Have I ever told you about this problem before? Hm... guess not, so here goes. My 206 has been in repairs since last Monday, 19th. The mechanics told me that there were problems in the Automatic Transmission systems, and they're doing their best to fix that. But until today, there is no avail. So my dad went to the garage and check the car.

Surprise, surprise. They can't repair the Automatic Transmission, and the only way to get my car working again would be to replace the transmission unit. And guess the price, gentlemen? I must pay Rp. 38 million (about 4,470 USD). Of course my father disagrees, because the car is relatively new and it has been never used for long trips. I bought it on September 2001, and until today it has only went 23,370 KMs (about 14,600 miles).

The only option left is to file in a Letter of Complaint to the central office in Jakarta. The director of Surabaya has agreed to help us file the claim, and now what is left is too see whether or not PT. Astra France Motor will cover the entire repair cost. It is just absurd, people. Just imagine, a 2-years old car, with only that much of distance travelled, has underwent so many repairs before. To name a few, during the past it has broke the Power Steering oil channel, the Hand Brake (it went nasty and can't brake firmly), and yes, most oftenly I had to take the car in because of transmission problems. European cars just can't work here in Asian countries... especially Indonesia.

All that is left is to surrender the matter to God. Selling the car and buying a new one (though I would like a new car so much) is not an option. So whether Astra will pay or not it will depend on God. If He has a plan, He will see it to the end, no matter which way it will take, and no matter whether I'll end up being paid or not, it will bring goodness to me. So, tonight I will "file in a Letter of Rescue Request" to Father God. I don't have the luxury of paying that 4,470 USD to fix the car, so if I'm not being paid in the end, I guess I will have to see what plan does He have yet to unveil for me. I need the car fast, from February 10th I will have to use it again to go to campus.

........so much for the Car of the Year 2001 and European Choice Car 2001. Guess we can never trust to go with the majority. It may be the best in Europe, or heck, even the world in 2001. But for me... *thumbs down*


••• Wednesday, January 28, 2004 •••