Car troubles

As the daughter of a used-car salesman, our columnist has honed negotiations to a fine art. Or has she?

- AMANDA BLAIR

Husband was encouraging me to spend, which shocked me. I’m married to a man so frugal he refuses to turn the heater on, instead encouraging us to do push-ups to stay warm. A man who buys new underpants every six years, wearing them so thin that the gusset is gone-eth before he chucks them. Then he suggests we use the remnants for cleaning rags or to “tie stuff up” (?). He uses things until they completely outlive their purpose, which I totally respect. So, it was out of character when he suggested we trade in my trusty, reliable and much-loved Tarago.

This car has seen me through the rigours of family life that only four children (plus friends, dogs and guinea pigs) can provide. It’s never broken down, turns on a coin and has safely transported us for 14 years. It’s more than a car, it’s my companion, my best friend. Number one child said to me the other day, “It’s an ICON,” and I agreed.