[originaltext]M: I can’t believe you’re still driving around in this piece of j

M: I can’t believe you’re still driving around in this piece of junk.
W: I can’t afford to buy a new car.
M: I’ll bet you can’t afford not to buy a new car.
W: What do you mean by that?
M: Have you ever kept a record of how much you spend to keep this car running?
W: Well, no. But I’m sure maintenance costs are not as much as a monthly payment would be.
M: Have you thought about your losses in pay from the days you’ve missed work because this thing won’t start?
W: It can’t have been that much.
M: There are also the tow truck fees; the taxi and bus fares when you have to resort to taking them, and the amount you spend on fuel for this gas-guzzler of yours.
W: All right. You’ve proved your point, but have you seen how much new cars cost these days?
M: You don’t have to buy a new car.
W: Sure, I could buy a used car, but how could I be certain I wasn’t getting a lemon? You know what used-car salespeople are like.
M: Why not get a used company car? You know, companies such as those that rent cars must provide their customers with new ones. The cars are well maintained, and there isn’t the wear and tear on them that there is on privately owned ones.
W: I’ll bet they’re expensive.
M: Not anything like a new one.
W: Well, I’ll give this new car idea of yours some thought.

M: You must be pretty excited about your trip to Europe. When is it that you’re leaving?
W: In just three weeks and I am excited, but there are still a few things I need to do before I go.
M: Like what?
W: Like renewing my passport, going to the travel agency to buy my plane ticket and figuring out what to do with my apartment while I am gone.
M: You’re not going to give it up, are you?
W: No way, I’ll never find another apartment around here. But I don’t like the idea of paying three months, rent on an empty apartment, either.
M: I don’t blame you. Perhaps you could sublet it.
W: Yes. But who to?
M: Hum, let me think. Oh, I know just the person, an old colleague of mine, Michael Lee is coming here to do some research this summer from June through August.
W: Well, that’s exactly when I’ll be away. It sounds ideal, as long as the landlord agrees.
M: Tell you what. I’ll be calling Michael later this week anyway, so I’ll mention it to him then.
W: Well, thanks, Bill. Let me know what happens. That extra money would really come in handy.