Yesterday I put my car in the shop. Its get up and go got up and went. It would barely climb the hill leaving my house, and I figured crawling along a major street at 5 mph was not going to endear me to the Korean people. I know next to nothing about auto mechanics, but since the engine seemed strong I suspected a transmission problem, although it was not “slipping” when it shifted gears. Unfortunately my assumption was correct to the tune of 700,000 Won. I was also advised I had a broken motor mount which requires 100,000 Won.

So I paid $1000. for the car in January. It has 155,000 miles on the odometer. Do I invest another 800 bucks to put it back on the road? I could buy another hoopdee for less, but of course when you are dealing with vehicles in this price range it is always a gamble. I could just be buying another problem of similar magnitude. Since buying a new car is not an option right now (but I am lusting after that new Mustang), I have to decide what junk heap is the best bet.

I bought my car from a co-worker who moved to Japan. He had bought it new in the US back in 1993. It has a good body and interior. Tires are fine. So, if I look at this as buying a used car with a new tranny for $800, I would probably say ok. Decisions, decisions.

On the plus side, I will be walking to work for the next couple of days at least. Lord knows the exercise will do me good.

And finally, last night I actually won a league pool game. Broke a 3 week losing streak. Since my gracious teammates have come to expect so little from me, the rare victory is always sweeter. High fives all around.

So there you have a slice of my life in Korea. It’s a thrill a minute.

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