Car Talk

March 2005

Dear Tom and Ray:

I recently left a career as a pizza-delivery driver to work for an architectural photographer. It involved changing cities and giving up what little social life I had. In short, I'm rethinking the decision, and thinking about going back to the pizza business. My question for you folks is this: The vehicle I bought for my new job is much too nice to use for delivering pizzas. It is a 2003 VW GTI VR6 (vroom vroom). Plus, I won't be able to afford the payments on the pizza salary. So, if I'm going to return to the night shift at my old job, I'm going to need a cheap car that gets reasonable gas mileage (low 20s to high teens is OK) and is relatively easy to work on. I can spend about $5,000, and I'm pretty handy with a wrench. I was thinking about a Toyota, because I hear they are very reliable. Any help you can offer would be appreciated, and if you're ever in Gainesville, Fla., and get hungry, give Five Star a call and tell them Bo sent you. -- Bo

TOM: What happened, Bo? Not as many women answering the door in their nightgowns in the architectural-photography business?

RAY: You definitely need something much more pathetic-looking if you want any chance of getting decent tips. If the pizza-delivery guy is driving a nicer car than the guy who's buying the pizza, you're going to have tough time getting sympathy.

TOM: You certainly could buy a Toyota Corolla. They're easy to find, reliable and economical. And you can probably get a 5- or 6-year-old one for $5,000. You really can't go wrong with one of those, and it meets all of your requirements.

RAY: But why not really go for the sympathy, Bo? I see you in a 1987 Hyundai Excel, blue smoke belching out the back from bad rings ... one headlight working.

TOM: Plus, it's got vinyl seats, so you can just wipe up the melted mozzarella and spilled tomato sauce. Try doing that with your beautiful Toyota velour! Good luck, Bo.
Beat up old car

Back to the March 2005 index

Find a local paper that carries the Car Talk column.

Auto repairs can be costly! Save money by ordering 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.