Looks like I’ll be dipping into savings to pay for some needed work on Nina, my Nissan Altima.
I’ve had Nina for seven years and plan to drive that car until the wheels fall off.
Nina hit 100,000 miles recently and I had long planned to get her a thorough checkup at that milestone to make sure we were good for several more years. Thankfully, Nina didn’t need much work. She needed two new tires and an alignment, and I got an oil change and other checkups for good measure, totaling about $580. She might need suspension work (please Lord no), but I figured I’d spend about $1,000 all told getting her back into top shape.
No, I did not set aside $1,000 over the past year to pay for this maintenance. Generally, as many of you know, you set aside this money spread over several months. Yes, yes, but I have money saved for six months of living expenses including typical annual expenses (such as car insurance) and I think taking money out for this reason is fine. Of course, I need to replenish that account and I will do that of course.
This is yet another reason I’m glad to be debt free: If my car needs repairs, I have money saved to take care of it. I can charge the repairs, get the points on my card, then pay it off — not building debt or delaying debt repayment. I’ve been debt free for two years and it still amazes me how much better life is without consumer debt hanging on your shoulders!
I figured if I got 10 years out of the car, then I did well, but Nina has more than three years left in her. Spending $1,000 every few years is far more reasonable than spending $20,000+ for three years.
So, Nina, you just keep on keeping on. 
