Roland, I do realize my path doesn't suit everyone, just offering an
alternative viewpoint to what I know is an overwhelming consensus.

Like you, I've never made a car payment in my life and have always owned
well seasoned (some would say junk) vehicles. In fact in my younger days my
approach to vehicle recovery consisted of "if I can't afford to park it at
the side of the road it's too expensive".
Fortunately I didn't have to test that approach.

Nowadays I suppose my remedy is normally found in the bag of tools and box
of parts under the back seat, though I'd pay for a tow if I had to. My
Syncro cost $900 some 10 years ago (still looks like it!) but I think I'm
getting attached to the silly thing.  :-)
Angus

Angus Gordon
Bainbridge Island WA

birdworks@gmail.com

On Wed, Apr 29, 2009 at 8:52 AM, Roland <syncronicity1@gmail.com> wrote:

> 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
> >
>