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Have one child, a daughter. Recently got her learner's permit. Well, yesterday, turned her loose driving for the first time with me. Even though she'd been previously classified "gifted" and in advanced courses in HS, does that guarantee common sense behind the wheel???.... Don't bet on it. lol! Though only HAD to make a comment now and then. She kept drifting to the right with occasional excessive speed. I handled the sudden braking and acceleration OK-she has to get the "feel" of the car, right? We travelled about 25 miles on highway, suburban streets, and two different retail parking lots, as well as some parallel parking. She did pretty good, I guess, at least I didn't suffer any heart attack. I know maybe you just have to let them get the hang of it-(and, "sorry" to mom and dad, if you had to go through this too, with me)...Anybody else have any stories about learning to drive or teaching your own kid?
Used Car Buyer's Beware
Sep 12, 2007 | 11:21 AM PST
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Recently learned a lesson the hard way. Throwing common sense out of the window, we purchased a '93 Mazda MX3 for $1,500 "as is". Our neighbor (who is a certified mechanic) sold us his car, claiming all it needed was a new battery and said the car had 79,000 miles on it (Turned out to be 179,000) Well, my boyfriend put the pressure on and I gave in, since he already fell in love with it, although I wanted to have my own mechanic give it a going-over first. We didn't do that and have spent over an additional $1,500 (so far). Had to replace the radiator, brakes, valve cover gaskets, timing belt, and also needs fixing several not- as important things, such as the motorized shoulder restraints, electric sunroof, paint job and new tires all around (Future projects). This week, everything was fixed, (at least to legal specifications), passed inspection, purchased the auto insurance and plates. We had already bought a new battery, but it was defective, so exchanged it for a new one yesterday. After installing it, guess what? No juice. So now just had the car towed back to the shop (another $50) to have another look at it -may be the wiring?... and we're back at square one. If you EVER, EVER buy a used car, HAVE A TRUSTED MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT FIRST, even if you're buying it from a relative or "friend".
