We finally decided to take the old Prius in for the Necessary Oil Maintenance the dashboard monitor had been displaying for weeks. My husband translated that to oil change which is something he used to be able to handle in the privacy of our driveway for very little cost. But that was before. Prius’ are special … as are most cars started via buttons and not keys. Lord.
So I contacted the dealer we generally use to schedule an oil change. It should take about two hours max, right? I asked. Noooooo, was the snide reply I received. The car needed its 70,000 mile grand nincompoopery of “services.” A dizzying list of valve checks, fluid replacements, tire rotations, brake fluid checks, face lifts, tummy tucks, nose jobs and oh, if there’s rat damage, well you better take out that second mortgage. And … there’s always rat damage. (I’ve long suspected the local auto dealers and repair shops are importing rats from all over the world and releasing them in Contra Costa California with the hearty admonition to go forth and consume the wires, hoses, insulation and whatever else appeals to them in every vehicle … be those vehicles in a garage or in the street! )
For various reasons, I dread going to the Toyota dealer. And so when a coupon arrived from an auto shop within walking distance of my house, I decided to give them a try. They’re a small shop whose owners love vintage cars. Every year they hold a vintage car show that keeps attracting more and more people and so I was surprised they also service newer cars. And they were very friendly; no snide remarks.
I drove over this morning and, as directed, parked the filthy beast behind two mint condition vintage Thunderbirds. After checking in with their staff of amateur comedians (“How long will the service take?” “The rest of the year.”) I decided the weather was perfect for the long walk home. No need for a Lyft. Although the comedians had their doubts. “Try to remember exactly where you are in case you can’t make it and we have to come get you.” Gads. Do I look that old?
Well, I made it. Come with me on my walk, will you?
Above is the beginning of my walk – the sidewalk in front of the community center, library and park. It’s generally a very busy area but not at 8:30 in the morning.
I know I’ve posted pictures of the old Art Deco Theatre before but indulge me once again. The morning light gave it a special glow.
The theater has been putting on various events all summer. The next one involves this guy – seen a couple nights ago passing out fliers.
Can you guess what he was advertising?
The last hill to climb. It’s steeper than it looks but I love passing through the redwood grove. Those trees have been here since before the Pony Express rode through them. The houses are built around them.
It’s gotten hot so the old Prius will probably have to spend the night at the garage. No way I’m walking back over there in the 100 degree heat!
By the way, it was great fun interacting with those of you who checked out my interview on Yvette’s Priorhouse blog! As a result, I look forward to getting to know several new (to me) bloggers and to interviewing Yvette and her fellow writers once their book comes out in October. More on that as it gets closer!
Saying nothing in particular 
What a lovely walk, though I don’t blame you for avoiding a return stroll in that heat.
Oil changes used to be so simple my husband did all our vehicles st home. Not any more…
Ka-Ching!
The shop is so small town that they actually close at 4:30 (about five minutes from now) – it’s still 90 degrees!
Those services are super expensive. I take mine in every 5,000 miles as directed and usually stay in the $100 range, but at least once a year I have to drop close to $1,000, and that really hurts. The car in your first photo looks awesome, and your neighborhood looks wonderful.
I just picked up the car and ended up paying less than the estimate so I’m happy. And it was nice walking to and from the place.
Nice! Paying less is always good news.
I agree that the cost of car services is outrageous. Your walk looks lovely.
These days auto repair shops have to deal with higher rents and insurance costs – plus being a mechanic is no longer considered a decent middle class job! Way back when, my high school offered classes called “Shop” which taught kids how to fix all sorts of mechanical devices including cars!
I took my Prius in last month for its normal maintenance….I find my 2018 hybrid very reliable and only have the usual stuff done, and the best news is this: I go to the service center in Santa Monica California, and while they do their thing, I walk to the Pacific Ocean and along the boardwalk down to Venice Beach, then back to the Santa Monica Pier, which is the end of the iconic “Route 66” in the US…here is the story I posted about the pier and its history: https://johnrieber.com/2024/09/07/americas-iconic-route-66-i-step-to-the-edge-of-the-us-for-you-to-see/
Thanks – I’ll check out your post.
Another reason to love my electric car! A few tire rotations and replacing the air filter now and then (which I can do myself) is about all my car needs. You do have a lovely walk home, though… when it’s not too hot.
I enjoyed this virutal walk with you and loved that view of the art deco theatre – could feel a calmness and enjoyed the angle and light.
Also, sounds like you did the right thing trying out the small auto shop. And laughing with a few of the little lines here, especially this: grand nincompoopery of “services.” hahah
I always prefer small, local businesses over big brands. I always get much better customer service, and some of them go out of their way to help. Additionally, I’m supporting the local high street by using independent retailers.
Walks at that hour of the day are always magical until the summer visitors arrive, but they also help keep the independent retailers in business while I stay indoors within the garden’s boundaries.
I hope you went to the show, The Lost World. It sounds fun.
I plan to – the theater is a five minute walk from my house! We never get any tourists so local businesses depend on the residents.
What a walk that was!