Money. The answer to people’s prayers. The root of great despair. Who, over the age of 12, hasn’t worried about money once and a while? The Kauffman household (v. 2.0) is capping an unprecedented outflow year with another major purchase. With the recent passing of The Civic, we find ourselves one car short in a two car household. Later today we will be filling that void with The Coupe. For those of you keeping score; first there was The Honda, followed by The Civic, and now The Coupe. All Hondas. All Civics. All the time! This latest addition will be Blue with a tan interior. It will be a two door vehicle stripped down to the basics. “Wait a minute. Since when did air conditioning and a CD player become basics?” Well, while I’m talking to myself I might as well answer. First of all, this is Florida. Second, what’s a measly CD player between personalities? (Talking to myself, things between friends, multiple personalities, self depreciating humor, the futility of explaining a joke…)

One thing is comforting. Almost ten years ago I bought The Civic with no money down. Today I’m buying The Coupe, with no money down, and the payments will be the same. Boy did I get a crap deal ten years ago.

Yes, I know the last sentence sounds like a question. This “question” is masquerading as a statement. Since it has a “statement” look and feel, the question mark has been omitted.

Our family has suffered another automotive casualty. This time it’s old faithful. On Friday, the check engine light came on. On Saturday, we had it checked out. Later Saturday, we found out it had a multitude of serious problems. Even later on Saturday, we decided to replace it. Even LATER on Saturday, we had a tentative deal to buy a two door Civic coupe. On Sunday, we got a call from the dealership, letting us know they found the car we wanted (a bottom of the line model in blue, with a manual transmission of course). On Monday, the car will be available for pick up. Later Monday, we will sign away some money. On Tuesday, cash will be less plentiful (depending, of course, on your perspective).

The Civic is dead. Long live the Civic.

CIVIC, Honda.
Born April 30, 1994. Died November 8/2003.
The Civic suffered from excessive oil loss, sensor failure, climate control breakdown, and brake loss. After a long struggle with warm air, the car succumbed to it’s multitude of injuries late on Saturday morning. The Civic is survived by a 2003 Honda CRV.