Don’t Let’s Start
Joelle said around dinner time on October 27, 2007
I knew it was coming and had planned to take my car in next week. I thought I had a little more time (according to my former mechanic), but I guess not. The starter on Judy, my ‘95 Cavalier, finally bit the dust. This is the 4th time since I’ve owned this car that I’ve had to get a new starter. She’s a complete piece of crap, she’s falling apart, she’s got dents in the side (not my doing!)… Around 2002 or 2003 my car was even recalled because the steering column would catch on fire (and did with me in it on the very day I got the recall notice)… something to do with the ignition. They fixed it. It’s got 124,000 miles on it and I’ve driven her coast to coast more than once. Most often alone, so we’ve bonded. I hate this car. I love this car. But most of all, I love not having a car payment. Can I get an amen?
I’d been in the house all week due to the fires and I had some serious cabin fever, so I took a quick lunch break on Friday to grab a sandwich and pick up some staples at Target. Instead, I got stuck at the Mission Valley mall in the underground parking. I went to start my car and… nothin’. *click* I wasn’t sure what to do, so I called mikey, who was right up the street, to (listen to me bitch) drive me to the Chevron auto shop down the street where I called a tow truck to rescue Judy.
After waiting 20 minutes longer than the 20 minutes they said it would take to get there, the truck was too big to fit underground. So, my very nice, but fairly dim-witted tow truck driver called his buddy to help. Another 20 minutes after that, a wee tow truck drove down the aisle, the Tow Truck Buddy hooked it up and scooted out of the parking structure. But, instead of just taking my car down the street three blocks to the service station, he unhooked it and Dimwit took another 30 minutes to load it up on his flat bed tow truck. When I asked why, he said, “Oh, he’s on call and has to go on another call.” He couldn’t go 3 blocks? Whatever.
Anyway, so $300, one wasted afternoon and a lot of cursing later, I have a new starter. Sadly, that’s half the value of my car. 
Moxie Design Studios™
Oh good, I’m not the only person to name a car. Mine is Dave. Usually pronounced with a very drawn out and obnoxious “a”. It’s named after Dave Matthews. Because I’m a Dave-obsessed dork. It doesn’t even look like a Dave. Anyhoo, glad you and Judy were rescued. Love how the towing people always take their time. Oh, I also wanted to tell you that I tried the herbed cheesy croissant thingies out of your book last night. YUM. Seriously, I could eat a whole tray of those myself.
Yeah, when the value of your car fluctuates greatly depending on how much gas is in it, it’s time to consider a new car.
You looking at any particular models?
from San Diego, CA • Cocktail: slightly dirty Grey Goose martini
@Michelle: I had a cat named Dave once.
And yay! I’m glad you tried (and enjoyed) those. I, too, could totally eat a whole tray.
@Deltus: Not right now. She’s been fixed, but it wont be long before I’ll need to actually purchase a new one. I don’t want to be saddled with the commitment of a new car just now.
But you still don’t have a car payment, and that’s what really matters! I’ve had a car payment as long as I’ve been driving :(