About two and a half years ago, my transportation situation was in dire straits – I needed a car pronto! Because the universe is so good to me, I have bought my last couple of cars from a wonderful man in Vermont named Tim. He sells and maintains used cars and I trust him completely.
At the time, I really wanted another Subaru, but I couldn’t find any in my price range. Tim suggested I test drive a Hyundai Elantra – he really had to convince me because I had a preconceived idea that it would be a piece of junk. But like I said, I trust Tim. So I got in, and as soon as I sat in the front seat, I fell in love with it. It was the perfect car for me.
A few months ago, some rust started popping out around the rear wheel wells. I knew that I’d need to take care of it before the next winter season, but with everything that’s been going on, I didn’t deal with it until last week. I took it to a body shop where the guy told me that it would take at least $3000 to fix. He advised me that it wasn’t worth it and I should just get a new car.
I was pretty surprised at the number – and disappointed at the thought of having to give up my good little car – but quite to my surprise, I didn’t go to pieces over it. Instead, I went through a whole bunch of calculations trying to figure out what the most financially sensible answer would be. I couldn’t come to an answer that felt rational, so I decided to seek out help. From the most trustworthy source I know – Tim himself.
I took the car to Tim last Thursday and asked him to look at it. He examined the car – including putting it on the lift to look underneath, looking under the hood, and taking it for a test drive – and gave me his conclusion. It’s a good car. With the exception of the wheel wells and some other cosmetic rust, it’s in great shape. AND – drum roll – it shouldn’t take $3000 to fix it. In fact, he estimated that it would take closer to $1000.
And just to make the whole thing a little better, he knows a guy who he thinks will do a really good job on it.
Things have been so hectic that I haven’t followed up on it yet, but I’m not even nervous about it. I feel like I’m being taken care of – what an amazing blessing!
So this miracle is dedicated to Tim – the greatest car guy I know. 🙂
Image found here.
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