Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Lucky
For the past couple months, the passenger’s side window has been making a strange clanking noise when you open it. As it did nothing but rain for most of that time, we didn’t worry about it. But last week when temperatures skyrocketed along with gas prices, it suddenly became a concern. Since Morgantown gets more rain than Seattle, having a window that won’t go up or some other problem is right out.
So last week Michael and I both said that we needed to get the window fixed, which is usually the start of a couple weeks of discussion before something actually happens.
Well, something happened Friday.
That was a letter from Toyota saying that there was a recall (or whatever the heck it is) for the listed model years of Corollas, because bolts in the front windows could work loose and cause problems. I believe the letter said something about how the window could “shatter, distracting the driver.”
You think?
So the car is at the dealer right now, getting the window(s) fixed. And then we’ll be able to unroll both front windows without fear of “distracting the driver”.
Assuming it ever stops raining.
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June 18th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Dear Corolla Owner,
Congratulations on purchasing what we think may be the finest motor vehicle available anywhere in the world ever in history. You have truly chosen wisely. This motor vehicle, with proper maintenance should give you years of driving pleasure until such time as you decide you will want to purchase a newer and better model of Corolla.
We are writing to bring to your attention on of the fine features built into you automobile; an unintentional feature, to be sure, but one that we know will benefit our clients if used properly. It has come to our attention that the passenger side window is subject to shattering which can be an incomparable asset for those who wish to maim anyone they can convince to ride with them. However, you are cautioned to pay strict attention to your driving and to not allow this hilarious maiming to distract you from the road. We advise waiting until you are stopped at a traffic signal or pulling to the side of the road (completely clear of traffic), before admiring your handiwork.
If there is anything else we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact your nearest Toyota Dealer.
June 18th, 2008 at 10:56 am
What is it about car windows this week? Or is it just you and me?
June 18th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
(snort)
Since my grandmother sits in the front seat, we’re all about voiding unintentional maiming.
But I have to say that this car has been AWESOME so far. We’ve had it since October 2003. Had a strange engine noise that was under warranty, and they gave us a rental while fixing it. The trunk light had a short last year (probably my fault because I SLAM the trunk) which caused the battery to drain. That was a pain to diagnose (who realizes their trunk light is on) and now this.
Otherwise we’ve done nothing but regular maintenance. I’ve had unreliable cars before, and my goal is to never had one every again as long as I live.
And I thought you’d appreciate this story Eric. Was yours covered or did you have to pay?
June 18th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
$75 deductable was all I had to pony up on a $400-$500 repair. Carmax gets hit for the remainder. I was okay with that. :-)
June 18th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
That’s better than the deductible we paid for our rear windshield when stupid truck boy busted it and wouldn’t own up to it.
June 18th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Michelle, Toyota makes awesome vehicles. I have an ’86 truck that I refuse to part with. It gives our redneck compound some class, being an import and all. But seriously, the thing has almost 300K miles on it, and I have had almost no problems with it. I started driving it back in ’86 and eventually bought it off my dad.
Yay Toyota! And Yay! lack of maiming grandmothers.
June 18th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Our car before this was the Camry we inherited from my Dad. It was 11 years old when we donated it to the Mountaineer Good News Garage.
The reason we got a new car was because when you have only one car, reliability is a major issue, and after 10 years cars start to become less reliable. Plus, we’d never had a new car before. :)
June 18th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
We just put a deposit down on our first Toyota…now, how long will the waitlist be for our Prius? Sadly, I must say goodbye to the Honda Civic that I have had for 10 years…
June 18th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Ooh! I can’t wait to see it!
We’ve talked about a hybrid, but I really love driving a standard transmission car, so it I don’t think I can do it.