Virginia is not like Idaho. In Virginia, cars must pass both a safety inspection and an emissions test annually in order to be legally registered. (Whereas in Idaho, the car owner must only give his word of honor that the car has at least three wheels and that any dead wildlife in the back was actually shot in season). This means that at least annually (not to mention any service actually needed) I have to take my car to a service station and pay money to have a monkey with a wrench tell me why I need to pay him more money for a service that I don't really need. One mechanic actually told me that my Flux Capacitor had completely stopped fluxing. (Joke.) Seriously, Last year I spent over a thousand dollars to have a mechanic fix my starter and fix my brakes, neither of which got fixed correctly--I have had to hotwire my truck for the past two years.
Ever since I moved away from Idaho (and since Lorin Hales retired) I have never felt comfortable about any place I have taken my vehicle for service. After being ripped off enough times--either intentionally or by sheer incompetence--I have resorted to taking my car to McDonalds -- the service is about the same, but at least I can play in FunLand.
My decade-long agony is finally over -- I have found an honest mechanic! Last week, my air conditioner stopped working. On the recommendation of a ward member, I took my truck to Patton's Garage, outside Fredericksburg. I was skeptical. I brought along my "Common Phrases in Redneck" pocket reference and approached the garage, hand on wallet. What to my surprise, when I was greeted in English (with a slight Virginian tone) by a friendly man with a firm (clean) handshake. Long story short: my air-conditioner is fixed AND my starter is fixed AND I have a new friend. The damage: $83.
Hooray for an honest mechanic!
4 comments:
kim, you are a great writer. That was lots of fun to read!!!
I too miss hot-wiring the truck, but I am happy for the new joy in your life. Do you think “Patton’s” will consider opening a fast food restaurant on the side?
Val
Hilarious! I thought it was by Dave Barry until I realized he didn't know Lorin Hales. You do have personal experience with wildlife in the back of your vehicle, don't you. Did those geese ever make it to anyone's table?
Kimball you are so funny! I loved reading your bit. And I'm glad you got your truck fixed!
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