In the exquisite HBO series "Six Feet Under" (which is about a family that runs a funeral service), each episode begins with a death. In one, a young businessman dies suddenly and the widow is asked by the undertakers what type of car her husband drove. Upon being told it was an expensive BMW, the undertakers suggest that her late husband be buried in an elaborate $6,000 casket, befitting her late husband's affluence. Going by that reasoning, I would probably be buried in a cardboard box because the car I drive is probably the cheapest model being sold in Hong Kong, a 1998 Mazda 323.
I bought it second-hand on moving to Sai Kung because the previous car I owned, a Honda Civic, didn't have air bags and the 50km round trip commute to the Chinese University in rainy weather could be dangerous. The Mazda now has over 115,000kms, and, considering the Jags, Mercs, Lexuses, and BMWs of my neighbors in Clover Lodge (no Rolls Royce in sight yet!), its a blot on the landscape. But, the Mazda has been a reliable friend, not stranding me even once over the past 10 years I've owned it. To me, a car is not a prized possession (it's just a metal box on wheels that gets me from one place to another), so the car is full of scratches and dents. I have a ready can of midnight blue spray paint, and that's how the scratches are covered up. Not being a torturer of domestic helpers, I didn't ask mine to wash the car everyday, only once a month or so (and, currently, I don't have a domestic helper, anyway).
And the man who has kept the Mazda in top running condition is S.K., who is the most reliable mechanic I've met, and, being dependant on my car, is easily one of the best things that happened to me the in Hong Kong. Before coming to Hong Kong, I lived in the States where a visit to a mechanic was seen with dread, a guarantee of another rip-off. I didn't expect anything better in Hong Kong, so S.K. came as a wonderful surprise.
I don't take the car to S.K. He comes to me. On the rare occasion when a repair is needed (such as when I smash-up a parking light!), I call him up. Otherwise, he reminds me when the MOT is due, picks up the car, does the routine upkeep (new spark plugs, breaks, fan belts, tires, engine and break oil replacement, etc), does the MOT, and returns the car to my home. Old parts that were replaced are brought for my inspection (although I barely spare a glance). S.K. keeps meticulous records of the car and reminds me when a new battery or timing belt is needed. Over the years, I have recommended his services to nearly twenty people and have heard nothing but praise for him.
S.K. goes out of the way to help his clients. He showed one, who was new to Hong Kong, how to drive from Sai Kung to Pokfulam. When this friend's car broke down recently, S.K. summoned a tow truck and kept calling her (it was evening and she was standing beside a busy road) till the tow truck turned-up.
So, this is my tribute to S.K. Soon, with retirement coming, I won't be needing a car in Hong Kong. But, wherever I'll be driving, I'll recall S.K's efficiency, his honesty, and his kindness. Thanks, S.K.
S.K.
