All involved parties came out uninjured. Which is the only thing that really matters ofcourse. Especially since my two college aged daughters were in the Vibe when it was hit at an estimated combined speed of 30 mph! Vibe is totalled. Air bags deployed, frame is likely bent, perhaps damage to the tranny etc.
My daughters were wearing thier seatbelts and I had the Takata airbag recall done on the passenger side. No problems thankfully. Car took care of them especially considering it was hit by a much larger SUV in an offset head-on collision. Tourists from the UK forgot to stay on thier side of the road coming around a blind hair pin curve on a California highway with nothin' but cliff hillside! I.e. Unavoidable.
Very proud of my oldest daughter for not panicing or over correcting and going off the cliff edge!
The rental car company is likely taking libility for the accident...know more tomorrow. Adjuster has already been out to examine the damage.
Vibe was a creampuff. Tough to see it damaged. Actually became attached to the little hatchback. Always liked them to begin with but they grew on me especially after owning one for a year and a half. Likely won't find another Vibe as clean and low mileage as the one we had. Really a perfect car. Only 60 K on the ODO!!!! Oh well. Was actually shoping for a second Vibe/Matrix for my younger daughter since the first one has worked out so well.
The Vibe is now sitting in the tow yard in Nor. Cal. San Rafael Ca. to be exact! Likely will have to sell it to a salvage yard since I am in AZ and 12 hours away by car.
We may be Vibe huntin in AZ once again!! Those kids told me the Vibe took care of them even in the inevitable collision with a much larger, heavier vehicle. I've seen horrific wrecks in my time as longtime first responder in my community. No doubt physics rule, but this little car is built well.
One relieved papa.