It's time for a vehicle inspection, and I'm driving a 20-year-old Vitz, excuse me

The vehicle inspection period is approaching, and I'm feeling depressed.

After all, I'm driving a Vitz that's nearly 20 years old.

Will it even pass inspection?

To begin with, I have no interest in cars; I just think they should run.

If I could, I'm the type who wouldn't want to drive even 30 centimeters.

Just the thought of contacting a dealer to get a quote for the inspection is already weighing on me.

It's nothing to brag about, but I'm at a mature age and still socially anxious.

I mean, I'm already nervous just thinking about making the call.

I can manage to be professional when I'm at work, but in my daily life, even making a reservation for dinner over the phone feels like something I have to take a deep breath and steel myself for before dialing.

Calling a car dealer is an even higher hurdle for me.

But it's not that I'm afraid of being pressured by a salesperson asking, 'How about a new car?' In the first place, I never get asked that anyway.

By the way, there is a reason for this.

About ten years ago, I went to a dealer to get a quote for a vehicle inspection.

The person in charge there recommended that I trade in for a new car. Of course, that's their job, so it's only natural.

My wife had also told me many times, 'It's about time you bought a new one,' but I didn't feel the need. After all, as long as it runs, it's fine.

I left my car, sat at a table in the consultation area drinking coffee, and was idly looking at the shiny new cars on display in the showroom. Then, the salesperson noticed my gaze and came over.

Do you have any plans to replace your car soon?

Well, I've been thinking about replacing it, actually.

Really! What kind of car are you looking for?

That's the problem. I really do want to buy one, I swear. But my wife just won't allow it.

Is that so?

"That's exactly it. It's a flat-out 'No!' In other words, if I want to replace the car, the first step is that I have to replace my wife, who is against it, so that's the order of things.

"..."

"Could you help me with that?"

"Huh? You mean with your wife?"

"Yes."

"That's a bit..."

Ever since we had that conversation, the topic of a new car hasn't come up. Even when the sales representative changes, that tradition is faithfully upheld.

However, even without talk of a new car, the psychological hurdle remains high.

After all, every time I bring the car in, they look shocked.

I try to drive safely, but since I don't worry about the small stuff, my Vitz is covered in scratches and dented here and there.

On top of that, I rely on the rain to wash it, so it's always dull.

My out-of-place car pulls into the neatly cleaned dealership office. I want to park it secretly in an inconspicuous corner, but I get guided to a bright spot. I feel like saying, 'Don't look at me.'

When I park the car, the waiting sales representative rushes over to check for scratches before the inspection.

But they stand there stunned at the sheer number of scratches, so I immediately speak up.

"You don't need to check. Even if there are more scratches, I wouldn't notice, and I don't care."

The relieved expression on the sales representative's face.

It's not just the body that's covered in scratches. The wheel caps are scratched up too.

Once, while driving, I scraped against a curb and the wheel cap came off; I was astonished when I realized it was rolling along right next to the car.

When I drop off the car, eventually the maintenance staff comes over with an apologetic look, and we have this conversation.

"Um, about the front left wheel cap, it's quite cracked. Once we take it off, there's no guarantee we can put it back on. We can take it off, but... "

"It's fine. I'll put it back on myself."

The relieved expression on the mechanic's face.

The DVD-based car navigation system hasn't functioned at all since I lost the DVD right after buying the car new. Besides, it doesn't support digital broadcasting, so the TV doesn't work either.

Because of that, I drive it with the same feeling as wearing a pair of worn-out sneakers.

I don't need to worry about someone scratching my car while it's parked. In fact, the cars that park next to me later seem to worry about it themselves, parking as far away as possible. I've never even worried about it being stolen.

A car that frees my mind from everything other than driving.

When I return from an outing, it quietly goes to sleep in the parking lot until its next turn. Just like an old dog sleeping by the bedside.

Even if parts need replacing, I'm not sure if they can even be ordered anymore.

I wonder how much longer we can be together.

I hope it passes the vehicle inspection.