My Life in Cars

Age: 61 Number of Years driving: 45 Approximate number of cars owned: 13 New Cars purchased: 1 In a twist of fate so cruel it was almost unbelievable, the universe broke my beloved 2005 Camry last Saturday, the same day I wrote about a bad luck streak that included a new dishwasher, an expensive HVAC repair and $9,000 in stolen copper pipes and plumbing bills. Wonder Woman ran over a nail around mid-day and took my car to run an errand. She promptly called me to announce that the check engine light, which has been permanently on for months, was now blinking and the car wouldn't go faster than 45mph and could barely climb the smallest hill. We both knew it was the end. The next day we did a little research and headed for CarMax for what is supposed to be the most painless car purchasing experience in America. No haggling. No talking to managers. No salesman disappearing into the back to talk to finance. All of that was true, but it still took four hours. We live in an age of miracles…