Ugh. My friend again. I'm not really frustrated. I have learned that this friend just doesn't get it. So I listen and try to offer some advice. Which she never takes!
Since I have a blog, I like to pass on the line of thinking others have. Maybe someone will learn something.
Friend and her husband own a Honda Accord (car) and a Honda Ridgeline truck. The latter purchased in the last year or year and a half. Just yesterday they traveled 14 hours to their new home in the Ridgeline. She texted me how uncomfortable it was.
She wants to get rid of the Ridgeline because it cost gas more gas to drive than her Accord, her husband will be commuting 40 minutes to and from work, it is going to need new timing belt, serpentine belt, and brakes. She thinks it makes better sense to get a lease with an option to buy, so they don't need to worry about mileage.
I mentioned the Honda van, Odyssey, might be more comfortable for long trips and get a little better gas mileage. Since that would be the car her husband would drive, she said no because 'he needs something more manly'!
Do you see all the problems with her reasoning? She is getting rid of a vehicle because it is uncomfortable for long road trips, but yet owns a car that is likely more comfortable. The truck is due for routine maintenance based on mileage. ALL cars need maintenance. She suddenly needs a better gas mileage car because of the commute. The gas mileage was known when they purchased the vehicle. And they have a car, they could use for the commute instead.
Oh, and they are currently upside down on the truck loan. Once she told me that, I said if it were me I would keep the truck and drive the car for a trip back to their home state or rent a vehicle.
This is a trend of theirs...buying cars that don't have good track records, getting slammed by maintenance, deciding leases are better, getting Honda lease and then decided to buy the Ridgeline. Now basic maintenance and gas costs are moving them to buy another vehicle even though they are upside down.
Ack. Frustrated again, writing it out! I wish she would learn to set some money aside for maintenance and repairs at least.
Frustrating Friend
July 16th, 2014 at 02:14 pm
July 16th, 2014 at 02:27 pm 1405520828
July 16th, 2014 at 04:31 pm 1405528293
July 16th, 2014 at 05:20 pm 1405531235
@MEC, I will try not to give up. Her husband got a huge raise and promotion to make this move, I just hope they don't fritter the new found wealth on cars.
July 16th, 2014 at 05:39 pm 1405532345
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July 17th, 2014 at 12:55 am 1405558540
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July 24th, 2014 at 07:44 am 1406187867