The week I owned a Prius...

I'm putting my story up on the forum, in part because I want advice. In another part, because I think it's a story worth telling.

Standing proudly with my new title



On January, 19th, I bought a 2007 Prius. I researched everything I could get my hands on and shopped around but finally decided on the best car I could afford. Since I live in NY and only recently got my license, I opted for the (still incredibly steep) liability coverage. Then, on January 30th I was in a catastrophic accident. Through a near miracle, I walked away without a scratch.

I was driving on the NJ Turnpike on the far right lane of a four lane highway and decided to merge left. Before my car could completely merge from lane 4 to 3, I was cut off by a very fast moving truck from lane 2. I broke somewhat & swerved back, but began to lose control of the car. It felt as if the car was wobbly. After a few, subtle left & right turns (intended to stabilize the car), I made a nearly complete 180 on the highway. Immediately, I saw the tractor trailer coming my way.

There were only about two or three seconds between having spotted the oncoming vehicle and impact, but I remember thinking three things. (1) This is happening. I wasn't going to swerve my way out of this. (2) I hope I don't die. (3) Relax. That last thought almost definitely contributed to saving me from quite a bit of injury.

Sure enough, the 50 ton trailer flung me and my puny Prius across all four lanes of the highway until I finally hit a wall on the opposite side. A moment later, I touched my shoulders and legs with my hands (I'm still not sure why this was the method I used to verify that they were still there), forced the door open and got out. I've relived that moment so many times that I can't help but feel grateful to be alive, uninjured and without the burden of someone else's injury on my mind.

Now there's the matter of the car. I still can't figure out how I could make about-face on the highway. Unfortunately I don't have a dash cam or the guy who cut me off would be sharing in the expense! At first I figured that I was hit from the rear, right corner (since I made an approximately 150°+, clockwise turn), but I don't have a dent there. Then I figured the front wheels locked up, but the tires aren't flat. The airbags did not go off (still upset about that one) and I can't tell if I bought a used car with missing airbags or if they are somehow tied into the overall electrical system.

I know that Toyota makes overall quality cars, but I also know that there have been several recalls on the 2nd gen Prius. Am I a victim of bad luck or shoddy manufacturing? Is there a way to find out? I still have the car. Separately, I have to get rid of the car! I can give it to the impound lot, but they're offering me $960 since the hybrid battery is intact. Can I do better?

This one was taken just after the accident.