Today, I kinda had a day off and since our daughter was at the grandparents, my wife and I went to have lunch together. Our car has had a little problem with the air-conditioner lately (not working) and after changing the relay switches, I was out of skills to fix it. We dropped it into a repairer to take a look while we dropped into a shopping centre where it was cooler and grabbed a small bite to eat.
Air-conditioning is not much of a necessity in life and it is not needed much in Finland at all (considering I am Australian) but, people are acclimatised to much cooler weather, myself included these days. 25 now feels like 45. I can cope okay with this but the other day we were on a slightly longer trip and even with the windows down, my daughter almost passed-out. My brother (@galenkp) is also going to be here in the middle of summer and with the car being a little squeezy already, it is going to be a sauna.
So, after lunch we walked back to the repairers to see what they have done only to find, they hadn't done anything. It is the compressor and with work, it is going to be nearing 1000 euros to repair.
~1000€
Even the repair guy was a little taken aback by the price of the part. It is crazy really considering if I was to go and sell my car today, the most I would get for it is about 5000 euros. That means that to fix the air-con, it is going to cost me 20% of the value of the car. Bloody ludicrous.
So, Now I am in a stupid situation that I really, really do not want to be in at the moment. My plan was to keep this car until I can afford to buy one I actually want (an electric car) which I figured would be in a couple years, depending on business/Steem but, there are problems starting to appear that are going to be expensive to repair. In Finland, there is a compulsory yearly check up that covers all major points of the car and without passing, the car is not able to be registered. There are pros and cons to this and the major con is holding becomes expensive. Kind of the opposite to cryptocurrencies.
And here is my next problem as I don't want to use any crypto for this issue at all, whether I get it repaired or, trade it in on something that will get us through meaning, safe, reliable and with room for a pram. Crypto for me represents our future and to spend it on the needs of today is to admit defeat in a way as it means that I am borrowing from the future. Sure, it is mine to borrow but, it is the concept of it that I see akin to borrowing from a bank, especially since what I would be using is likely going to not only increase in value, but increase heavily. This makes me loath to use it.
Although an air-conditioner is a small thing, it is these kinds of real-world events that will slowly bleed holders out of Steem as once they start easing their life with it, it is very easy to continue to do so and there is not necessarily an end to that process. As I have said, Steem is not ready for me to live off yet and in my head, using it now means that I have failed to deal with the world without it.
This time last year I could have been in the very same situation (I was) yet Steem was not an option at all as I had so little and the value was so low. I think this is the same for most people here as it wasn't too long ago that there was no revenue stream here at all. It is pretty cool really that some people are able to improve their lives with Steem but, I am just not ready I think so, I will have to find another way to get by, as I have hundreds of times in the past in similar situations.
I am lucky that I am not out of options yet though and I have a chance to potentially force a few more classes and do a bit more work to either cover the cost of repair or change. I might also go through what we have here and see if there is anything of value we can do without. It would be nice to have an even more minimalist life perhaps.
My wife is a little worried about it all but I am decidedly less so as I think that in the end, I do what I can, I go through a little discomfort and, it will work out the way it works out. I take the view that all the work I am doing now will be able to create enough space in my future that 1000€ is not going to put stress on our finances too heavily but it is stupid that it must be now as two years ago, it would have been fin as we even had some savings. At the end of the day, it is just money right?
It is a shame not having it affects so many lives negatively but, not having it might also make us look for more innovative and personality developing solutions than we would if we could just pay someone to fix all our problems.
I will go for a walk with the dog and think a little more on it. That is at least cheap enough to do.
Taraz
[ a Steem original ]
You could buy the part online. Maybe even try a used part.
used part would be nice but it is a common problem in the series so it is not really an option. i might check prices in Germany.
This is a real dilemma. I'll say Steem funds should be an absolute last resort, since you really don't want to use it now. However,i think you should explore other options other than spending 1000€. Maybe you can get already used parts? I don't know much about cars though I drive one...lol
Considering that your in Finland AC might not seem like a big issue to outsiders. I am not from Europe but it feel like that they don't have much tolerance for heat. Even here in Poland the temperature barely touched 29 degrees and the people are literally taking days off from work.
So I can see why making this repair might be urgent. On the other hand is having the AC one of the condition for registration?
Apart from all this, I am in a real bind for my next months rent and I am still sticking to not cashing anything out of my steemit wallet anytime soon (will try to stick to the one year policy you mentioned in one of your posts). It is a bit easier for me since I am a bachelor.
Really sad to hear about your car air condition problem, but if i might suggest for you i will advice you not to spend any money from your steem earning because to me steem earnings is a retirement fund to fullback on. Just look for anything that is not that so important to you and sell it to fix your car
Wow that is a lot of money to fix an aircon and given that 25 degrees is still a whole lot cooler than what we have in our country that is dually 35 degree and thus makes aircons needed but I get how certain people or locations would still need it since they are accustomed to colder temperatures.
Now I have the same thoughts on not really wanting to cash out or use Cryptos to solve real world. Problems for now in terms of finance because as you put it small gains in pleasure, comfort and leisure is out weighed by its potential for growth in the coming month or years.
It is good you have other options and it got me thinking on those here that don't and why their only option is cashing out. Some have treated it as a cash cow, their bread and butter, their only option. Everyone is different, their circumstances so we really can't tell someone that not holding will slow down your growth in the future when their first needs is to fill a hungry stomach.
People need to not place all their eggs in one basket and continually save, hold Steempower and think of other ways to solve real world financial problems. Or even if they are cashing out they need to be putting something in as well and keep growing so they can stay relevant.
Good luck on getting the funds for aircon as it seems your daughter and family needs it.
The aircon is also used in the autumn and winter to defog the glass. It is funny because growing up wI remember sitting in cars that had been sitting in the sun at 45+ temperatures and surviving. My daughter's head was lolling about and we had only driven 20 kilometers...
Poor little girl. When I was a kid there was no cooling or moisture removal available for cars. Heating did exist, of course. When our family went on a trip by car in the summer we'd want the windows to be opened but because my dad was prone to get neck pain from the draft he wouldn't allow them to be opened very much. I became accustomed to hot cars. :D
Now that I drive a car of my own, I do use the AC whenever I feel like it and that's quite often.
I was looking in the mirror and was genuinely worried about her, we pulled into a service station and got her more water and fresh air. I don't want that to happen ever again.
This is me too
Try bringing a spray bottle full of ice-cold water to the car next time. Put ice into the water to keep it cold longer.
Money for a rainy day they say. Lately there has been lots of rain with so many unforeseen things going wrong. When will the luck change, surely it has too soon. 1000 euros for a repair sounds a bit much and probably is. These companies normally ad on 100% and that is the killer. I had to get 5 rubbers seals the other day for the gasket. They are basically 5 washers made from rubber and they were the equivalent to your currency of 200 euros. Maybe all 5 cost 1 euro so we are getting royally screwed.
Crazy amount of money to fix an air-condition! Is it a missing part that is costing so much? Is it not possible to get a second opinion? You need a special car person, that could get those parts for less, maybe even used! Are you sure the AC has to work for the yearly control? It really is an awful lot for a car you only plan to keep a couple of years.
The mechanic is a trusted friend of a friend and a specialist. The aircon no but there are a couple other things too that are.
Ahh I see Dilemma for sure. Dont get away with making many decisions on your own these days. Good luck! If you were not in a snowy country I would suggest an electric bike. Ive seen several in the last months. They are awesome!
Life is a bitch and that is no joke mate. Every time I think I'm on the home stretch there is one more hurdle. I told you my plan is being debt free and then investing is a money maker while I still work so to double my income.
It's asif life can smell it and doesn't like the idea of me not struggling. It's the car service, then tyres, the the headlamp, then we're both down with the flu and need meds, then the cat gets fleas and here that costs R1000 to fix and then the car needs wipers and that here is R800 and and and.
I've cut out as many of the luxuries as possible and have really become very happy growing my own fruit trees and veggies, spending time here chatting with all of you and learning that I am not alone in my struggles and that a unified community working together is possible after all.
Hang on there mate, it's coming.
This is for all.
Really sad to hear about your car air condition problem, but if i might suggest for you i will advice you not to spend any money from your steem earning because to me steem earnings is a retirement fund to fullback on. Just look for anything that is not that so important to you and sell it to fix your car
Have you considered buying a new and affordable air conditioner? 1000 Euros kinda seem so expensive for just repairs right?
I think you have missed how cars work.
Well, then 1000 Euro it is...lol. But wait, how many mechanics have you consulted?
wow nice photo..
Considering that your in Finland AC might not seem like a big issue to outsiders. I am not from Europe but it feel like that they don't have much tolerance for heat. Even here in Poland the temperature barely touched 29 degrees and the people are literally taking days off from work.
So I can see why making this repair might be urgent. On the other hand is having the AC one of the condition for registration?
Apart from all this, I am in a real bind for my next months rent and I am still sticking to not cashing anything out of my steemit wallet anytime soon (will try to stick to the one year policy you mentioned in one of your posts). It is a bit easier for me since I am a bachelor.
Friend @ tarazkp, it is not easy, since it is a considerable amount of money, but the comfort of the family is worth it, and you are still in time to charge that amount and, surely, you are a persevering person and that will do it. give you great rewards
I'm just speechless here, how is it that everything is happening without the trace of a way out?
I don't know the right advise to give at all, that's how complicated the story is.
But like you said, it is better to suffer now than to postpone it to the future.
What a world, AC is not a necessity here in Nigeria, it's a matter of choice. I really feel for your daughter, I can't withstand such a pretty damsel to go through that again...
You talked a bit about the value of the car, and cost of this repair. let me zoom out a bit.
The cost of a vehicle barely plays into my decision about buying it. It is the O&M costs which are under scrutiny. If your repair brings the operation and maintenance cost past the point of sensible, it really might do to change it. It helps to spreadsheet this stuff, because for me, the 'sunk cost fallacy' and other cognitive kerfuckery can foul up calculations.
I hope your vehicle costs you very little from now on, but it is the cost 'per year' of maintenance which should decide, rather than the cost of maintenance today.
Good luck, and if you and the dog walk far enough, you don't need a car anymore :)
That'd be the life.
Yes, the problem is that the car model has a compressor problem inherent (common error) so is likely again, although probably not before i get rid of it. I am not much of a car person as I don't care but, something tells me to perhaps trade it in on something slightly newer. My experience in the past has always been that once in the shop, new problems will keep arising which then definitely puts a sunk cost into it. At this point, maintenance has been relatively good.
Will see how it goes.
Why are you declining payout on comments? you definitely shouldn't be.
I felt like my comments were being affected by potential payouts. I really dislike the idea that I might be commenting to be popular, rather than because I'm interested.
As to 'shouldn't', I really don't know what I'm doing here lol
I do dream of earning from this platform, but am intent to keep it focused on being 'me', at least for now.
I'm conflicted about it, so thanks for asking.
well, that'll cover the next 10-20 times you comment then ;)
I feel funny about your votes, tarazkp...tried a few ways to explain it, and I can't.
Thanks for your generous gesture. I have to go think about why this is such a weird spot in my thinking. I may be allergic to making money from people...
Try facebook. I hear there is no risk of making money there. :D
I feel the same mate.
So where does this leave us? Is there some way to break this counter-productive feeling?
I should feel great when my posts earn steem...but instead...
Maybe a hard hills training run will help me think this through. You are welcome to join me, as always.
Luckily, air conditioning is not one of those things you would have to repair to pass the mandatory inspection. I'm strongly in favor of the inspection. They check things like steering and brakes and things like that. I do not want clunkers that could get someone killed on the road.
Well, i had similar problem a while back and in one repairmen the part costed around 300€ and in the other half of it. Reason, the first repairmen was an authorized shop for the car so they only put original parts, the 2nd wasn't authorized so they could put a part of other brand that did the same thing and funny thing is that according to him they are made in the same factory but one has a brand and the other not.
In your case, i would ask for a 2nd opinion. In any other case, i wouldn't fix, but with the mandatory inspections, there is no work around if you want to keep using the car.
The person is a mechanic my brother uses and he will want to keep my brother's business as he is a bit of a car person. It wasn't a dealership, he looked for non-genuine.