Leaving for vacation and I notice the headlight is out on his car.  No problem we’ll just go over to the dealership and have them install a new one.

2 hours later and an estimate of $340 for a new headlight and I realize a new question to ask before we buy a new car.  Like how much are lights to replace along with a few more concerning maintenance pricing.  Still have 1 payment left on the car and the headlight is more than the car payment. Now I know why they increased the mileage on the bumper to bumper warranties on new cars. Just put in a new battery yesterday for $189.  And now a headlight.  This could really sink a beach vacation if it weren’t already prepaid.

Guess the dealership thought they had us.  We made a call and drove 4 hours into our vacation and stopped at our daughters home.  Called the dealer in her town and got the headlamp installed at this dealership for half the price.  Still a lot, in my opinions, but better than the original estimate.

My dad always told me a car is not an investment.  It’s nothing but an expense. As usual his words always prove true. My retired HUBBY always asks if he has filled my dad’s shoes yet and examples like this and reiterating my dad’s words make him think no, not yet.  I never tell him my dad only wore a size nine shoe and he wore a size 10 1/2  when I met him 55 years ago.  In my eyes both of these men are the absolute best. And I’m sure their sons and grandsons will follow in their shoes.