I own a 2001 Daewoo Lanos that I purchased brand new 10 years ago. I had never bought a brand new car before and was excited over the 10 year 100,000 warranty that was offered. Now if you have never heard of a Daewoo before, you aren't alone. Unfortunately just after I purchased the car, the company went out of business. I am guessing there may be about a dozen of these cars left in this area. Heck maybe I should just park it for the next 15 years, then it will be so rare a collector might offer me a nice chunk of change for my hunk of junk.
Now having a car that is 10 years old is risky, but having one that is so uncommon makes repairs pretty pricey if anything breaks down. Every year I hold my breath when it is inspected because I know it will be expensive. Last year I spent $800 on it, then wondered if I should have just traded it in. This year I feared the same fate. Being unemployed, a $800 car repair dictates if I eat this month!
Luckily this year some higher power decided to cut me a break. After stressing all day, the inspection center called and let me know that the only thing the car needed was a $5 light bulb!! I got an inspection, emissions test, and an oil change for a final cost in the double digits...not the triple digits.
Not having a job makes simple things like a car inspection seem like life or death. A bad car equals lots of money for repairs, but even worse it could leave me without transportation to go for interviews or even start a new job.
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