Monday, July 17, 2006

automobile woes

Saturday night I drove my car up route 40 from uniontown to farmington. That's a tough climb for any car, but especially a car like mine that is getting up there in mileage. Well, the strain proved too much. It didn't make it. I had to leave it on the side of the road. Thankfully some really nice people offered to take me to my friend Nic's parents house in Connellsville. Nic and his wife Tara gave me a ride to morgantown the next morning. God took care of me, and I am very thankful.

In the meantime, I have a little problem. The engine, she don't sound too good. I had to get the car towed from Farmington, PA to Fairmont, WV. My friend Bryan is looking at it right now, and the prospects are dismal. So I am asking myself a few questions.

How badly do I need a car?

Do I repair the car or look for a new one?

In terms of new ones, do I get one that is really new, or just new to me?

Should I look into a pilot's license instead?

This car has served me well. It got good gas mileage--30mpg on the highway.

any thoughts?

4 comments:

Pam's Place said...

Billy, So sorry about your car woes. We'll be praying for a new car to come your way!
Pam

Jenni said...

I always encourage corolla's- old or new....I have one and get 30+ mpg and not to mention they are awesome :)

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about your car. In the words of Nacho Libre, that's "stinky." Here's my two cents on your current vehicular situation:

(1) Whatever you do, don't buy a brand new car--as soon as you drive a new car off the lot (literally), it depreciates at least a few thousand dollars.

(2) If repairs are reasonable and your car has some life left, you may want to go that route. That's a dollar and cents issue, which requires some number crunching. Mmmm... crunchy numbers....

(3) I would think seriously about relying on public transportation for everyday mobility needs, and maybe renting a car on an as-needed basis (going to home to P-burg, etc.). When you consider the price of a car, insurance, and gas (not to mention occasional maintenance), this could save you LOTS of money in a short period of time. You could use this money to buy lavish gifts for your friend(s) living in the DC metro area. Or you could put a down payment on another car in a few months.

(4) If you thought parking was bad in Morgantown with cars, it's a nightmare with small planes.

(5) Jenni is right. Corollas rock. If you get a "new" car, get a used Corolla or comparable vehicle.

Anonymous said...

seems like a motorcycle is the trendy thing to do billy williams, or at least a helmet so you can hop on the back of someones cycle while they drive really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really slow.
it might also bring you one step closer to becomming an X-men - how cool can that get! - KG