Which car would you pick?
My Nissan Altima 2014.
About a year ago, I was blessed to buy a nice Nissan Altima 2014. I brought it at Enterprises car rentals and I was happy with my purchase. Why was I happy? Happy because, previously, I bought two cars with them and was very impressed. The first time was with my son when he got his first car. The second time was when I purchased my Chevy Lumina ten years ago. Both experiences were nice and I had no complaints.
As a former car dealer, I knew the tricks of the trade. I chose Enterprise because they were different. Enterprise car rentals sales associates were upfront and did not play games with the customer. What you see is what you get. They, also, had a great reputation because they made sure their cars were safe and ready to go on the road. Plus, their warranties were reasonable and held their own.
I needed a car. My son James had come home from prison and was trying to get himself together. I gave him my Focus 2005 to help him look for a job. I was taking the bus and found it inconvenient for me. A 15 minute trip to my job would wind up being a two hour bus ride. (The things a father does for his son.) So, I decided to buy a car.
When I walked in the Enterprise car rentals site, I liked the Nissan Altima 2014 that was presented to me. After filling out the bank forms, I was approved (Thank God!) and rode away in my nice Nissan. For once, I did not feel any bumps and it felt like I was floating on a cloud. The icing on the cake? They gave me a device that would help me start my car. No more key in a hole. Just press a bottom and away we go.
Everything was alright until James fell in love with a 1983 Oldsmobile car. He traded in his 2005 Focus in order to get the car. He enjoyed riding around in his Oldsmobile until he found out that it had a multitude of defects. To top it off, he quit his job. So, he started to borrow my car. That caused quite a bit of friction. It was time to make a decision.
Enter the Oldsmobile.
Decision time had come. I was rehearsing what I had heard. My son James was ripped off, had quit his job and had a defective car. I was very disturbed. I asked myself--"How could he make such a bone-headed mistake." After I got over my anger, my wife Terry, the mediator, talked to me. She told me that he was going to Mechanics school and was going to learn to fix the car.
For the time being, I was relieved. James would no longer borrow my car but it was short-lived. The cost for fixing the car---$1,500! Yes, I was bothered by the fact that I had to lend him the money, but James had good news for a change. He told me the car would be just as good as new and he was right. Soon, the car was running great was back to normal.
Future shock.
This experience with James car has been a valuable lesson to me. First, please do not misunderstand me, I like my NIssan Car and enjoy riding it. The nice technology offers a lot of conveniences. Power windows and no key in the ignition hole. The downside is the expense.When the power window goes kaput, so does your checking account. A motor can be up to $150 or up.
Not long ago, my Nissan remote keys got lost. I called the dealership on getting another set. The cost? Almost $300 for a set of keys. Whatever happened to the dollar keys? Plus, not to mention the property tax of $200 plus! My son's property taxes? About $50! I am a technology fan but not when it comes to cars.
I guess we should be counting our blessings. James mechanical skills, along with some of his friends, had repaired the Oldsmobile car and got it back on the road for a cheap price. Plus, he fixes our cars for free. I think that is a wise investment in the long haul. Anyway, looking at this situation, I might be open to invest in a 70 or 80's car for my next purchase. Besides, they add in value and it might put a little extra in our pockets should we decide to sell it. Less headaches and easier to repair---your thoughts?
Classic cars.
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