Comments on: Grumpy Old Car

By: Eliza

Eliza — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:30:13 +0000

clean or replace the fuel filter.

When I was in India to adopt my baby we took a trip from Delhi to see the Taj Majal and the car we were in started breaking down on the way back. Every couple of miles it would sputter and die. Finally got to a mechanic and they replaced the fuel filter – woohoo good as new!

By: Thom

Thom — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:39:31 +0000

Have you check the air filter? Air intake ducts? Just guessing but worth a check.

By: jill

jill — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:34:20 +0000

Is there a community college with an automotive program near you? Sometimes they will take your vehicle for a student project, and you only pay for parts…depending on their policy, it could be for a week or a semester, but experts are leading the auto techs doing the work at a minimal cost…

By: boxcarkids

boxcarkids — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:34:19 +0000

Everytime I feel we are turning the corner we run into another wall.

By: rta

rta — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:08:32 +0000

feel bad that you wrote “likely futile quest for a new and improved life”

Am so hoping it’s not a futile quest!
Hang in there!

By: Lynn

Lynn — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 06:50:53 +0000

I wonder if there is a state sponsored insurance that just covers the legally required level and might cost a lot less than a typical policy? You don’t need collision for your car and liability could just be the minimum required since there is not any property that a claimant could attach. Rates should be lower in rural Indiana than in litigious California, too, so maybe a new policy would be a lot less than renewing what you have/had. Still, not free, I realize.
The car has cost you a lot in recent months and does not seem to be getting better. What if you did not have a car? Is there a school bus? Can you get a ride into town a couple times a week at least to get groceries?
I once tried to keep my older car going to save money and spent thousands on it in the last couple of months, only to find it needed more and more. When I finally gave up and traded it in, I was shocked to find the value of the car far less than the amount I had spent on repairs alone. I know you are not in a position to buy a replacement car now but keeping Old Blue running may not be possible. The day comes that all the gaskets and hoses and parts are just falling apart one after the other and the car is just done.
I know you are in an area that has snow so I am guessing walking or riding a bike is out…Maybe is there an elderly person who needs someone to drive their car for shopping etc?
I think of elderly people because my husband’s parents and my own became unable to drive and needed help with everyday tasks. Eventually one reliable but older car was sold for $500 and the other given away. Several friends have had the grandparent pass down their car to the teenager recently, too. My parents, his, and many others need help but not nursing care as they age…perhaps there could be a mutually helpful relationship with someone in that position?
At one point in my life I had a place to sleep in exchange for housekeeping, and meals in exchange for cooking. Of course you are a family of five and not one person so it’s harder, I know.

By: boxcarkids

boxcarkids — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:33:33 +0000

That sounds great! You can email me at boxcarkids@gmail.com and tell me the details.

By: Eva

Eva — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:27:46 +0000

If it would be helpful, I am looking for someone to help with a data entry type task that requires a bit more thought than typical data entry work and is not “rote”. It would be full-time, $10/hour, and you would be able to do it remotely. It’s only about a 1-2 month gig but it may be just the thing to tide you over as you get started in your new life as it’s very flexible. Let me know what you think! Good luck!

By: Jeannette

Jeannette — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:46:59 +0000

I love the way you described your car, sounds like a romantic novel. You do have a way to put a great spin on things when reading. I do hope this move makes life more bearable and that with your new beginnings a happier ending

By: Becky R

Becky R — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 01:52:26 +0000

My car is currently parked. It needs new brakes and tires, but until then has been deemed unsafe to drive. Fortionately a freind lent us her van. The bad thing is it leakes oil and takes twice as much gas as my car did. The joys of being low income.

In NJ we have to keep insurance even if we do not have a car (they assume if you have a license you are driving.) I didn’t do this and when I went to get insurance after it was $3,000 for liability (and I had no pints at all or accidents on my insurance.) It was terrible.