falcon down
I took my car in for an oil change today, because it needed it and because I'd gotten paid yesterday. Whee money! Whee adulting! I went to the official dealership service center, instead of Valvoline, mostly because I could make an appointment at the service center and I didn't feel like sitting in my car waiting for a half an hour at Valvoline. Plus I had a coupon.
And, honestly, I am glad I took it in, because when the service rep came out to tell me my car was done, he also told me that my rear brake lines were in, as he put it, "really, really poor shape." He told me if he'd been the technician in charge, my car wouldn't've passed inspection last week. I was processing all of this, and he was waiting patiently -- you know when someone with a particular sort of kindness in their eyes sits down with their clipboard and says, "Unfortunately I have some bad news," that it's time to brace yourself, but I was still figuring out how bad it all felt.
He explained how his service department would make the repairs, going in and replacing all the brake lines and the fuel line too, since they'd all need it within the next two or three years. He explained that the rear brake line, though, was so corroded it was flaking rust. He mentioned considering simply replacing my car.
"How much will it cost to do the repairs?" I said, somewhat dazed. I'd just wanted an oil change...
"About fifteen-hundred dollars."
Reader, I burst into tears.
It was not one of my finer moments, but then I've never handled financial shocks well. The rep said he wasn't bothered, and apologized for giving me such bad news. It still took me a few moments to get a hold of myself -- the service center waiting area is not really a good place for a cry. I asked about taking my car elsewhere, because Honda certified parts are always more expensive and not always necessary, and he agreed that was a good idea and recommended a few places. He also recommended getting it into someplace as soon as possible. "Try not to slam on your brakes. Keep a sizeable distance between you and the car in front of you, and use your gears to brake as much as possible," is what he told me.
He was really sympathetic, actually, and though I hate crying in front of people, I didn't feel small or stupid. Just shocked, honestly.
I did get the oil changed, and that did only cost the price of the coupon. And I made an appointment at a garage my mom uses here, and they told me to bring it by a few days early just in case they have a cancellation. And, my mom's letting me borrow her car tomorrow, since I'd planned to go up to town.
I wish you could get all the money you put into a car back, when you're ready to get a new car. I mean, right now the idea of me having any car but my beloved Civic is unfathomable. But even if I did want to acquire a newer vehicle, I couldn't afford it. Certainly not something as reliable as a Honda.
Hoom.
And, honestly, I am glad I took it in, because when the service rep came out to tell me my car was done, he also told me that my rear brake lines were in, as he put it, "really, really poor shape." He told me if he'd been the technician in charge, my car wouldn't've passed inspection last week. I was processing all of this, and he was waiting patiently -- you know when someone with a particular sort of kindness in their eyes sits down with their clipboard and says, "Unfortunately I have some bad news," that it's time to brace yourself, but I was still figuring out how bad it all felt.
He explained how his service department would make the repairs, going in and replacing all the brake lines and the fuel line too, since they'd all need it within the next two or three years. He explained that the rear brake line, though, was so corroded it was flaking rust. He mentioned considering simply replacing my car.
"How much will it cost to do the repairs?" I said, somewhat dazed. I'd just wanted an oil change...
"About fifteen-hundred dollars."
Reader, I burst into tears.
It was not one of my finer moments, but then I've never handled financial shocks well. The rep said he wasn't bothered, and apologized for giving me such bad news. It still took me a few moments to get a hold of myself -- the service center waiting area is not really a good place for a cry. I asked about taking my car elsewhere, because Honda certified parts are always more expensive and not always necessary, and he agreed that was a good idea and recommended a few places. He also recommended getting it into someplace as soon as possible. "Try not to slam on your brakes. Keep a sizeable distance between you and the car in front of you, and use your gears to brake as much as possible," is what he told me.
He was really sympathetic, actually, and though I hate crying in front of people, I didn't feel small or stupid. Just shocked, honestly.
I did get the oil changed, and that did only cost the price of the coupon. And I made an appointment at a garage my mom uses here, and they told me to bring it by a few days early just in case they have a cancellation. And, my mom's letting me borrow her car tomorrow, since I'd planned to go up to town.
I wish you could get all the money you put into a car back, when you're ready to get a new car. I mean, right now the idea of me having any car but my beloved Civic is unfathomable. But even if I did want to acquire a newer vehicle, I couldn't afford it. Certainly not something as reliable as a Honda.
Hoom.