[Healeys] Just want to vent!

[Robert Duquette]

Sounds like he accomplished his goal of raining on your parade, if that was
his intention.  He may have just been teasing you though for driving a Jag
instead of a Healey! ;)
I had no idea what your car looked like, so I googled it and came up with
this:http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z1636/Jaguar-MK-IX.aspx
That's really nice!  ( even had laptop trays built in in the back seat area!!!
:) )

I guess there's at least 2 ways to go at this.
I think your reply was good, except perhaps for the "sheepishly" part.  Keep
the smile on your face and give an enthusiastic "Does it ever!  Just like a
dream come true!"

The other way, is to say "Yes, ... thanks!  They're not like the modern car
though, they require a bit of regular tinkering and maintenance.  Everyone
needs a hobby, I guess.  Keeps me out of trouble."  Perhaps he walks away
believing that he has made the right choice for him and you can feel good
about yourself for not lowering yourself to sniping back at him.  And, really
it hasn't changed your opinion of your car.  So, 2 people happy and the world
is a better place?

Don't let the sniping get to you.  You bought the car to please yourself, not
to please others.  I don't think the intention is to really PO the guy or
you'll just be extremely nervous next time you leave the car unattended in a
parking lot near there.

I once got told ( about my MG ) in a tone that sounded like "poor choice of
car buddy!" )  "I knew a guy with one of these.  He spent half of his time
with it fixing it!"  I replied honestly with a genuine smile and enthusiasm
"That's half the fun!"  And his expression turned to one of understanding and
he smiled.


----------------------------------------
> All -
>
> Yesterday I was in a public parking lot and I had the bonnet open on my '59
> Jag Mk IX - I was simply replacing the fuse for the interior panel lights.
> The car runs perfectly and I drive it daily (as all of my cars) - I tend to
> be maniacal about keeping my cars on the road and in perfect working order.
> This car is beautifully maintained and is a solid 5 footer. 73K original
> documented miles.
>
> So.... for the all of three minutes that I am changing this fuse in the
> parking lot, some guy walks by and says matter-of-factly "Does that thing
> run?" and gets in his crappy Nippo-BJ9 and drives away.
>
>
> 1) Why the **** can't these people say "nice car" instead?
> 2) What possess these people to think up the most negative thing to say?
> 3) Do any of you have a clever retort for such nonsense?
>
>
> I sheepishly said "yes this car runs just fine" but later was unsatisfied
> with my response, especially while I'm busy with the bonnet up.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.
>
> Alan
> _______________________________________________