Crashing Chevy's- 1959 versus 2009

Those giant passenger cars of 1959 would be like tanks on the road today. There is a highway safety video showing the 1959 Chevy crashing head-on with a 2009 Chevy. The crash video is incredible and shows many different angles. i would not have guessed the results.

Both cars received incredible damage. The safety experts determined the driver of the 2009 Chevey would have an injured leg. The driver of the 1959 Chevy would have died on impact.

A participant in my AARP Driver Safety Program was a former safety engineer for a major manufacturer. He said 40% of the price of a new car is for safety features. It is clear from the crash results that the safety features are working.


View the video: http://www.automotiveaddicts.com/7322/offset-crash-test-video-1959-chevy-bel-air-vs-2009-chevy-malibu

This is Rob G. asking you to Drive Like Me.

BMW Service, the Good and Bad

Not all dealerships are alike. I bought a used 1997 BMW a year ago when I moved to SW Florida and have had terrific service at the Naples, FL dealership. Unlucky for me, there is another dealership that is closer to my work so I took my car there. Only 36,000 miles so the low mileage performance is all there.

I took my car to the "other" BMW dealership for a simple oil change and because the airbag light was on. They also replaced a $40 bulb in the tail light. The total bill was over $700. Whaaaaaat???
So they call me and said my car was ready. I went after work to pick it up and waited and waited and ... a half hour later they said if I could just wait a bit they would also wash the car. WAIT a bit??? Wait even more??? Just bring my car.

I jumped in my car and saw the "check engine" light was now on. I returned and the not-so-friendly advisor said to bring it back in a few days if the light was still on. Huh??? I would call that unsafe, maybe careless or dangerous. What do you think?

I drove home and found fluid leaking from under the car. I imagined it was just some oil that dripped off. WRONG!!! I dropped off the BMW again at the same dealership and there is a broken transmission bracket and a severed transmission line. Plus, they want to replace another part that MIGHT cause a problem. For $1,000! I assure you that I baby this car and did not hit anything. Who do you think damaged my car?

BMW has failed, big time!!! I can't wait to get the bill so I can post a mega-rant on http://www.skidmarkoftheweek.com/.

Just to make things worse for them, I will not fill out the comment cards or surveys they send. Let the owner figure out on his/her own why they are losing business.

They can't really think I would trade-in my car on another BMW after this. Maybe they don't care.

I am Rob G. asking you to DriveLikeMe.

Tell your friends and neighbors to be cautious. I learned the hard way. That's all I can say.

Rent a Car Before You Buy?

AARP Driver Safety Courses cover a broad range of driver safety tips. One tip that can keep you safe for years is to get a car that properly fits YOU. Larger people in a tiny car and smaller people in a massive car are obvious mismatches. But there are more things to consider.

Newer vehicles have a vast array of options available to help drivers. Hearing impair drivers may choose a device that picks out sirens and car horns, then gives a visual indication to help the driver. Other safety devices like rearview cameras and backup proximity sensors let the driver know that it is safe to proceed.

Choose a vehicle that seems to fit you and your personality. Then rent that model with similar features for a week or weekend to make certain the fit is good. This gives the driver time to check the fit and to think about the purchase.

This process may not work as well for used cars as a great deal can be lost by waiting. Get a good idea of what you want by renting very early in the process.

Best of success in your car search!

This is Rob G asking you to Drive Like Me.