Dear Tom and Ray:

My husband, Tom, and I need some marriage counseling. We have been married for 31 years and have weathered a variety of car disagreements, but the current one is the most difficult. Tom, who is in midlife, wants to buy a car "kit" and build a Lotus or something along those lines. The total cost of the kit is more than $26,000, and this seems very extravagant to me. I, on the other hand, think this money should be spent on getting the yard into shape (so we can both enjoy it) or remodeling the kitchen, which he agrees has to be done. He says the car will be worth much more than $26,000 when he's done, but I'm wondering who would pay more than $26,000 for a car put together by a guy with questionable mechanical skills? Today I suggested that we have the "car guys" mediate our disagreement over this purchase. His immediate response was "No!" which tells me he knows his idea is lacking merit. I think he should have the opportunity to make his case, too, but I would appreciate your initial thoughts on this matter. Thanks. -- Jane P.S. -- I make dynamite chocolate chip cookies, and they ship nicely!

Tom: Oh, man. I hate to give up chocolate chip cookies, but I think you have to let him do it, Jane.

Ray: Me, too. Of course it's a dumb idea. It has no real-world merit whatsoever, as you've so astutely pointed out. But it will serve one very important purpose. It will keep him out of trouble. And I don't think I need to elaborate on what kinds of trouble men facing midlife can get into.

Tom: If you let him do this, he will spend many happy hours in the garage and will love you that much more for indulging his stupid, adolescent desires. (In his heart, he knows this is a dumb idea, too.)

Ray: Unfortunately, $26,000 for this kit is just the beginning. That doesn't count the thousands of dollars worth of tools and garage equipment he's going to have to buy. He probably hasn't mentioned that yet, has he?

Tom: But here's the good news. At some point during this project, he'll inevitably burn the house down with his oxyacetylene torch. Then you can use the insurance money to get your new kitchen! Good luck, Jane. ***

Stop the madness! You can stop driving like a knucklehead, and you'll help your car in the process. Learn how your driving habits can harm your car in Tom and Ray's pamphlet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1999 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Back to the January 1999 index