Po' Lazarus is Risen

Six weeks ago my old car, a 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier expired. (I offer this information with some embarrassment. I'm not even going to tell you that its colour is referred to as"maroon".) As I was on the final leg of a long trip I heard rattling/grinding noises coming from the engine and the water temperature shot up. I nursed it around the corner to my local GM dealer for a diagnosis, thinking "water pump, not too bad". The next day they reported that the "engine needed to be replaced". I forget their actual wording. I nursed it home and parked it while I pondered my options.

Because I live in the middle of town very close to my office and have great local shops I rarely use my car. I only drive for bigger shopping trips, to meet friends, or to take my son somewhere when he's with me. I've also just had to replace my furnace because it failed an inspection, so my finances are stretched very thin. Perhaps, I thought, I can just get a cab when I need to get somewhere in a hurry, or rent a car when I know I have a lot of errands. I also looked at buying a new, or new-ish, car but the payments and change in insurance were prohibitive. Did I mention that my finances are stretched very thin?

Well my son's hockey season is upon us (i.e. tomorrow night). So I decided to get a second opinion before junking my car and renting something for this weekend. Well guess what...

My car didn't need a new engine, it needed a new alternator. That's about 1/50th as expensive. So thanks to the healing hands of Canadian Tire's mechanics my wheels have risen from their grave. Never trust a dealership! And in particular don't trust Brennan Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd.

My Baby! But purple. Wait, I think aubergine sounds better.