My Car

        I just finished washing my car.  I do the washing on weekends (mostly on Sundays) or holidays only, due to limited time on weekdays.  I do it myself - as an exercise, and rarely bring her to the car wash. 

        My car is an Innova J – VVTi (Gas).    I acquired her in February 2005.  I was one of the first owners of Innova.

        As soon as I got her out of the dealer, I, with my wife, test drove her up to UP Los Banos and fetched my daughter, who was studying there.

        Since then, I’ve enjoyed driving her.  Whenever I go out of town, personally or officially, I use her.  Before, I either rented a car or rode a bus.  After 2 years and 4 months, her odometer reads more than 45,000 kilometers.  She is scheduled for Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) this Wednesday.  This would make me P2,500 poorer.

        Actually, when I was looking for a new car, I was considering an Altis and a Civic, due to limited budget of P750,000.  I finally decided to get an Altis G A/T.  The cost perfectly fit my budget - P780,000 less P30,000 discount.  I went to a dealer to inspect the car and to negotiate.

        While waiting for the agent, I saw the Innova and took a look.  I asked for the prices; and, I was surprised to learn that the Innova J – VVTi was within my budget.  Then, I reconsidered my decision.

        At home, I discussed with my wife and kids my new choices – Altis or Innova.  Here were the considerations:

                                        Innova                   Altis

            Capacity           8 persons         5 persons

            Engine              2.0 liters           1.6 liters

            Price                P718,000         P750,000

         We unanimously agreed to get the Innova.  My wife chose the color - Quick Silver.

        She’s my fourth car.  The first was a second hand Gemini (not because I’m a Geminian), then an assembled Panther AUV, and a brand new Corolla XE.

        I’m not a fan of accessorizing a vehicle or upgrading the stocks, unless it is needed or necessary.  What I have added so far are the window visors, central locking/alarm system, leatherette seat covers, floor mats, plate covers, and, lately, the roof carrier.

        Ouch, there’s a bad news!  The front bumper’s right side got dented and scratched.  It happened when I was maneuvering and didn’t notice the plant box.  The replacement would cost about P12,000.  Although, the cost is recoverable against the insurance, I have to shoulder the deductible of P5,700 – Ouch again!  I'll be more careful next time.