Creeping Car Troubles

For the most part, my Honda doesn't give me troubles. Not being a car guy, I like "no troubles" - it's a primary reason why I picked the car I did. I also like my dealership; they generally don't blow smoke up my ass, and they keep my car trouble free. But sometimes shit just happens.

I didn't start the car for two weeks, due to my recent vacation, and also because I didn't need it for the first few days I was back. I finally went to use it Wednesday night only to discover that it didn't start. The next day, I applied devoidofthought's battery charger to it. It wouldn't take a charge. Then I got nosarious to give me a boost. It wouldn't even turn over.

The battery must be dead, I reasoned. We went down to Crappy Tire and bought a new battery. Ger offered to swap it out since I had to get to work. Along the way he discovered that the terminals were on the wrong side, so he went and got another one. After much farting around, he discovered that it still wouldn't turn over. Ugh. Clearly there was more wrong with the car than just a dead battery.

After some phone calling, Village Honda agreed to look at it today, and I got it towed up there bright and early this morning. I asked them to find out what the hell went wrong. I also asked them to replace my keys, since they were long past the point of being fucked - I'd even bought new keys online to hack, and those only worked for a few months. I did this to avoid being gouged. And now I've asked to be gouged, since wobbly ignition keys are a giant pain. Charging me $100 for a $10 item is still a gouge though.

And then I left the car with them and took a shuttle to work. That's when the phone calls began.

"Your tires are getting super worn. Well, three of them anyway. Did you want to buy new tires?"

"I already have an appointment to replace my winter tires next week. I think I can drive on these for one more weekend. I'll deal with new all seasons in the spring."

Next.

"You're scheduled for an oil change, and those are free for you" [because reasons], "Did you want that done now?"

"Sure."

"Oh, it says here in your history that you're actually due for a B-service. That actually costs, but you really should do it."

"Ok."

B-service is where the change all the filters and other fluids. Third phone call:

"You're going to dread me calling you."

"What's wrong with it now?"

"You're down to 1 mm on the rear brake pads. They really need replacing."

"Well, I guess the brakes are kinda necessary."

Sigh. I think if I walk out of the dealership only $1000 lighter, I'll be lucky. This is on top of the $900 I'm paying for tires next week. All absolutely necessary, since I spent most of last winter repeating "If I don't die, I'm getting new tires next season", generally while death-gripping the steering wheel.

I'm also likely buying a new bicycle next week since I currently have a tracking number for my flykly wheel. Since I want a decent bike with that, it's going to cost me a pretty penny. Between the vacation, the car repairs, and the new bike, I'm very glad I have a line of credit. It does add a few months to my "house paid off" date though.

I still don't know what preventing the car from starting though. Maybe I'll be enlightened when I go to pick it up.