Car questions
 

So... Some nutter ran into the back of my parked car the other day. He was driving a 90s Japanese sports car of some kind which was clearly lowered way down, so he went straight underneath my pickup and lifted it off the ground, driving straight under and hitting the car parked beside me as well. Incurred $3,000 in damages to my dad's truck and $1,500 to the guy beside me.

His excuse was that the throttle on his car was "stuck," ie as soon as he started the car it was revving. (That is how he explained it) The hole in that story in my eyes is, why the hell would you put the car into gear if it was revving the moment you switched it on without you touching the gas pedal?

The school won't release the surveillance tape or show it to any of us, although the police officer who attended did watch it and didn't come up with anything untowards. Some rumours were floating that this kid was doing donuts in the parking lot and lost control, but I can't be sure.

My theory (unless someone with more knowledge than me comes up with something better) is that when he started it, he revved on the gas before putting it into drive to do a drift/burnout to show off, lost control and hit me.

The police officer did say that when he watched the tape it looked like the car started moving instantly after he shifted gears, no hesitation, so that could be a possible explanation.

Any car knowledgeable on here that can confirm/deny the plausability here?

Re: Car questions
 

Does it matter? If your car was correctly parked in a legal spot when this guy hit it (for whatever reason) then its 100% on him and your insurance premiums should be unaffected.

Re: Car questions
 

If there were donuts or burnouts happening, you'd see the evidence on the road surface. As already stated - what do you care - you'll be getting a 0% liability settlement.

Re: Car questions
 

Just curious about his argument is all. Of course he is 100% at fault and has already paid us for the repair bills. (Opted not to go through insurance)

Re: Car questions
 

If you want to know if it's possible, yes. Unlike newer vehicles with drive-by-wire controls, older cars have mechanical throttle bodies. You can open the hood, pull on the right lever/cable, and rev the engine.

As with anything mechanical without adequate lubrication, can it get stuck? Sure.

Re: Car questions
 

But if it were stuck, then it would be stuck irregardless of if the car is in park or drive, correct?

The guys were just shady at the scene and a bit rash, although they apologised after, it just made me curious of their story.

Thanks.

Re: Car questions
 

If it's a 90s Japanese "sports car", it's probably a manual transmission. There is no park or drive. The gear is engaged or not engaged.

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He defo said it was an automatic. It also wasn't an import/RHD, it was a vehicle produced for North America.

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Well, now you're asking us to speculate on the impossible...

Is it technically feasible for the throttle body to be stuck on a 90s era vehicle? Yes.

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Hey ho. I don't know anything about cars so just thought i'd ask here. I don't know what is or isn't impossible. Its not a big deal as I said, its been paid for and taken care of. Its more of a curiosity thing.

Re: Car questions
 

Fairy Nuff. Glad it got sorted.

Re: Car questions
 

Most Mitsubishi 3000GT's were automatic, and I suspect many Eclipses were too.

Automatic gearbox "malfunctions" cause revving and rapid acceleration on starting are a known phenomenon. Despite several court cases and recalls, I have seen no evidence that I consider plausible that it is anything other than a driver error.

Re: Car questions
 

This cowboy walks in to a German car showroom and he says 'Audi!'

Re: Car questions
 

Was the guy over 75 years old? Cos there's been a lot of comment about us oldies recently, or was he one of these careful young drivers who never have accidents?

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Why has this thread been unearthed after 2.5 months?! Bristol, what are you playing at? :)

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+1 :confused:

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It took him that long to come up with the joke?

Re: Car questions
 

It's Tommy Cooper's fault. :rofl: