Transportation Blues
Mar. 22nd, 2004 03:49 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
davidschrothThe exhaust system on the Toyota has been not well for quite some time. Given the cost of getting it fixed, I've made do for a couple of years now.
Early last week a piece of the tail pipe rusted through entirely just after I started out for work. I went home, found some wire, and wired it up (so at least it wouldn't be banging on the ground). And then I scheduled a Friday appointment with the mechanic to get the oil changed (slightly overdue) and fix the exhaust system.
So I got there bright and early, dropped the car off, and walked over to a fast food joint to get something to eat and drink while I read the newspaper. After a couple of hours, the mechanic called.
When they put the car up on the rack, they immediately found another problem - one of the back struts was broken. Given the age and condition of the car, and the cost of fixing what needed fixing, they suggested that it wasn't worth pouring that much money into repairs.
I tend to take it seriously any time a mechanic suggests that my giving him money is a wasted cause. After all, it's money that won't be going into his pocket. So I ended up with an oil change, and I need to start looking for a new (to me) automobile.
Sigh.
On my short list:
Toyota Prius,
Honda Civic,
Toyata Matrix,
some kind of Subaru (because my company apparently has some kind of special deal with Subaru).
After I finished talking with the mechanic, I finished more of the paper, and walked back to the shop. I expected that the oil change would be done, and the car would be ready to go. I was mistaken - they were awaiting a part (ETA noon). So I walked over to the Eagan Barnes & Noble, and spent several hours wandering around the bookstore lusting after books. I haven't actually spent much time in boolstores this year - I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed that. Spotted a mystery series that I'd never heard of before that I found intriguing. Resisted purchasing books. Also resisted purchasing copy of Dread Empire's Fall The Sundering. Figured I could hold out long enough to get to Dreamhaven or Uncle Hugo's to purchase the book.
Went back around noon, waited a bit longer for the part to arrive, settled the (smaller than expected) bill, and went home. Spent the afternoon doing a rough draft of my taxes.
Early last week a piece of the tail pipe rusted through entirely just after I started out for work. I went home, found some wire, and wired it up (so at least it wouldn't be banging on the ground). And then I scheduled a Friday appointment with the mechanic to get the oil changed (slightly overdue) and fix the exhaust system.
So I got there bright and early, dropped the car off, and walked over to a fast food joint to get something to eat and drink while I read the newspaper. After a couple of hours, the mechanic called.
When they put the car up on the rack, they immediately found another problem - one of the back struts was broken. Given the age and condition of the car, and the cost of fixing what needed fixing, they suggested that it wasn't worth pouring that much money into repairs.
I tend to take it seriously any time a mechanic suggests that my giving him money is a wasted cause. After all, it's money that won't be going into his pocket. So I ended up with an oil change, and I need to start looking for a new (to me) automobile.
Sigh.
On my short list:
Toyota Prius,
Honda Civic,
Toyata Matrix,
some kind of Subaru (because my company apparently has some kind of special deal with Subaru).
After I finished talking with the mechanic, I finished more of the paper, and walked back to the shop. I expected that the oil change would be done, and the car would be ready to go. I was mistaken - they were awaiting a part (ETA noon). So I walked over to the Eagan Barnes & Noble, and spent several hours wandering around the bookstore lusting after books. I haven't actually spent much time in boolstores this year - I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed that. Spotted a mystery series that I'd never heard of before that I found intriguing. Resisted purchasing books. Also resisted purchasing copy of Dread Empire's Fall The Sundering. Figured I could hold out long enough to get to Dreamhaven or Uncle Hugo's to purchase the book.
Went back around noon, waited a bit longer for the part to arrive, settled the (smaller than expected) bill, and went home. Spent the afternoon doing a rough draft of my taxes.
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no subject
Date: 2004-03-22 03:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-03-23 11:00 am (UTC)Just don't ever expose P to the cars of our youth.
They don't make them like that, any more.
Which, given the current costs of gasoline and automobile insurance, is probably a Real Good Idea.
no subject
Date: 2004-03-23 04:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-03-22 06:03 pm (UTC)I'm not sure what exactly you're looking for in a car, but you might look at the Toyota Scion xA (smaller, like the Matrix) or xB (like the Honda Element). I suspect you'll have a wait for a Prius, there's about a 4 month wait around here. Subaru cars have a fantastic reputation, but they are all-wheel drive, which eats into gas mileage.
Me, I've got a 1991 Honda Civic Wagon and hope that something hybrid-like will be available when I need to replace it (not soon, please Ghu).
no subject
Date: 2004-03-23 11:03 am (UTC)Thanks for the hint on the Toyota Scion xA and xB. I'll investigate that, as well.
I've certainly been pleased with the Toyotas I've owned in the past, including the current one. I suspect that it would be good for many more years if I lived in, say, Arizona.
no subject
Date: 2004-03-26 12:59 pm (UTC)Much luck.