On top of that, Jiffy Lube didn't put the oil plug back in after a change once and the engine had to be replaced. This engine was not as reliable and I kept having issue after issue. It seemed like a never-ending nightmare.
On the way home this day I stopped at my usual c-store to get gas and as I was filling up, I saw a brand-new Ford Escort wagon parked outside. I shook my head in disbelief that anyone would willingly purchase one of those at full price. It even had the temp tags in the window it was so new. I just pitied whoever bought that car.
Moments later a man walked out of the c-store and headed directly to the car. As I watched him I imagined him coming over and asking me how I liked my car, and I would tell him it's the worst thing ever. An evil smile grew on my face as I relished that imaginary conversation.
Suddenly the man looked over at me and stopped. Oh god. He turned towards me and started coming my way with a look that unmistakably said "I love my new car and I'm going to ask this guy about how much he loves his new car and I'll be happy!" I groaned inwardly as I prepared myself to deliver the bad news about his purchase.
In the few seconds I had left, I thought about his future with the car if I unleashed a tirade of negativity. He might feel a little ashamed and stupid for buying the Escort. I might even ruin his night with what I'd say. From today forward, anything that ever happened to his car - no matter how minor - would be "just one more flaw" in the Escort. I could cause him years of frustration if I told the truth. Hell, he might even go home and kick the dog.
Two steps away. He's grinning from ear to ear like a proud father. Time slows down as he begins to ask his question.
"Hey, I just bought that new Escort over there and I love it! What do you think of your car?"
A half-second passes by in agony, streched over a year's time. I make my decision and force myself to speak.
"Well... I love my car. It gets me where I need to go without any fuss. I'm very happy with all the room I have, it's perfect for a small family. It even has a little pep in the engine. I think you'll love your new car."
The man brightened visibly, his smile widening so much I thought his head would split in half. "Thanks, I knew it was a good purchase! Great chatting with you!" He headed back to his car with a spring in his step and, presumably, a song on his lips.
As he got in his brand-new Escort, I thought of all the frustration I saved him. He won't be constantly on the lookout for something to go wrong. Minor problems won't set him off. Most importantly, he went home happy and confident that he'd spent his money wisely.
Who knows what happened, all I know is that I didn't ruin his day (and however long his car loan was) just because I was pissed off about my car. And I gotta tell you, I really, really wanted to vent about my car.
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