Monday, August 30, 2010

a letter to the editor


Remember used cars? A term, that stood for decades, but now in our politically correct environment are called pre-owned. Let me tell you, all cars are preowned. The factory owned them before the dealer bought them, and then even if you are the first titled owner, you are still the third owner. They are used-after you purchase the car and drive it. And yes-pre owned also. Your choice. But for the past decade or so the factories have come out with certification programs, programs to have the cars meet a certain criteria set up by the manufacturer. And in many cases, the cars are in better shape with a better warranty than when they were new. At least to the original retail owner.
Certified cars have been inspected, and all things brought to new specs. New factory parts, by factory trained technicians, and the best thing of all-a warranty that is better than the new car warranty. Usually up to 100,000 miles. Not bad. And someone else has taken the initial depreciation, so they are priced pretty good. But not all cars meet certification, or are worth investing money in to make them meet the standards. And these cars end up on independent used cars lots, and at a lower price. And when dealing with luxury cars, can be real expensive to repair. Many cars are bought at auction, and if a dealer passes on them, you know they are bad. And these are the cars the independents usually sell. I know, even though they are still in warranty sometimes, the wear items, or damaged items aren't. Truly a buyer beware market-based on price, the new owner, at least for a few weeks, got what he thought he bought.
I grimaced when I saw yet another CARFAX ad the other day. As if buying a car with a CARFAX report guarantees a great car. For you see, what they don't tell you is that CARFAX is only a reporting agency, not an investigative one. They only report what is public record, or gleaned from factory information, which is usually proprietary-not available to them. Ask yourself, if your car is in an accident, are you going to call CARFAX and tell them? Will you give up your private information to a third party, you don't know? So they are restricted, very restricted to what they can report. To me misleading, but to the ignorant consumer, a possible burden. It in no way guarantees the history or condition of the car. BUYER BEWARE!
Today we have many so-called Christian authors, and speakers who inject opinion, view points, and some times rumor and innuendo into their writing. My prayer is always "Lord, please keep my opinions and the gospel separate. Lead by your spirit, not my words." And I encourage you to check my statements with the Word. Not your opinion, but God. We both can be right, or both wrong. God never fails. It is His word that will last. And unlike a CARFAX, He knows all the information, not just what is reported to Him, and is willing to give to those who ask, willingly. Then it is up to you after you have prayed to take His advice. Godly advice only works when applied. Coulda, shoulda, woulda, don't count. You may not agree with His answer, but He will lead you through, not around your trial. Successfully, but you must follow His instructions, and let His plan play out.
Before you buy into more problems, check out God and His word first. Beware of any thing else, and anyone who forces opinions on you. God said test the spirits, always good advice. And Godly. Good intentions don't always bring Godly results, only in Jesus will you find that. Never say "Mike says," quote God. Long after our words are gone, His will remain.
Used lives are like used cars, a lot of hidden flaws. Go to the one who designed and built you, and never end up saying "I wish I had asked God first." So ask Him first today, good advice, and even found in scripture. Matthew 6:33. Look it up. Don't trust me, trust God. And his word, the only true facts out there.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com