Necessary But Expensive
My car has low mileage for its age, and I try to keep it in good shape. Every year I bring it in for inspection. It's required by law in NY, if not where you live. I don't think that's a bad idea, even if it sometimes feels like mechanics are looking for anything, even things that aren't specific to the inspection, to make a few extra dollars. I'm confident my mechanic is honest, but still... Last year it was front brakes and some other thing I can't remember, but they tried hard to keep the costs down. Turned out the thing I can't remember was still under warranty (even though the car is 8 years old), so that was some relief. When I went into the dealership this morning, I wasn't too worried. You know that saying about pride going before a fall? Well, you could exchange pride for confidence and it would still be true. When I left five hours later, I was exhausted, physically, mentally, and emotionally. But I had four new tires, new rear brakes, new differential fluid (whatever that is!), and oh, yeah, a new inspection sticker on the window. Ka-ching!
Elise Skidmore ©2026
Wow!
Thanks, Cornelia. Wow, indeed. I’m over it now. It’s a necessary fact of life that we need our vehicles. I’m just glad we were able to take care of it, and as a wise man once said, maintenance is cheaper than repairs.
I would never go to a dealership for an inspection. That’s when you need a reliable neighborhood mechanic.
Thanks, Wayne.
I really do trust this particular dealership (I’ve known others I wouldn’t say the same about.) Finding local mechanics you can trust isn’t easy–or cheap either.
Good one BUT I am glad I dont live in New York! Are dealers ever honest. I could not afford the repairs. 8 tears old? That is a new car to.me; my Honda is 25 and still running smooth!
Thanks, Michael.
I do think some dealers are honest–this one in particular as we’ve been using them for many years and never felt gouged. Car maintenance is expensive, wherever you are. For example, a simple oil change runs about $100 these days because the newer cars use synthetic oil which is much more expensive than the old kind. When you buy tires, there’s the balancing added in, plus wheel alignment if you need more than one–I happened to need 4 at once, so that was pricey. (I probably could’ve asked if they had a cheaper tire, but they put on the same kind I originally had.) I’m happy with my vehicle and I plan on it being the last car I have to purchase, so keeping it well maintained is important. And at least I got a poem out of the experience. LOL
I like the Title, so fitting. I can feel your pain.
Thanks, Cornelia.
The prompt was actually to write a poem with the title ____But____, so the experience getting the car service fit right in. 🙂
Ugh. My sympathies. At least you made good use of the car misery as inspiration.
Thanks, Linda. That’s me…always looking for the bright side.