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AIBU

AIBU to be really upset, almost in mourning for the loss of my car, or just ridiculous

(89 Posts)
M0nica Tue 08-Feb-22 16:50:33

It is not even a case of stopping driving, but someone wrote my car off on Sunday and it is going to be scrapped and I am really upset.

I have owned my 19 year old bright blue Toyota Yaris for 14 years. During that time she has never broken down, never needed a garage repair and only once failed her MOT, and that was something trivial. She was in excellent condition, last week, prior to going away, I took her through the car wash and thoroughly cleaned the interior and she was looking really good.

We went away for the weekend, I drove up and would have driven back, but I slept very badly on Saturday night and was very sleepy on Sunday morning so asked DH to drive. We were about 20 miles from home, on a main road, when we came to cross road with a minor road and a youngish lad, couldn't wait for us to go past, the road was not busy, tried to shoot across in front of us. DH braked hard and tried to steer out of trouble but we collided with the other vehicle and although nobody was injured or even shaken and the car was drive homeable, because of its age, it has been written off without even assessing the damage, just on our description of what has been crumpled or broken.

And I have been quite taken aback how really upset I am.

For 14 years my bright blue car has been there through every family event. I bought her when my DF was in hospital with the illness he died of. She has been my constant reliance through visiting hospital when DH had his bypass surgery and infection, the same when DD was seriously injured in a road accident and during her recovery, it has taken me reliably through 6 years of a regular 150 mile round trip to visit an eldely relative in a care home. She has been a completely worry free car and I have looked after her, kept her in the garage.

My insurer - the AA - have been terrific. As soon as I gave them details of the accident and they looked at google map of where the accident happened, the first thing they said was that we were clearly the innocent party and had not contributed to the accident in anyway, which we knew, but it was nice to hear, but nothing can make up for the fact that my car is a write up and I have quite shocked myself by how upset I am. She was almost a member of the family.

janipans Wed 09-Feb-22 15:46:25

My hubby wrote mine off in 2020. I was very stressed at the time and just used the insurance money to buy the same type of car but with a lesser spec ... and I hate it!
If I had the choice now (my life is in better order now!) I would either have had my car repaired (it was a financial write off and is now back on the road!) or I should have gone for the same spec in a different make/model (as they no longer make Cascadas) and paid the extra to get it! Please make sure you make the right decision for you!

Georgesgran Wed 09-Feb-22 17:02:08

I love cars and one year DH bought me, as a surprise, the car of my dreams (4th hand) for Christmas. I drove it for years and it cost a fortune in repairs, servicing and petrol - but I didn’t care - my car was so rare that if ever another was seen, we drivers would wave frantically, or give a thumbs up sign. Then one day, I let my head rule my heart and knew it had to go. I sold privately and shed a few tears as the chap drove it away, especially as he said he wouldn’t be driving it over 50mph - what a waste!
I then lashed out on a two seater convertible from the same manufacturer to console myself. Shallow? Moi?

Leolady73 Wed 09-Feb-22 17:29:51

My daughter had her car written off but she later saw it being driven around after repair. Personalised number plate. Apparently this is an option you can discuss with the insurance company

Keffie12 Wed 09-Feb-22 17:34:25

Oh I get it. Mine was bizarrely over a washing machine though.

I had my Zannuzzi for 21 years. Bought her in 1987.

She had been through so much, never cost us a penny. Washing, etc for our daily including 4 children, loads of moves, a period in storage when we left the ex.

I was devastated when she went to the scrap metal heaven. I couldn't even go outside when the scrapmen came for her.

I had to send my 2nd husband out to deal with it. Mad I know. Just sharing that so it's not just cars you can get emotionally attached too

sazz1 Wed 09-Feb-22 20:14:07

Had my last car for 13 years then the engine failed.
Sad but looking forward to getting another now

hollysteers Wed 09-Feb-22 20:43:10

I like Toyotas, I have a white IQ, called Coco. Not being interested in cars really, when I changed to this car, I told people I had a Yaris IQ!
To get some perspective on this, think how you would feel if you had your keys rudely snatched off you and told never to drive again, as happened to my late DH at the surgery. Correct decision as he had early dementia and epilepsy (under control)
But so thoughtless and uncaring. He absolutely loved his Saab and it just stayed in the garage. After he died, I had to disappear when it was taken away…
You can carry on driving and no one died, that’s the main thing.

Candelle Wed 09-Feb-22 23:12:46

No, you are not being unreasonable for, as many others have said, we can take car ownership to a new dimension!

I had a much cherished Yaris (named Yetta Yaris) which ran perfectly for eight years until I foolishly thought she was getting on a bit and I should change her. She had run perfectly, never failed an MOT and I must have been mad. I still really regret my stupid decision and I shed a tear when she was cranked on to the low-loader and driven away. I understand how you feel.

Perhaps check out the possibility of buying your beloved back from your insurance company?

Mokeswife Thu 10-Feb-22 10:28:10

Things can mean a lot to us but maybe this is telling you that a smart new low emission car is what is needed just now so that you can make happy, new, conscience-free memories - happy days to you!

Paddington1914 Thu 10-Feb-22 12:57:18

As someone else has mentioned, ou can buy it back off the insurers once you have had your pay out and then get it mended yourself.

happycatholicwife1 Thu 10-Feb-22 23:05:06

Yes.

M0nica Fri 11-Feb-22 17:43:59

I have been away for a few days and distance (time and mileage) is doing me good.

Head has won over heart. If I bought the car in, I think it's maximum value is about £1,000. I would then face £2-3,000 of repairs, with the worry, that the car could be incubating an other expensive repair that isn't yet visible. The MOT is only 2 months ahead.

The current car will be replaced by another bright blue Yaris, same spec, but a bit more up to date. My budget will be quite small, so even if I wanted an electric car, I couldn't afford one. I bought the Yaris originally because it has low emisssions, so I have no problems on that score.

When I get home I will ring the salvage company and they will take her away. I will then contact the car hire company for my courtesy car and scan the adds for suitable cars within a 100 mile radius, while I work out how much I can afford to pay on top of the salvage money for my next car.

MayBeMaw Wed 23-Feb-22 08:35:29

Dear M0nica
I owe you an apology.
Despite dismissing any emotional attachment to a vehicle, maintaining it’s only “bent metal” I am now feeling very sad and actually ??? as the RAC man is at this moment loading my car onto their transporter to take to the garage.
It’s been a good workhorse and is the last car DH and I bought together just a couple of years before he died. So that’s another link gone
It may be repairable- at a price- or this may be the end of its road.
So much humble pie here - I just hope you have found a happy resolution to your own car woes flowers

Jaxjacky Wed 23-Feb-22 08:53:40

I’m sure you’ve made the right decision MOnica but I understand. We have a Berlingo, it was mine, now MrJ’s, it’s fifteen years old and was thrust upon me in a panic buy seven years ago. Two weeks after purchase, I drove her 600 miles to the Dordogne, she happily did that trip for a further three years, many trips around France and Spain, flies through the yearly MOT and is not a bother. But I know, at some point, the time will come, so many adventures and memories.
I hope you enjoy your new car as much as your old one.