Angus,

I think that it is in individual choice.
- Your experience is only 1 tow in 38 years, so your choice makes sense.
- I have only older cars with no payments (ever!), these are special
interest fun cars, for enjoyment, tinkering, and association with people
with like interests, and 3 kids with older cars, with no payments.  We end
up with 2-3 tows a year.

There isn't a universal plan for everyone, it is individual.  The latest tow
prices I've seen around here are something like $20 for hookup and $7 a
mile.  So getting a car back home, or to a repair shop with a 10 mile tow
pays for the annual 100 mile AAA membership.

However, of much greater interest, is how did you get away with only 1 tow
in 38 years!  I want what you got!

Roland

On Wed, Apr 29, 2009 at 8:41 AM, Angus Gordon <birdworks@gmail.com> wrote:

> I've been a member of the Vanagon mailing list for a lot of years, so I'm
> well acquainted with the love affair most profess for AAA's "free" towing.
> Just to provide the flip side, I'm too cheap to pay for AAA (CAA) and in 38
> years of driving I've paid for a tow truck once.
>
> If needed, I can get the same prompt, courteous towing service by utilizing
> my cell phone and Visa card, and I suspect I've come out a little ahead
> financially.
>
> Just my 2 cents worth.
>
> Hunkered down, ready for the heat,
>
> Angus
>
>
> Angus Gordon
> Bainbridge Island WA
>
> birdworks@gmail.com
>