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Diana1215
Living on a prayer!!!
Member since 10/05 29450 total posts
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Diana
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What do you think about elderly people driving
We are having some issues with my grandmother and driving now. She is 86 years old, and while she is still in good health - she has some issues with her eyes and she is super teeny that I don't think she can really see over the dashboard.
My mom and her sisters want her to drive to and from church and Pathmark only, and they do not want her picking up her friends from now on god forbid they get into an accident. My grandmother is not happy about this and wants to do whatever she wants.
Well, the reason I bring this up is because this morning I was in the bagel store and an adorable little old man with a walker - who could barely walk at all - was driving. It took him a LONG time to get to his car that was only a few feet away. It got me to thinking - if he can barely walk to the car does he really have the reflexes it takes to drive a car?
What does everyone think about this? I get so nervous not only for them - but for the other people driving on the road!
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Posted 6/17/07 10:01 AM  |
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SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
It makes me nervous when I see elderly people on the road driving REALLY slow, like 40 MPH on the LIE or not being able to park, etc. our neighbor is the sweetest old lady, but she's had 1/2 a dozen accidents in the past few years. she's even been hosipiatlized a few times from the injuries. and she's still driving 
ETA: it takes our neighbor literally 5 minutes to park at the complex where we live. she pulls in and out, in and out, gets out of the car, looks at the car, gets back in, in and out, etc... it's scary 
Message edited 6/17/2007 10:06:42 AM.
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| Posted 6/17/07 10:03 AM |
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JennZ
MY LIFE!!
Member since 8/05 25463 total posts
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
Honestly they should be given retests after the age of 65, my grandfather drove until he was 82 and we had to take his keys from him after I watched him hit the pole at stop and shop. He had no idea he had hit it. If not for that he would have driven until he died, which may have been sooner if we didnt take the keys. My grandmother and her girlfriend who are all over 80 drive into town and go to Crickets 3 times a week for lunch and they SHOULD not be driving. But Pam, the head driver wont stop. I have gotten stuck behind them on the road and its not fun. If they cant walk personally I think they shouldnt drive. They are a danger to themselves and others.
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| Posted 6/17/07 10:06 AM |
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SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
Posted by JennZ
Honestly they should be given retests after the age of 65, my grandfather drove until he was 82 and we had to take his keys from him after I watched him hit the pole at stop and shop. He had no idea he had hit it. If not for that he would have driven until he died, which may have been sooner if we didnt take the keys. My grandmother and her girlfriend who are all over 80 drive into town and go to Crickets 3 times a week for lunch and they SHOULD not be driving. But Pam, the head driver wont stop. I have gotten stuck behind them on the road and its not fun. If they cant walk personally I think they shouldnt drive. They are a danger to themselves and others.
ITA!
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| Posted 6/17/07 10:07 AM |
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luvsbob4603
To a healthy 2013
Member since 5/05 21840 total posts
Name:
To a brand new year to a healthier me
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
Posted by Diana1215
We are having some issues with my grandmother and driving now. She is 86 years old, and while she is still in good health - she has some issues with her eyes and she is super teeny that I don't think she can really see over the dashboard.
My mom and her sisters want her to drive to and from church and Pathmark only, and they do not want her picking up her friends from now on god forbid they get into an accident. My grandmother is not happy about this and wants to do whatever she wants.
Well, the reason I bring this up is because this morning I was in the bagel store and an adorable little old man with a walker - who could barely walk at all - was driving. It took him a LONG time to get to his car that was only a few feet away. It got me to thinking - if he can barely walk to the car does he really have the reflexes it takes to drive a car?
What does everyone think about this? I get so nervous not only for them - but for the other people driving on the road!
I think if a elderly person cant really walk as well and if their eye's are getting really 'bad' that they cant see or their memory start's going , I think they shoud not be driving anymore.... I think once they hit in their 80's they should not drive. anymore if they are not all there!
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| Posted 6/17/07 10:14 AM |
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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
I agree with most, but there is a difference with a person who is slow moving and who is cognitively impaired.
A retest should be done on eyesight and congnitive functions. Also, I think that should be a regular part of the driving test for everyone.
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| Posted 6/17/07 10:23 AM |
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munchkinbugs
My little loves!
Member since 1/06 8093 total posts
Name:
Lisa
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
I agree with the road test thing. Some older people drive like drunk drivers. They shouldn't be on the road.
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| Posted 6/17/07 10:26 AM |
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CAT215
The Merlster
Member since 10/06 2540 total posts
Name:
Cathie
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
It must be hard for your Grandmother to give up her independance, but I understand what you are saying, it is scary sometimes when you see really old people driving. What does your Grandmother say about it? Maybe she could retake a driving test to prove she is OK?
In England once you hit 70 you have to retake your test. My Dad is 80 and he wasn't able to rent a car here in NY when they came to visit me, even though he is as fit as a fiddle and still in possession of all his marbles!
I hope this works out for you well for your family 
Message edited 6/17/2007 10:31:03 AM.
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| Posted 6/17/07 10:30 AM |
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Diana1215
Living on a prayer!!!
Member since 10/05 29450 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
Posted by CAT215
It must be hard for your Grandmother to give up her independance, but I understand what you are saying, it is scary sometimes when you see really old people driving. What does your Grandmother say about it? Maybe she could retake a driving test to prove she is OK?
In England once you hit 70 you have to retake your test. My Dad is 80 and he wasn't able to rent a car here in NY when they came to visit me, even though he is as fit as a fiddle and still in possession of all his marbles!
I hope this works out for you well for your family
My grandmother is too funny....there is all this going on right now about her NOT driving - and yesterday she tells us "I think I want to buy myself a new car"  WHAT??!!! She knows that she really can't drive far now. She just had eye surgery and the doctor told her only to and from the local places she goes to and that's it.
I know that losing her independence must be the hardest part but in the end she has to think about her safety and the safety of others.
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| Posted 6/17/07 10:35 AM |
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dpli
Daylight savings :)
Member since 5/05 13973 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
I know someone younger than your grandmother who had surgery for cataracts and really shouldn't have been driving, but she was too stubborn to admit she needed someone to drive her to work.
I also think people should be re-tested when they are older. If they can pass the test, great, if not, they shouldn't drive. Another challenge with the testing, though, is with people who are in the beginning stages of alzheimer's. They can be lucid and drive well the day of the test, but then a few days later be a danger on the road.
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| Posted 6/17/07 10:40 AM |
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LittleBlueBug
Happy Mommy
Member since 9/06 4074 total posts
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
I think there should be a re-test to check if they are still ok to drive.
It's hard because they are adults and they do not want their independance taken from them. Yet, you want them to be safe.
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| Posted 6/17/07 10:46 AM |
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
It scares me- they are a danger to themselves because there are so many impatient, aggressive drivers out there, and I have seen some elderly people going really, really slow. And they can be dangerous to others too.
DH and I both have family members who should not drive, but it's so hard to get them to agree. The loss of independence, as another poster said, is the hardest thing.
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| Posted 6/17/07 11:02 AM |
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LightUpOurLife
Totally in love
Member since 8/06 12785 total posts
Name:
Bonnie-Jean
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
My BIL made a deal with his mom. He said that if she can drive with him in the car and pass a basic drivers ed test, then she can keep her license. She drove one block and almost side swiped a car. He said ok, park the car. She did. He got out, walked over to the drivers side, opened her door, helped her out, walked her around to the passenger side. That was the last time she ever drove. When they got home she handed him her drivers license. She and only she can realize that she is a danger.
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| Posted 6/17/07 11:28 AM |
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MelToddJulia
Love my Family!
Member since 7/05 29064 total posts
Name:
Mel
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
Posted by babybug631
I agree with the road test thing. Some older people drive like drunk drivers. They shouldn't be on the road.
ITA!! Give them a road test!
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| Posted 6/17/07 11:45 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
The problem with this issue is that while it makes sense to require retesting every year after 65, AARP is one of the largest advocacy groups in the country, so politically, it just cannot be done, so the responsibility lies in family. If you see that a parent or grandparent cannot and should not drive, you must intervene, not only for their sake.
My father is so good with night driving anymore, so I've had several conversations with him about it. And, now, even though it's been 6 weeks post-heart surgery, and he's just weaning from the walker to the cane, and even though the Dr. gave him the OK to drive, I've told him I don't think he should just yet, and he has agreed. And, for that reason, I've discussed with him the option of living in a senior/assisted living condo in the city (philly), instead of the 'burbs - that way he'll never have to drive again.
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| Posted 6/17/07 12:01 PM |
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JenandMikey
life is good =)
Member since 5/07 4216 total posts
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
Posted by babybug631
I agree with the road test thing. Some older people drive like drunk drivers. They shouldn't be on the road.
absolutely! i always said that they should have to take the road test over again to make sure they still have the ability....my grandfather stopped driving bc he got into an accident and was semi-blinded....he couldve continued driving like nothing bc he was still relatively young but he didnt bc he was afraid that something would happen to him or someone else
Message edited 6/17/2007 12:11:50 PM.
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| Posted 6/17/07 12:10 PM |
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LuckySV
LIF Adult
Member since 10/05 4675 total posts
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
After working with Alzheimer's patients (and yes the majority of them are still driving despite what we tell the families) I get very nervous when I see an ederly person behind the wheel of a car.
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| Posted 6/17/07 8:36 PM |
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nyteacher13
Three Under Four!!! :-)
Member since 8/06 6405 total posts
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~ THERESA ~
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
I think that people over 65 should have mandatory eye exams, road tests, and medical exams each year they continue to drive.
I hope that I will have enough sense about me to know when I'm not able to drive anymore.
Message edited 6/17/2007 8:46:32 PM.
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| Posted 6/17/07 8:45 PM |
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HarleyGirlFLA
Come on in
Member since 5/05 9674 total posts
Name:
Mel
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
Posted by nyteacher13
I think that people over 65 should have mandatory eye exams, road tests, and medical exams each year they continue to drive.
I hope that I will have enough sense about me to know when I'm not able to drive anymore.
ITA
When I moved to FL and transferred my license over in the DMV their was this elderly man and he had to read the eye chart. This is what he read, R T 4 L 9. DMV person said sir their are no numbers in the chart. Please read 2 lines above that. Man reads J I square 3 G. DMV man says sir their are no numbers or shapes. Please read 2 lines above that. Man reads U I O S. DMV says thank you, very good here you go, your license
The snow birds are worse. Speed limit is 70 well they insist on being in the left lane doing 50.
When you get to be a certain age I completely agree, mandatory road tests, eye exams and everything else
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| Posted 6/17/07 9:00 PM |
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beautyq115
New Year!
Member since 5/05 13729 total posts
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Me
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
I am just so glad that my grandparents never drove (since they lived in Queens and didn't need to) I think it must be so stressful worrying about that
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| Posted 6/17/07 9:01 PM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
Posted by JennZ
Honestly they should be given retests after the age of 65, my grandfather drove until he was 82 and we had to take his keys from him after I watched him hit the pole at stop and shop. He had no idea he had hit it. If not for that he would have driven until he died, which may have been sooner if we didnt take the keys. My grandmother and her girlfriend who are all over 80 drive into town and go to Crickets 3 times a week for lunch and they SHOULD not be driving. But Pam, the head driver wont stop. I have gotten stuck behind them on the road and its not fun. If they cant walk personally I think they shouldnt drive. They are a danger to themselves and others.
ITA. Except I think it should extend beyond reflexes.
My father took my 82 year old grandmother out on his own "test drives" to check her reflexes every couple of months. While her reflexes were fine, her mental capacity had dimished slow enough that he didn't realize how much. Her "forgetfulness" resulted in her going southbound on the northbound Sagtikos. No one was hurt (Thank G-d!). My dad took her keys away & told her that the police told her she couldn't drive anymore.
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| Posted 6/17/07 9:27 PM |
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Diana1215
Living on a prayer!!!
Member since 10/05 29450 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
Posted by nrthshgrl
Posted by JennZ
Honestly they should be given retests after the age of 65, my grandfather drove until he was 82 and we had to take his keys from him after I watched him hit the pole at stop and shop. He had no idea he had hit it. If not for that he would have driven until he died, which may have been sooner if we didnt take the keys. My grandmother and her girlfriend who are all over 80 drive into town and go to Crickets 3 times a week for lunch and they SHOULD not be driving. But Pam, the head driver wont stop. I have gotten stuck behind them on the road and its not fun. If they cant walk personally I think they shouldnt drive. They are a danger to themselves and others.
ITA. Except I think it should extend beyond reflexes.
My father took my 82 year old grandmother out on his own "test drives" to check her reflexes every couple of months. While her reflexes were fine, her mental capacity had dimished slow enough that he didn't realize how much. Her "forgetfulness" resulted in her going southbound on the northbound Sagtikos. No one was hurt (Thank G-d!). My dad took her keys away & told her that the police told her she couldn't drive anymore.
That is so scary - thank god she wasn't hurt (or anyone else!)
There was a store right by my parents house that sold customized kids gifts (like desks, and toy chests etc) -- well, one morning an elderly man ran his car right into the store front window and took out the entire store. Thank god it was before the store opened. I always have this story in the back of my mind when I think of my grandmother driving.
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| Posted 6/17/07 9:31 PM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
i know how hard it is to "take away" a grandparent's independence but it must be done.
An elderly woman just drove her car into my FH's store! She did this in the middle of the day in a crowded parking lot that ALWAYS has little kids walking around. Thank G*d no one was hurt . . . BUT even though her front two wheels were entirely in the store - her wheels were still spinning and smoking meaning that she STILL had her foot on the gas!
After the cops got all of her information - she proceeded to go into the fruit store and continue shopping. It was like she didn't understand what just happened - she never even apologized to my FH!
She could have killed someone! And there is nothing we can do to stop her from driving. If I had driven INTO a store they probably would have given me a breathalyzer - but nothing was done to this woman.
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| Posted 6/17/07 10:03 PM |
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sfp0701
Liam's Mommy!
Member since 1/07 9764 total posts
Name:
Tricia
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
Posted by Blu-ize
I agree with most, but there is a difference with a person who is slow moving and who is cognitively impaired.
A retest should be done on eyesight and congnitive functions. Also, I think that should be a regular part of the driving test for everyone.
We tried to legally get my grandpa's taken away for cognitive functioning since my grandma refuses to agree with us that he can't drive. It is a such an awful situation. We wrote the DMV.. they brought him and told him he needed a dr. note. The regular dr. and nuerologist refused to sign it so they got some cardiologist to sign it... He should be sued for malpractice IMO... they went to the DMV and he passed a written test and a road test.. HE HAS DEMENTIA!!!!!! Thank god he is hardly driving anymore and my grandma has gotton so weak they don't really leave the house.. but occasionally they do. And there is nothing we can do about it. They will not give us thier keys.. they scream and yell and throw us out of the house.. It gets scary.. it is the WORST position to be in. We took the cars once and told my grandma. In a moment of weakness she agreed. He was INSANE about it and kept thinking his car was stolen. He was calling the police to report it stolen and calling us.... beligerant.. we were fearing for my grandma's safetly since people with dementia can become violent. It is a problem we are trying to address everyday of our lives.. again it is a strange blessing that they are almost becoming homebound. That is the only way we are going to win this battle. And we got them homecare to cook for them and grocery delivery so they really have no reason to leave now.
but in closing.. There has to a be an easier way.. Something that goes along with a diagnosis of dementia. Something that takes it out of the families hands. Because if it was a law and they explained it to him when got the diagnosis and was still able to comprehend what was happening we wouldn't be doing this now. It is not only hard to take away a car but it you don't have the support of the spouse it can be impossible. There is a lot of denail that goes on with dementia.. It is so stupid.. I get so angry with them.
Message edited 6/17/2007 10:10:49 PM.
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| Posted 6/17/07 10:08 PM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
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Re: What do you think about elderly people driving
i can't even imagine how hard this must be to deal with - thank goodness my grandmother never drove
However, when we took away her pills from her - she screamed and yelled and then didn't speak to us for weeks - it was horrible
BUT you have to do it sometimes, even if you aren't their favorite person. I know that at that time we thought my grandmother was fine - but then slowly realized that she would run out of pills WEEKS before she should have. . .she must have been taking 5 or 6 pills a day instead of just one!! She could have killed herself! SO in the end, we made the right decision. . . she was in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's.
I know this may not be the nicest thing to do - but I know a few people that have taken parts out of the car so the car won't start and they can't afford a new one. . . sometimes you need a mechanic to also lie for you. I know it sounds horrible -but it may be for the best.
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| Posted 6/17/07 10:18 PM |
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