It was a normal hot, sticky Thursday in Florida when it happened. On my way to quilting day with my friends I was heading down the road in my van. My 2001 Van Chevy Astro Van. We’ve been having trust issues in our relationship but working on it. I had no reason to suspect I’d be left worse than stranded (that happened earlier this year). It’s in the maintenance stage of its life and things happen but what occurred was beyond my limit.
It was 10 am so traffic was light although all this happened just before a busy intersection. I was about to turn left into the parking lot of the Quilt Shop when suddenly my van turned off. No engine, no power steering. Just a woman and her van – drifting. Nothing. It was all very scary. I’m looking at the on-coming traffic and where I’m heading. Now to reiterate the traffic was light so that was good but heading in the wrong direction with your car dead and drifting is NOT good! I realize that I’m in the position to crash into those cars in front of me or that pole if I don’t do something. Somehow I managed to steer the van onto this slight hill alongside a building and away from the obstacles. I am so lucky I could do that. While it wouldn’t have been catastrophic, it would have been a wreck. So okay, good. I stopped the momentum of the drama. I was able to restart what now felt like the Van of Betrayal. I put it in reverse and got to my destination. I waited there in the parking lot and pulled myself together before I walked in to greet my friends. No crying. Spent time stitching with the girls, had a few smiles, got to see some lovely work then left a bit early.
That whole time I was thinking about this relationship and the emotional toll its been taking on me. I appreciate that it’s not costing me anything month-by-month but the emotional drain is costing me so much more. I came home, called the bank for to see what I could qualify for on a car loan, got the ball rolling then took a nap. I woke up and headed to the car dealership. I already knew what I wanted and could afford so it wasn’t a big deal.
I left the Van of Betrayal at the curb. There’s a new little white car in the driveway.
Congrats on the new car. My 2001 Jeep is just about to quit. It has 190,000 miles…….me thinks it is time for it to go.
You need to know when its time to say goodbye to cars and vans, I had one car catch on fire, it was scary, but like your story noone was hurt, the car just had to go.
How frightening! Glad you had the good sense to know when to throw in the towel and not try to resurrect a lost cause! You can’t put a price tag on peace of mind.
Oh, I hear what you’re saying. I had a somewhat similar incident happen a few years ago when my little car (old) lost it’s clutch and completely died, as I was about to turn onto a very busy highway. First, I was so grateful it died before the highway, then I decided it was time for something newer. The stress of not being able to trust your car is huge. I’m glad for you that your incident turned out as well as it did. I know you will enjoy your new, trustworthy vehicle.
My heart was pounding as I read your account. How terrifying for you. So glad you are safe and had the wherewithal to still enjoy a day of quilting.
I like how you think! I need to apply the same logic to my sewing machine woes!
I am the proud owner of my third reliable toyota, Upgrades, never a problem. Happily my latest upgrade to a highlander and will drive it until its last day. Hubby is on his second toyota (convert) pickup and will not stray.
Good to feel safe and secure.
May this new relationship bring you peace of mind/spirit – PRICELESS!
Wow! Scary stuff, I was reading with bated breath. Thank goodness there was nothing worse that happened. Enjoy your new wheels, GOOD FOR YOU!
An unreliable car is a very scary thing. Glad that you’ve traded it in. This has been a good week for Toyota. We just picked up a black one to replace one that we’re giving to our daughter. May we both drive many safe and happy miles in our new cars.
Yep, sometimes, you just have to bite the bullet and buy a new one. Glad you did. It will be just one less thing to bother you! Glory to God!
Gosh, there is nothing scarier than a car that just cuts out on you. I’m glad you ended up safely home. Congrats on your new car – what did you get? Now you KNOW a Toyota will be reliable!
Oh my gosh Karen, I am so glad you are alright! That is a very scary thing to happen. And I hope you will find happiness and safety with your new Toyota!
So glad you were able to get yourself to safety! Toyotas are good cars. That van is past history now!
I put over 200,000 miles on my Toyota Corolla…with I never sold it!
So glad you’re ok. It’s so scary when your car cuts off and the power steering goes out. You thought fast girl! Congrats on the new ride!
I’m so relieved you are safe. You deserve a new car! Enjoy! x
Wise move on your part. Drifting like that in traffic can wear on the nerves. Glad you bought a new car.
Toyota’s are very reliable I hope this new car relationship lasts for many many years. All of the Toyotas that I have had have rusted out before they ever stopped running. I live in an area where we salt the roads in the winter so you living in a warm climate should not have any foreseeable problems!!!
Congrats on your new car! I was having doubts about my 2002 Kia Rio and finally decided it was time for a new car. Just got my Kia Soul about a month ago. Now, I’m not afraid to go places and that’s a good feeling.
A girl’s gotta have a reliable car. You made the right decision for sure! Enjoy your new wheels!
Sorry about the ordeal with the van, but congratulations on the new car! I’m trying to talk John into getting something new (used but newer) for me but so far no luck.
I understand completely – we did the same thing when our bright blue, pretty, sunroofed, glorious Impala started throwing temper tantrums – left her with a car dealer who could deal with her and brought home a shiny, brand new black KIA Optima (with free carwashes forever, included in the deal) and now don’t feel so anxious when driving. At our age, we need all the security we can find – don’t need to worry about a car deciding to jump the ship and go to the other side, leaving us stranded.
How scary! I’m amazed you could pull it off, going in to your friends and not breaking down, I’m sure I would have! No one needs car trouble in their life, the stress is too much. We have owned a Toyota many times, and they are very dependable, we are on our 4th Camry ~
:-}pokey
How frightening that must have been when the engine cut off in traffic! (((hugs)))
Congratulations on your new wheels!
Good for you! An unreliable car is sorse than having no car.
Oh jeez! I hate car trouble and it is so not worth the stress! Congrats on the new car!
Now that’s taking the ‘bull by the horns’, girl. You showed that van a thing or two. Good for you.
Oh Karen, how scary! Just as well you had the presence of mind to steer off the road. Enjoy your New Little White Car, I hope you have a long and happy relationship with it.
glad everyone is safe and congratulations on the new car. maybe not as fun as new fabric but still…the relief is worth it!
Now that was a quick and goood decision. It is always easier when the whispering turns into to shouting.
Whew! That was too close for comfort. I’m so glad you’re safe and rid of that van and I applaud you on keeping your wits about you!
Enjoy that new white car!
Wow! I’m totally impressed. You knew what you needed/wanted to do and just did it!!! I’m not sure that I could have dealt with the whole situation you had with such calm and finesse!
Good for you. I hope you enjoy your new car!!
Way to go, Karen!!! No need in YOUR life for messy relationships, infidelity, lack of concern! You TELL ‘em!!! (and congratulations! New cars are SO nice….)
Oh My Word…that is way too scary…we’ve had several Toyota’s and have loved them all…more that reliable!
Very scary! I hope you will love your Toyota – I bought my first 6 years ago and absolutely love it!! Hugs o:)