Car On Campus

ethancc2
Wed, 18 Mar 2009 01:00:15 +0000

You should buy an older car, since there are so many ways to get your car damaged in Berkeley:

1. Body damage (dents, scratches, chips) will occur frequently in urban areas

2. Side-mirror damage: happens with narrow streets and bad drivers

3. Tire/suspension damage: Nothing says welcome to Berkeley better than a pothole. Just drive down Univ Ave and you’ll know what I mean. It’s ironic there’s a sign that says ‘street rehabilitation in progress (2005)’ on the section of roadway that feels like a wooden roller coaster.

4. Brake pads will wear out: you’ll brake suddenly to avoid jaywalkers, homeless ppl, potholes, etc. Also ppl open their car doors without looking and buses will cut you off.

To minimize body damage I recommend getting a car with a bumper made of metal. Most cars today have plastic but older cars have metal bumpers. If people hit you or you hit them, damage to your car will be much less than if you have a plastic bumper. For example, a guy in a 2008 Toyota Camry rear ends me when I stop at a crosswalk. My car ('91 Acura Legend) only had a minor scratch while the Camry had a severely damaged bumper and broken headlamps. The other driver was nice enough to admit he was at fault and didn’t ask for my insurance info.