The most wonderful time of the year
I’ve kvetched before about my less-than-solid financial state, and while I’m not headed for Chapter 7 — yet — I’m getting to the point where I just can’t take it anymore.
After too many months of running a deficit, I went to El Jefe and groveled a bit, and wangled enough of an advance to pay off the car note ten months early, with enough left over to replace the ripped weatherstripping around the driver’s door. Which additional sum, unfortunately, got spent on replacing the battery.
So I dipped into the MasterCard to take care of the rubber repair and an oil change. Okay, fine. That’s easy to clear up. But while inspecting the wee beastie, the techs noticed a lack of continuity in the CV boots; the phrase “slinging grease” was used. About $600, which I didn’t have. I’ve hung around FWD cars long enough to be able to tell when things are getting bad, so I opted to blow it off for the moment; perhaps I can take care of this in the summer, I reasoned.
Then on the way home today, she threw a code. Never in the time I have owned this car has clearing a malfunction of this sort run me less than $700. And the timing was even better than you’re thinking: I got one right after 90,000 miles, and this one right after 120,000 miles. Everyone I know who works on these things assures me that this isn’t programmed into the machine, that there’s no “Okay, you have X number of miles, now you must get service.”
I’m not going to ask why this crap always happens to me, because, well, what possible answer could make the slightest bit of difference?
And no, I’m not even thinking about buying a new car: that would defeat the whole purpose of paying this one off early. Even $2000 worth of repairs — which is what I’d expect between now and next summer — is still better than another installment loan. But now I’m going to have to see if someone will lend me enough Rogaine to grow enough hair to tear out in frustration.
Jeffro »
30 November 2009 · 7:22 pm
I’d help you out by ripping at the thinning cover on top of my head, but it seems I’ve been working it over for similar reasons already. Timing is everything! Yay!
CGHill »
30 November 2009 · 7:25 pm
Well, at least it’s not the timing belt.
CGHill »
30 November 2009 · 8:54 pm
No matter what AutoZone says.
unimpressed »
1 December 2009 · 3:17 am
Just so you know, the AutoZone link doesn’t actually get you anywhere. It takes you to the “pick the model year”…..
CGHill »
1 December 2009 · 6:50 am
Must be a cookie-related phenomenon. Regardless, the statement stands.
fillyjonk »
1 December 2009 · 7:17 am
I’m now going to use “cookie-related phenomenon” to explain all the unexplainable things in life. (It also works as an explanation as to why I am not a size 8).