My first car!!!

I have been waiting for my “perfect car” for almost 4 years now.

And finally, I am going for a car, which I think is perfect for me. Though this is not my first car. I had bought a Fiat PAL 4 years back, which I purchased for 40K. I managed to save that much money not going for movies, not doing a purchase, not attending any parties for close to 6 months. Then I had to literally convince my Mom by saying two wheeler accidents are increasing in Pune, pollution might result in Asthma, X=Y etc and so…..I should be purchasing a car. Somehow, she agreed and Fiat PAL was the only car which I could buy without a loan.

I used it for a year and sad to say, I couldn’t manage the car well. I never knew much about the impact of mileage to my pocket. I had to shed 80 rupees a day, if I have to go by my car. So, I started planning when to use the car. And I planned for weekly thrice and slowly to weekly once. That was again a trouble. Many a times, battery went down and I had to call all my neighbors to give my car ”a push”. Event after starting the car, I had to pedal the accelerator for close to 5 minutes. I could see heads popping out of the windows with a sad grin on their face. (It was costing me while using and sadly, while not using too)

Now, to repair, I literally had to do search for a right technician. With my experience, all the fiat specialists are very excited about Fiat and very sincere too. But, they all lacked one thing I was looking for - Respect for time. After a long thought process, I decided to sell my first car. By that time, I had changed all 4 tyres, repainted the body(with a new color - I never knew changing a color is expensive that retaining the color), repaired by engine (as per technicians, opening an engine is equivalent to new engine; the bill also confirmed that statement). The most vulnerable part of a fiat is its window glasses. I have repaired it at least 10 times. A fault of mine; I was looking for a Honda comfort in an old Fiat.

And I “managed” to find a buyer for the car and I sold it for 16K.

My balance sheet looked like this

Purchase 40, 000.00
Repair Expense 28, 500.00 (Approx)
Petrol Expense 9, 000.00 (Approx)
—————————————————-
Total 77, 500.00
Sold Price 16, 000.00

My point of view on this…
Think thoroughly before going for an investment which will cost you. And think very well whether the gadget/utility suits you and your pocket. And, Don’t ever feel down about any bad experience. Even a very bad experience will teach you a lot.
(All avid Fiat PAL lovers…I have nothing against Fiat PAL. I still love that car. But, I was not the right owner for that car)

…Now, I am going for a new car after a long wait !!!

Pls wait for my next post…