We were elated no end when friends and associates ribbed us for having owned a brand new car. But what they did not know was the reality of having a car which is more of a liability rather than an asset. As our latest mode of private transport, it was to some people, an achievement of sort. But what do you get, instead? On hindsight, if only this BGlante knew from the start that we were in for a big problem, we should have decided to forego any plan to buy a new car and be contented with our reliable ones. Oh! yes, no use crying over spilt milk. Anyway, with our new acquisition which turns out to be a monster in gas consumption, we are left with no option but to bear and grin it.

Just what kind of vociferous beast is this car made up?

After having been fed up with the manual transmission where we have been used to with our old models, we tried the automatic kind, the type that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually. The latest model of a Korean- made sedan, the automatic car consumes at least P300.00 of unleaded gas every day for a round trip to Baclayon and back to this city. If this car is not a gas guzzler, then, tell this BGlante what is. For this harassed motorist, the P300 daily budget is too much. Even if one is earning say P1,000 a day, still the P300 cutback for gasoline outlay is too much. For three months, we have been in this ordeal of spending good money for gasoline alone.

Is there any solution in sight?

One possible option is to see the car dealer, if at all, this kind of vehicle, has a voracious appetite for gas. If so, the most prudent thing to do is to return it to its dealer and never mind the money spent for down payment and one month first installment. After weighing the do’s and don’ts of an automatic transmission, we’ve come to the conclusion that it’s still cheaper to have a vehicle operated manually. Automatic, anyone?