Reply #12: So you're from here. Remember a week ago Fri that torrential rain?

[pink-o]

I was driving my little Tercel on 280 North by Alemany, and drove into a virtual Lake Superior, where I hydroplaned and careened across 4 lanes, only to be sideswept by a Chevy Tahoe. Car not totaled, but would cost more than it's worth to fix, so I hear what you're saying.

However, I am completely intact, just a few bruises but not even enough to keep me from the gym. Even with the bad timing re the holidays I am so grateful I emerged okay and no one else got hurt. I did have to dig into emergency funds, and just bought a 2004 Corolla, which is a great commute car. A lot less than a Prius, a lot better than the car that hit the water.

I wanted to buy an American car, and looked at a Focus, but the Corolla was just a better car. Sorry. I want to see the US automakers step up to the plate, but 35 years ago they were behind the times, and it looks like nothing's changed.