We depend on a lot of things to work our way through life. Transportation is an important element in modern life. We find ways to get about either individually or communally. We don’t make use of public transportation like we should, but we also are a bit more spread out than places like Europe.
When I was 18 years old, I bought a Honda Civic Hatchback. This vehicle was already 10 years old when I bought it, but it was the most dependable vehicle I have over owned. I gave it gas and oil changes (and a pretty good audio system) and that was it. In the four years I owned the car, I never had to do anything to it.
I did buy new tires for it, but more out of desire than need. It wasn’t like my tires were bald or anything. Maybe that was the mistake, because just a few weeks later, coming home from an out of town trip, I was hit in the middle of an intersection, spun around and smashed into a pole. Who knows, I might still have had that car. Of course considering the rust it was developing, it might not have a body anymore.
Jump forward a couple of decades. Every car I have had since then has had to have something major done to fix it after I had it. I don’t think I am overly abusive on vehicles, so what’s the deal.
I got home this morning from taking our van in and finding out it needed a new transmission. We bought it last October. Paid cash, in full. First time ever. It was used, but in great shape according to our trusted mechanic. But then the sound started, and the engine light came on. We really like the van, and it is paid off, so we are fixing it. We also know the funding will come out of our tax rebate. Oh well, nothing lost, nothing gained.
Tags: car, frustration, honda, van, vehicle
