5 mph rear bumper test

[null]

Well without prior knowledge a kind stranger elected me to participate in
a 5mph rear bumper collision test. I was stopped
for a good 10-12 seconds when the 'test' happened. The test vehicles were
a 97 Pontiac Grand Prix and 2002 Subaru Outback Sedan.
Both vehicles passed without any damage. There wasn't even a scratch on my
bumper. I pulled the bumper cover off today (60 min job)
and examined the underlying real bumper and there was no damage. So it
works.

 

[TG]

I don't care if the bumper cover protects the bumper or if the bumper
protects the car...I have insurance. What I do care about is how the vehicle
protects me, how did it FEEL? TG

 

[null]

I don't care if the bumper cover protects the bumper or if the bumper
protects the car...I have insurance. What I do care about is how the
vehicle
protects me, how did it FEEL? TG

It was a true WTF moment. I was stopped for 'awhile' then all of sudden
wham. It was enough force
to activate the seatbelt lock but not hard enough to hurt.

 

[Leon Li]

In March, 2003, my '03 OBW was hit from behind while stopping. No other
damage other than two license plate screw marks on rear bumper cover
resulted from force.

The damage was estimated for $800 (cost of replacing bumper cover), but I
elected to take the money from the other party's insurance company. My
heart was aching when my new and beloved Subaru was hit, but the feeling
wore out a little with time.

 

[Emad Yousuf]

While on this topic, last summer I was hit from behind on a red light
by an old
lady who appearntly misjudged her stopping distance, therefore I can
say that she must have been around the '5mph' speed.

Now my car is a 1990 Legacy and the only damage to the bumper was that
the paint started to peel of the bumper, and a very minor imprint of
her license plate screw.

But I do agree, even being hit at such a low speed does cause quite a
shock to the body...

just my input.

Emad