Dodging a Bullet

Thursday, on my drive to work, my Overdrive Off light started blinking on the dash. While I was driving, I could feel the transmission repeatedly engaging and disengaging the Overdrive. Then, as I was pulling into the parking lot at the office, the check engine light came to life too.

SIGH... Just when I thought we were getting a handle on things, here we go again. The last time we had to have the transmission replaced on my Windstar was 2 1/2 years ago and, at $2600, it meant that Wes and I had to fore go our wedding reception. This time, I decided that I wasn't sinking another $2600 into a repair for an almost 9 year old car with 153,000 miles on it.

Yesterday, Wes dropped the van off at the repair shop and I headed on in to work in his car. When I got here, I went online and tried to line up financing for the new (used) car we were going to have to get. I filled out a couple of online apps and within 30 minutes had 3 offers for full auto financing at conventional rates. Thank goodness I've been working so hard to get our debts paid off and our credit score boosted.

After the 3rd call from the finance departments, Wes called. The problem was a $2 sensor that the transmission place replaced for free... no labor or part cost. The owner said t hat if we refer one customer, we've done well for him. Can't beat that!

So, I've called back all of the finance places and thanked them for their time and told them we'll keep them in mind for when we replace our cars next year. WHEW... I'm glad we didn't have to go further in debt, but I'm glad to know that it's an option if we're desperate.