How I Roll

I noticed that the outer edge of the driver's side tire of my new old van has worn considerably. As such, the first chore of mine today will be to get a new tire. I figure it'll hit me for around a hundred and a half for an inexpensive one.

But Marty, that sort of wear shows alignment issues. Don't you care about that?

Well, no. What I care about is that I have a 2007 Dodge Town and Country with 231,000 miles on it (hence, 'new old van' compared to my newer older van which is a 1996 with 185 grand against it) that isn't worth perhaps two thousand in front end work.

But better gas mileage!

Enough to overcome a couple thousand bucks over what's left of the life of the van? I doubt it.

Safety, Marty, safety!

I honestly don't think that will be a problem. I hear no clunking or other odd sounds when I drive or when I turn. I ain't concerned.

You'll need another tire in a year.

Maybe. Maybe not. If so, I'll spend another $150 on a cheap new tire then. At that rate, I'll need to get at least ten years out of the old Dodge to have paid for the front end work. The van isn't going to last that long.

Does any of this make sense? I'm open to the idea that it does not, quite honestly. Yet it's what I intend to do, and I'll tell you this: me Grandpa Joe would be proud. And that thought delights me.