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About

In Psalm 8 , David asks of God, 'Who am I that You are mindful of me?' If you see me and I look puzzled, it's because this same question often keeps me distracted...

yet another reason why today is a good day

So, every couple of weeks, I head down to the 'quicky lube' -- or whatever it's called -- and the nice people there change my oil.

And of course they punch my car into their handy-dandy computer and tell me all the things I should pay them to fix... which is sometimes helpful and usually just makes it a tad bit harder to sleep at night.

This past time, they gave me this rediculous checklist and basically told me that my car needs some serious internal surgery -- to which I said, "Oh gosh, I'll have to have that looked at some time," but politely declined when they offered to get started for a reasonable fee.

Well, yesterday Dad took the car to the Toyota dealership where he works and some of his trusted friends took a look just to see if there are any major problems. Last night he called me to tell me the damage. Here's how the conversation started:

Dad: "Hey son, how are you doing?"

Me: "Good. We're just getting ready to have a little dinner."

Dad: "Hmmm... I have some information about your car. Do you want me to call back after dinner?"

Me: "Eek. No - What's the damage?"

Dad: "Have a seat and get a pen."

He proceeded to tell me that I need a new radiator, rear axle, brake lines, rack and pinion system, O-rings, gaskets, oil pan, some kind of valve... oh and windshield wipers

- which is going to cost a grand total of $1,050 -- with his 'hey cut my son a break' discount...

How do you plan for that one in the ol' budget?

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  • Blogger Shannon Smith says so:
    3:43 PM  

    I would buy a new car. Not a new car, but a new to you car.

    I currently drive a 1991 Acura. I bought it for $1200. I told myself that if it lasted six months, then I would have gotten my money's worth. That's about $200 a month, which I decided isn't a terrible car payment.

    Well, that was almost two years ago, so now I am looking at $52.18 per month for my car payment. Thus far, I haven't had any extra expenses. I have had oil changes and I bought new tires; stuff you have to do with any car. Once they told me I needed new brakes and they would do it for a mere $360. I said, "No thanks." Then, did it myself for about $100. The car still stops. So, I guess I did it right. :\

    But, that's just one solution and spending $1,000 on a "new" car doesn't really answer the question of how one budgets for $1,000 in the automobile maintenance category.

    Good luck. top