Last week I spent $400 to get a new O2 filter in the purple Tracker, sometimes known as the Sinister Transport Vehicle. Yesterday, I spent $60-some for a new tire. Yesterday afternoon I noted that the purple Tracker (now known as the Tracker of Despair and Disillusionment ) is running rather rough. This morning, it's even rougher and the dreaded Check Engine light has reared its ugly head yet again.

Please note that the Purple Tracker of Despair still needs a front-end alignment, the A/C still does not function, and the tailpipe is rather rusty. So much for my vaunted Eight Month Plan to pay off credit cards.