A Small Fire, A Tow Truck, And One Heartbroken Goodbye To My Car

"Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve)
07/11/2014 at 18:22 • Filed to: Goodbye Oliver

Yes, my beloved Oliver is leaving. It has been too much trouble, and we have spent so much money on it for such little time it has worked adequately. You have no idea how devastating this is for me, since I expected this car to be kept by the family for years and years to come. The car is currently being fixed, ready to be later sold to a new owner. All of this has a backstory, which I will write with a hole in my stomach and a deep feeling of melancholy.

As gloomy as I am now, a new day started, with clouds filled with water and a gray tone in the skies. Water dropped from the skies as I went into my car and started it up. I always tried to let it warm up for just enough time so the enigne runs smoothly. It may be a 13 year old car, but this was my 13 year old car. I will always take care of my things, even more if they are my car. I went to a store with my mother to buy a piar of pants and make some time whilst the hour to get my brother from a class came closer. Oliver worked excellently, with its A/C nicely cool, windshield wipers solid, and the enigne still pulled with grace. As we left the store to a photo studio for some documents, rain started pounding harder and harder, but my little black Cabrio soldiered on.

As we pulled up into the studio, my mother called my father so he would go for my brother since we could get stuck in a puddle or anything similar. Puddles are huge in Mexico, so we didnt want to risk anything happening to the car. My father told my mother he was in a nearby bank, so I would drop my mom off at the bank and head home whilst they picked up my brother. As I pulled up into the bank I nearly peed myself from what happened. White smoke and a poisoning burnt plastic smell spewed out of the dash through the airvents and trhough the whole door. I pulled up and ran immediately, since it was apparent. My car, was on fire.

My father was inside the bank and we went inside to tell him what had happened. As he finished talking to the bored cashier we stepped out to find that there was still white smoke coming out of the door and the airvents. I oppened the door and the hood and man was the smell unbearable. I was amazed at this. I had only watched it in movies and whatnot but to experience your car smoking at your face whilst driving in the rain, that is something I wont forget. The smoke though wasnt coming from the engine nor the dash. It all came form the door, so we waited a couple minutes so it would turn itself off. It didn't.

As we watched, a random guy with a Colombian accent came by us and started insepctioning. I swear this isnt to spice up the story, but he came and told us to check the fuse box since it could be the motor for the glass (Which had been repared previously) or the motor for the alarm/locks. We checked the fuses and they were as fresh as a Japanese Tuna. He told us that the motor must have blown off with water coming in, and we thanked him for the attention. We then decided to park the car inside the multi-story parking garage with the windows open since we would later come for the car to take it to a mechanic.

My father and I returned with our tools and the smoke was gone. But that smell, that horrid smell was impregnated in the cabin. We took off the door panel and voila. The cheap-o crap-tastic Aftermarket alarm burnt up. The cables were mere black strings that looked like melted chocolate. We cut all the crap off and put some tape around the edges so we could take the car safely, curse like hell to the person that installed the dammned thing, and order him to change it under warranty. The alarm went on for some minutes, so we disconnected the battery. After all the cable work we connected the battery and started it. The 2.0 breathed into life and I let it warm up for a minute, then I took off the the most transited street of my city where the car decided to die.

I was at the exit of the bank and into the first lane with a line of people at the back shouting and honking. I couldn't do anything, he car just wouldn't move. Every time I touched the accelerator it died. I then went out and told all 6 people behind me to turn around and overtake. In a country like Netherlands or Britain, I would probably have only seen some displeasure in their gestures as they passed my car. Well I was in Mexico which means I got angry people staring at my failure. Honks of rage. Swearing, and the worst of all: A woman in a black 4 Runner came up to me and called me irresponsible for putting the car there and that I had caused her an ASTRONOMICAL waste of time. Oh man, if she knew what hell I was going through. This is probably one of the saddest moments I have ever felt, and I know I sound like a baby, but the little empathy people have destroyed me even more.

My father, and some humane men helped us out to push it on the side of the bank in the road, and we called a two truck which came in 15 minutes. Those 15 minutes were enough to decide that I had to sell the car. This had gone too far, and although it may seem like 1 tiny detail may be the only thing affecting it, I just dont feel confidence anymore. I love this car, I really do, but I couldnt take it anymore. The two truck came, and we took it to the mechanic whre it would be fixed so it could later be sold. Seeing my car on top of a tow truck whilst you follow it brought back all the memories I had in only the 5 months I owned the car. I didnt want to finish like this, but it just did.

Now, I am waiting to get it fixed, and for the alarm to be replaced. I will buy something to move around and although I am a die hard Volkswagen enthusiast, its a bit hard trusting another used car from them. Still, I just guess it was Oliver who was plagued with the worst of VAG. I mean, the car didnt come with either an owners manual or service history, so it was also my fault getting into something more complicated than I ever thought. Whatever happens I will always keep that little car in my head for all that it taught me. It showed me pretty much every single issue a car can have, and how to fix it. And for that, I will ALWAYS respect it. Goodbye Oliver, even after evrything that happened, you were the best first car I could ever think of.

DISCUSSION (77)

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 18:26

That is too bad. I am sory for your loss. Any ideas on what you are going to get next?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 18:28

I'm sorry to hear that, man. It was evident to anyone on here that that Cabrio was like a family member to you. Oliver, you will missed. Hopefully he goes to an owner who will love him as much as you did, and hopefully you, with the help of us here on oppo, will find a new car that may, possibly, work its way into your family as well as your garage.

$kaycog > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 18:33

Kinja'd!!!

RIP, Oliver.

ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 18:34

I understand your pain brother.

Manuél Ferrari > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
07/11/2014 at 18:34

I have a guess. Passat TDI

jkm7680 > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 18:36

I'm real sorry to hear that man, Oliver seemed like such a great car. It sucks loosing a car like that. There's always more VAG where that came from. Just if you're into reliability skip the 1.8t :P

As Sm70 said, it did seem like family to you. You definitely cared about it a lot, I hope the next owner takes just as good care of it as you did.

Possibly you can get a 2.8 B5 A4 :)

aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 18:38

Kinja'd!!!

we all know that feel

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 18:44

That's too bad man, but at least you can still chalk it up to experience and move on to your next car better equipped to deal with unforeseen issues. I know it sucks, but this stuff happens, and a you can do is be prepared to deal with it.

mazda616 > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 18:46

That sucks, man. So sorry to hear that. I understand how sad and frustrating it can be to make these types of decisions. :-(

Vicente Esteve > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
07/11/2014 at 18:49

Thanks for the support, and yeah I have been thinking about that. There is a 2005 GT Mustang that me and my father are interested. Sadly, its an auto. But I will search properly now, and make a smarter move.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 18:50

That sucks. That absolutely really sucks. It was pretty obvious you loved that car. I hope you find something you love just as much to replace it.

Vicente Esteve > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/11/2014 at 18:50

Thanks a lot man. I really feel like I am supported here on Oppo. I also want this car to be owned and loved. Hopefully, be able to purchase it in the far future.

I have already started looking for possible cars. But I want this decision to be a good one.

Vicente Esteve > $kaycog
07/11/2014 at 18:51

Haha, I may do that.

Vicente Esteve > ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier
07/11/2014 at 18:51

Thanks a lot. Man do I hate that woman that yelled at me.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 18:52

Do you think you're gonna risk another VAG, or are you moving on?

Vicente Esteve > jkm7680
07/11/2014 at 18:53

Thanks quite a lot, I do hope it gets the same care as I had for it! And yes, I am now concerned most about reliability, though in the end I probably will choose something VAG.

Audis seem quite interesting, the issue is, I live in a damn Pueblo, and getting something nice/cool/in Budget will be quite hard. No matter though, as I love to search.

Manuél Ferrari > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 18:53

what about the Passat TDI?

Vicente Esteve > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion
07/11/2014 at 18:55

You are completley right. I have to move on, I tried all I could to save him. This made me learn so many things though, and I will always remember it for that. On to whats next that will fill its space in the Esteve household.

Vicente Esteve > mazda616
07/11/2014 at 18:56

They are the worst!! Even when you had high hopes after fixing it and driving it. But this is just going to hurt more and more, so I might as well pull the plug.

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/11/2014 at 18:56

I loved it more than any 13 year old $4k car would ever be loved. But yes, I have to move on and be positive of the future.

jkm7680 > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 18:58

Haha, Possibly a GTI from the early 2000's? If you ever need searching, I give you permission to hunt me down.

Vicente Esteve > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/11/2014 at 18:59

This is quite a hard decision for me. See, I plan ons tarting a business where I buy old VWs and restore them for profit, much like what APiDA does. This means I want a good reliable car to take me to the deals and through the fixes of the older VW's. That way I will earn money to later buy me something nice.

Vicente Esteve > Manuél Ferrari
07/11/2014 at 18:59

They dont sell them in Mexico!! They do have TDI Jettas though, but thats just a half assed attempt

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:01

So, not a VW then.

Vicente Esteve > jkm7680
07/11/2014 at 19:01

Haha thanks a lot. I could be interested in something like that. When we were returning home from the mechanic a Mk4 Golf passed us and my father looked at me with that face. I told him, lets just make sure we can sell this car for a good profit. He really likes the mk4 Golf. As do I, favorite gen of Golf. But i have to keep in mind I need something more reliable.

Vicente Esteve > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/11/2014 at 19:02

I still have the VAG love. But anything is possible. Except the obvious like Sentras or Camrys.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:02

Time for a V8, methinks.

Manuél Ferrari > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:03

WTF! Why?

Y U do this to Mexico VAG???

ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:03

Losing a car isn't easy, dealing with a woman like that, even harder!

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/11/2014 at 19:04

So ironic, there is a 2005 Mustang GT my father and I have been eyeing for a while. This may quite be the chance to get it.

Vicente Esteve > Manuél Ferrari
07/11/2014 at 19:05

I DONT KNOW!

Vicente Esteve > ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier
07/11/2014 at 19:05

She was just there to seal the deal.

Manuél Ferrari > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:05

They are mean, mean people :(

jkm7680 > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:06

The TDI or Vr6 seem like the most viable choices for the Mk4. I've read multiple disaster threads on Audizine about how many times their 1.8T has broken and needed to be towed off. As far as reliability goes, It's a mixed bag.

Good luck on the hunt! Any idea what the budget is going to be?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:06

If it's in good condition and has records to prove it's been taken care of, sounds like a good choice.

Vicente Esteve > Manuél Ferrari
07/11/2014 at 19:07

Well. We do have the Stick TDI Amarok, so YAY!

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:07

Exactly, it feels absolutely devastating now, but it's worth the experience of knowing what is and how deal with each issue, what to do when you get stuck on the road, or how to handle a crippled car on a drive of shame back home or to the nearest shop. I've been through some of it with my Tipo and... well, you'll see, maybe your car's dashboard will light up like a christmas tree of warning lights, or your clutch will pop and spit brake fluid all over the road, and you'll just know what to do, because you'll have these experiences in the first place, so cheer up and keep at it. :)

Manuél Ferrari > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:07

what is that? :o

Vicente Esteve > jkm7680
07/11/2014 at 19:10

Thanks!! I would LOVE a VR6, but finding one here is like finding a Holiday Inn in Iran. And also I have been into VR6 reliability stories and they all seem to be pretty normal and Do-Able. I would have to get a damn nice VR6 though, and that would mean a trip to the United States, which is in America.

We bought the car for around $4,200 Dollars, but man, in its condition and working top, as well as fixed I have seen them sell for about $6,000+. People like these things a lot!

Vicente Esteve > jkm7680
07/11/2014 at 19:10

Oh, and a $1k Bonus from my father. Just because.

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/11/2014 at 19:11

Its in the Renault dealership, so it might have already been properly serviced. One tiny detail though, its an Auto. Honestly, I dont want an Auto.

Vicente Esteve > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion
07/11/2014 at 19:12

Oh you are so right! I have learnt quite a lot, and Oppo is always there for support. Thanks for the response.

Vicente Esteve > Manuél Ferrari
07/11/2014 at 19:13

Just, the BEST TRUCK EVER

Kinja'd!!!

I seriously want one.

jkm7680 > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:13

Nice, They're seemingly more common here in the United States if you can bring one back that would be pretty awesome. They seem to sell for more than they do Stateside there, of course we don't love Vdubs as much either :)

It's also a good idea to avoid modified cars if you're looking for reliability, it's getting increasingly harder to find non molested VAG products with manual transmission nowadays.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:14

Pick-up truck bro. Manual pick-up truck.

Vicente Esteve > jkm7680
07/11/2014 at 19:15

TOTALLY TRUE. I dont know why but it is pretty common to modify your car in America. I would love to go there for my car, but I dont think it will happen until I have funds for it and for the trip.

Manuél Ferrari > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:15

Never even seen a pic of one!

Pretty cool

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/11/2014 at 19:17

These are called Saviero's

They are manual mini pickup trucks with a 1.6 engine, and a Volkswagen High Torque System for pullign cows and stuff. I like them a lot, and they are based in the Gol, which has been the best selling car in Brazil for 20 straight years due to its impeccable reliability. it is seriously tempting:

Kinja'd!!!

Vicente Esteve > Manuél Ferrari
07/11/2014 at 19:18

I love it so much!

Manuél Ferrari > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:19

I hope you can get it now or some day in the future then!

Sorry about Oliver

Hang in there. You'll have many cool cars to come

Vicente Esteve > Manuél Ferrari
07/11/2014 at 19:20

Thanks a lot! It means a lot the support I get here. And whatever I buy, I will keep you updated. (Even though it wont be a TDI Passat...)

jkm7680 > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:20

Yeah, it's a big thing to stick everything APR on all VAG products. Honestly, If I had a 1.8t I would. But the only thing that I can do to my 2.8 is a snub mount, that's what probably makes it so reliable. You can't just strip all of the performance parts off of it and then try to sell it off as an original unmodified car because there really aren't that many performance parts that you can put on it in the first place. That's part of the reason why I ended up with one.

Hopefully you'll be with a new car soon! What will you be driving in the meantime?

Manuél Ferrari > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:21

You're welcome!

You should get an E30. And put a TDI in it.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:22

That's pretty god damn awesome.

Did they sell the S-10 or Sonoma down there? They're kinda small and the unkillable 4.3L V6 could be had with a stick.

Vicente Esteve > jkm7680
07/11/2014 at 19:25

Yeah, the fact that the 1.8s are so modded is because you can make insane power and everyone has ways of tuning it. VR6, not so much. I still dont think I would like to modify my car since I like collecting original examples.

Oh I will be driving somehting sweet. They were given by god, and came standard since day 1 I was born. I like them, they are reliable, flexible, and are quite fast. My legs.

Vicente Esteve > Manuél Ferrari
07/11/2014 at 19:28

Oh man, thanks for the tip. An E30 is probably just what I need, they do are bulletproof arent they?

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/11/2014 at 19:28

Yes! There are some running around. Much more common a Ranger, which they seem to be like the the right arm of pretty much everyone with a project car.

jkm7680 > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:30

I like to keep it balanced, a bit of handling, speed and possibly an exhaust system. Not much more than that in order to preserve some of what the car came out of the factory with. Wheels on the other hand, I like to change them up also, and lower it just the right amount.

Hopefully you will have a ride also, Haha.

Manuél Ferrari > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:30

No prob!

I used to have one.

The chassis is bulletproof.

The chain driven 4 banger engines are insanely bulletproof. Mine went to over 250K miles before I sold it. This was the block the turbo charged BMW F1 engine used. And it was strong enough to be boosted to over 1000 HP!

The I6 engines had a timing belt. So if you don't replace it on time the engine implodes.

If you can find a clean E30 318i 5MT for a good price then buy it and never look back!!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:32

Hell, the even the Ranger would be good.

You sir, need a truck.

Vicente Esteve > jkm7680
07/11/2014 at 19:35

Haha, yeah, I also think Tires are pretty important. That what I would spend most money on. I hope I can ride around in my mothers Expedition.

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/11/2014 at 19:35

I am a northern Mexican, so I probably do!

EL_ULY > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:38

Well buddy, from what you said i suppose that yes it's time. Still....

jkm7680 > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 19:41

Haha yeah, I like tires. They kinda make your car safer :)

Vicente Esteve > EL_ULY
07/11/2014 at 19:42

Thanks a lot ULY. Haha, yeah, I am moving on.

Vicente Esteve > jkm7680
07/11/2014 at 19:42

And Handle!

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 21:48

Leaving VW!!!!! I didn't think you would do that. But a stang would be a car that would probably suit you. Also keep Oliver's shift knob to remember him.

Sn210 > Vicente Esteve
07/11/2014 at 21:52

sorry to hear that!

Klaus Schmoll > Vicente Esteve
07/12/2014 at 10:32

In all fairness, you can't really blame VW for a crappy aftermarket alarm.

Vicente Esteve > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
07/12/2014 at 10:44

I am in that inner dilema of leaving VAG or not, but if I do, the car must be a damned Unicorn or something. Haha, I want to sell the car for as most as I can, so I will just keep its front broken spoiler (Which I replaced with a new one).

Vicente Esteve > Sn210
07/12/2014 at 10:45

Thanks man, and yes, I still am sad of saying goodbye.

Vicente Esteve > Klaus Schmoll
07/12/2014 at 10:46

Oh no, but I just fear used cars now. I learned that whatever used car I would buy it had to be 95-100% original, and though it may be hard to find them, it will be worth it.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Vicente Esteve
07/12/2014 at 11:18

I got a great idea. Fix up one of those trucks to be your DD. It is mostly free if you hack them all together to be one running truck.

Vicente Esteve > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
07/12/2014 at 11:21

Haha, then I would be DDing a Chevy Truck. Hmmmmm, DD A Chevy Truck.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Vicente Esteve
07/12/2014 at 11:23

That sounds great. DOOOOOOO IT.

thebigbossyboss > Vicente Esteve
07/14/2014 at 19:11

Sorry to hear man. I remember when I lost my first car. I was driving looking in my mirror when suddenly there was a stopped car ahead of me, which I slammed into.

It was terrible.

Vicente Esteve > thebigbossyboss
07/14/2014 at 20:25

Oh man, today I posted the ad for it. l am quite sad.