On the one hand, it is extremely frustrating being me. I am the leper of the automotive world. If I purchase a perfectly running automobile – it will commit suicide enough times that eventually it will be allowed to just die. In the Netherlands, my cars would each have a lawyer and a doctor overseeing their suicide request is honored… The worse was my last Volkswagen – 5 miles to a blown engine. Of course, my having a broken body has only made working on this vehicle almost impossible and the shops want thousands to repair! Grrrrr!
The most recent was a Ford I purchased from my best friend, who’s Dutch in laws had given it to him. It ran beautifully for his in laws, beautifully for him – but as soon as I bought it – death was just around the corner. For two years we have worked on its list of weird problems, to the extent that most of the wiring and engine have now been replaced. It has sat in a garage or my driveway longer than it has run for me! Then three weeks ago – the transmission went out. I do not know about your town, but here – this is the death notice for any car. It would take almost four months salary to put that rotten Ford back on the road!
So for three weeks I have searched for a car. I went to the dealerships where I can go in debt for the next 7 years, supplying them with half of my post tax income. Forget that one! Next I looked for a car through private ads only to find nothing in the price range I can afford. Then I found a mini van available through a local company in very nice condition and attractive price. So, I bought it.
We will see how long this one lasts before the grim reaper harvests it parts.
And though it may sound like I am complaining, God continues to meet our transportation needs through friends and public buses or trams. But, it will be good to be able to get my daughter to the doctors without having friends travel an hour to get us, to take us and then back home for us, and then them – a five hour commitment for them!
Thank heavens for their charity and God’s provision!
