Weekend in a Nut Shell

9:00 Saturday Morning

-Called AAA to arrange car to be towed to AAA approved mechanic.

-Tow truck arrives and off we go.

9:30 Saturday Morning

-Arrive at said mechanic.

-Mechanic is very nice and remembers my name from our phone conversation.

-Two points for him.

10:30 Saturday Morning

-Evil Mechanic (formerly known as Mechanic) tells me my alternator is shot and it's going to cost $600 to replace it.

-Calls ensue to various people verifying that it is RIDICULOUS to be charged $600 for an alternator.

-EM (formerly known as Evil Mechanic) says, "Oh...you have AAA? It's going to be $450 in that case."

-Inform EM I will NOT be paying anything over $200 for an alternator.

-EM becomes defensive and says it's impossible to find an alternator for a 2 year old car on a Saturday.

-Not true!!

-Calls to AutoZone and O'Reilly confirm alternators cost $130 and require an hour's worth of labor at most ($70).

-Unless I'm mistaken, $130 + $70 = $200

11:00 Saturday Morning

-Mom and Mario begin calling their friends.

-Friend who owns alternator shop agrees to check the alternator and promises to only charge $35 worth of labor.

-Inform EM I will be towing my car BACK to my apt.

-Sit at home contemplating my options for the rest of the day.

5:00 Sunday Afternoon

-4th Driver from Imperial Towing arrives to pick up car.

-Ride with driver and friend to Cleburne.

-Get invited to 4th of July party and BBQ by driver.

-Drop Car off at shop.

-Watch Cowboys lose.

11:00 Monday Morning

-Shop calls.

-Alternator is fine.

-Battery is not.

-Problem solved.

11:30 Monday Morning

-Complaint is made to AAA about EM.

-Account is credited two roadside assistances.

-AAA is great.

-Imperial Towing is great.

-City Garage and EM are not.