It should be a pretty straightforward thing, buying a car. Unless you live in a city like New York you need one, so the process should be simple since it affects many. But no. Nothing is simple any more. We had a two-decades old car that had quite a few health issues in its long life. Besides, we wanted a hybrid to help with the environment and to cut down on gas costs. A Toyota Prius seems a good choice so we tried to buy one in February. We had to wait, however, since dealers can’t keep them in stock. Initially they estimated three or four months, which turned into eight. When it arrived unexpectedly we had to drop everything to go get it because they don’t want them sitting around on the lot. Fortunately the day was Saturday, when schedules are a bit more flexible.
Unlike other stores, where you walk in, hand over your money, and walk out, the car dealership involves immense complications, too great to comprehend. Insurance is a big part of that. It turns out that now they want you to go with their insurance. And since car insurance is bundled with homeowners’ insurance you have to answer questions about when your house was last roofed when you buy a car. Facts and figures that I don’t keep at my fingertips were necessary. And you have to download apps because they want you to do everything by phone. If you’re buying a Prius they want to tether your phone to the car, like a Navi to its beast, and you have to let it monitor where you are at all times and how you’re driving, otherwise your rates will go up. Driving a Prius is like steering a computer on wheels.
You see, I get overwhelmed. My mind evolved for a simpler world. Finally arriving home after several hours in a bustling showroom, I had a dozen emails about this and that related to changing insurance and registering for new systems so the car can take to me, and all I want to do is run to the store to pick up some groceries. There are no entanglements there. Pay for your goods and walk out of the store. No insurance, no requirements to change anything. Not to mention that Saturday’s the day for mowing the lawn and the hundreds of other chores you can’t get done during the work week. I’m sure I’ll enjoy my new wheeled computer. It is much better for the environment. It may take a few years, however, before I find the time to learn how to drive it. And to disentangle myself from all the other complications involved. Pardon me, but I’ve got more car-related emails to read.
