I am often asked about how I decide on what to write in this column. In most cases it depends on what I have on my mind on any given day. Today I was pondering the subject of loyalty. There are many forms  of loyalty. You can be loyal to your religion, job, political party, or brand of vehicle that you drive. If you have the mind set that your choices are the best for you, probably  no one will  ever change your mind.

 For example I was listening to talk radio and the conservative host was taking phone calls. If the caller disagreed even a little bit, the host hung up on him. Then he proceeds to tell his audience what a moron the caller is. I'm sure its to keep the ratings up. If it was a boring show, no one would listen. The point is he believes in what he is doing is right and he is loyal to his cause. And without showing favorites I have  heard liberals making comments trying to put down the conservatives. They too are loyal to their cause. 

 Loyalty to a religion has always been a major conflict somewhere in the world for centuries. I guess you could say many lives have been lost for the sake of loyalty. Now let's talk about loyalty to your car brand. There are many people who could care less about what brand they drive as long as its dependable, comfortable, and economical. That's not a bad thing. Then there are those who will only drive one brand. Maybe  because  they have had good luck with them. Maybe it's because their parents always drove that brand. Sometimes if one of their sports heroes drives a particular brand, they will too. Years ago I was working at a gas station and I had the opportunity to talk with the customers on a regular basis. One customer came in every few days for gas with a four wheel drive truck. He was always telling me what a great truck it was. There was a point where he didn't come in for a week or so but when he finally did, I had asked him where he had been and he told me he put a new engine in his truck. It didn't have that many miles on it but even though it needed a new engine, it was the best truck out there. 

 A few months later he had to replace the transmission but it was still the best truck on the road. I don't know if he was abusing this truck but it was not long before he had problems with the differential. However, he said it was the best truck on the road. (And I'm not making this up!) 

 The point is, if you are paying for it and you enjoy driving it and are satisfied, that's all that matters. If you are driving it out of loyalty and it's costing you lots of money to keep it going, that's foolish. 

 I am loyal to one brand but I have at least tried others. Some I liked and some I didn't. At least I gave them a try. And if the brand I like gives me trouble, I would consider others.

 Remember, the only one you have to please is yourself. If you are happy with what you drive, do not let others change your mind. If you ask any car salesman at any new dealership, they will tell you that their cars are the best money can buy. It's your money. Spend it on what you want, not on what others think you should drive. After all, you are the one making the payments.