I’ve calmed down a bit about the repeat car engine computer theft, so now: my current course of action for deciding what the hell to do about my car, and about my mobility around the city in general:
1. Monday morning, call Jim Matson Automotive, the nice dudes that got me my “new” engine computer last theft. Try to find out what they think about the possibility of selling a car sans engine computer to a dealer or someone (my guess right now is that this isn’t gonna fly cuz any buyer’s gonna want to test drive first).
2. If I can sell sans engine computer, call Honda of Hollywood and other Honda dealers, let them know the situation, and hopefully get rid of it tout suite. If selling sans engine computer’s not gonna work, ask Jim Matson if they can install another “new” engine computer in a way to make it harder to steal, as Patrick of Pat’s Garage kindly suggested.
3. If Jim Matson sez they can install the computer in a hard-to-steal sort of way, go for it and deal with the question of whether or not to get rid of the car later. If Jim sez no, then just get the damn thing installed. While Jim’s working on installing it, call Honda of Hollywood and/or other Honda dealers and inquire about selling the car to them. Then when it’s ready, drive it straight to the dealer and sell it.
By this point — which’ll hopefully be by Monday afternoon — I’ll either 1) be waiting for Mut to get a difficult-to-steal engine computer installed, or 2) have no car cuz I sold it (or will be selling it after it gets its computer installed).
What do you think of my plan? If there are crucial things I’m not considering, please please please let me know.
Update, 1/16/07: Now I’m considering selling Mut to Carmax –
You’re probably going to get a slightly better price going to Carmax with your car. You’ll get a MUCH better price selling it yourself, although I can see, as a single woman, not wanting to deal with that whole mess.
Comment by don hosek — January 14, 2007 @ 12:03 pm
It could had been worse. I had my entire engine stolen from my 12 year old Integra. Been carless since then and now using Flexcar when needed.
Comment by Jason — January 14, 2007 @ 1:49 pm
Hey don — My main concern with going the Carmax route is — where am I gonna keep the car while waiting for it to sell? My only option’s to park on the street, and the engine computer could get stolen before the first buyer comes along…
Jason — What city do you live in?
Comment by Siel — January 14, 2007 @ 5:35 pm
Siel: I live in downtown LA. Oh and my computer got stolen twice a few years before too, when it was parked in San Francisco residential streets. Perhaps you can get a monthly pass for a garage in Santa Monica until you are able to sell it or temporarily lower your insurance’s comprehensive deductable.
Comment by Jason — January 14, 2007 @ 7:53 pm
sorry to hear this siel. i too know the troubles of honda civic break-ins all too well. my car has been “molested” 3 times, but for the stereo (i didn’t even know that the computer could be stolen!!!). i opted to not replace the stereo after the last time.
i did go carless here in la when i got back from indonesia this past year and i loved it. i was living in venice and bus/bike commuted for a few months. i would have kept that situation going, but since i lug my massage table around for my bodyworking business, i ended up needing a vehicle.
Comment by vanessa — January 15, 2007 @ 11:54 am
Hey Jason — Right now, I’m thinking of driving the car straight down to Carmax right after it’s fixed. But if I can’t do that, I’ll def. explore the monthly garage option –
vanessa — A car does seem like a necessity for a person in your line of work. I carry a lot of books some days, but it’s a manageable load on public transit –
Comment by Siel — January 15, 2007 @ 10:51 pm