back to NC. Lady in an Acura got splashed by a truck during a thundershower and punted him off the side of the interstate. He was holding it straight in the grass until he ran over a drainage culvert. The lady tried to blame it on the truck that splashed her. Police cited her for failure to maintain control of her vehicle. End result was 5 months and $17K to fix car. He was very frustrated with it getting hit the same day he got it.

shammerman

@barrett - So sorry to hear. I feel your pain and have had my share of incidents where I was not at fault. At least the young lady had insurance and it opens up a door for you to claim “Diminished Value” compensation from her insurance company. You have to be assertive and informed, but you can get additional compensation from them.

sy1616

Pics

barrett

Thanks for the comments and empathy, everyone. I really do appreciate it. I have been pretty down about the whole thing. I think I’m going to get an estimate, talk to the girl about the repair costs, and see if she can pay out of pocket. I’d rather this not show up on Carfax, especially since it’s just a fender bender. But hell, everything is on the table, I suppose. What a bummer.

spiderv6

Be aware that a non-insurance fix can end up on Carfax just the same - depends on the shop, so YOU need to manage them to make sure.