I Need A Magic Wand
I need a magic wand or a new car whichever is easier. I was taking The Girl for a drive today in preparation for her upcoming driver exam when the transmission started slipping in and out of 4th gear when we were going down the highway. That’s never a good thing since there is no such thing as a quick or inexpensive transmission repair. Even if it is something “minor”, it’s difficult to find a shop that wants to do anything except a complete rebuild since the vehicle has so many miles on it. And it’s doubly bad when The Girl has her driving test scheduled soon, and the “backup” vehicle is a full-size SUV that she’s never driven. Since it might be her only option, I had her drive me when we ran a few errands. She was alright on the road; but she was very nervous parking. It’s big and doesn’t have the best visibility; so it’s not the best vehicle for the maneuverability test. And the situation is very aggravating to California Girl who foresees continuing having to chauffer The Girl to her many activities. Unfortunately, I am all out of magic right now.
P.S. If we don’t publish our TFT post tomorrow, I’m probably with The Girl in a parking lot somewhere driving through cones.
Cash for a clunker…? Sorry to hear about the transmission. Although the c. f. c. program is (in my opinion) a imperfect solution to a looooong term problem (no deep political b.s. here, sorry!!) you sound like you might be a possible candidate! Reminds me of how my dad’s car died right before my road test, and I had to struggle to park my mom’s 75 Eldorado with a hood the size of Cleveland!! Not pretty!!
Good luck to all!!
Valerie
Valerie: The car is “only” 11 years old and, in fact, gets better gas mileage than he SUV that I drive. It’s still in good shape; but, when you spend as much time on the road as we do, we’re more comfortable with a newer vehicle that has less likely hood of breaking down and stranding us far from home. I had to take my driving test in my father’s car which was MUCH bigger than my mother’s car which I had been practicing in. I bumped a cone during the maneuverability test; but did not knock it over so I passed. I’ve got confidence in her. The SUV is bigger; but it still fits in the garage like just the other cars. If she can get her mind right she’ll be OK after some practice.
You realize you live my life.
My son is taking his test Friday – for the second time.
Tonight I tested all lights, blinkers, everything to be sure they were in working order.
But then later tonight I heard a familiar clunking when I turned left. I had it fixed when I turned right just 4 months ago so I totally know what it is.
But I can’t get my car in before his test.
Or before I leave for school/madison on Sunday.
Kelly: We’ve got three cars and the plan was for the girl to drive the middle on age wise. The oldest is drivable (California Girl drives it every day) but the steering is loose. Not that noticeable for an experienced driver; but somewhat disconcerting to a new driver, especially if it’s not what you are used too. I drove the car to work today and it was “OK”. It’s still a problem; but I’m cautiously optimistic that, if it survives the drive to the DMV, it will last long enough for her to take the maneuverability test.