Some people believe in a single god. Others, such as the Maya, believe in multiple gods. I think the Maya are on the right track.

Some time ago "we" decided we need a car. What I really want is an electric car. We have a VW bug and the pieces for the conversion but it just hasn't been progressing. So, I decided to do some shopping.

My conclusion is that it is a year too early at least here in Guatemala. There will be an electric Volvo available in April or May but it is $55,000. It appears that there will be some decent choices available in the next year with price tags in the $35,000 to $40,000 range. That's a big difference — enough to buy a "temporary car" to use for the next year or two.

One of the first options was a used Mahindra pickup. A company called MiGarage has one. They have lots of cars listed but most are not on their lot. You have to arrange a date. So, I used their inquiry form and told them I was interested in that particular vehicle. No response. I actually ended up at their lot somewhat by mistake (I was looking for the Nicaraguan embassy which is close by) and inquired about the Mahindra. They told me "you have to make a date" ...

I saw a used Mercedes (190, maybe) for sale. As there is a place a block from here that works on Mercedes, BMW and Volvo, I asked them about this particular Mercedes model. The answer made total sense: It depends on how it has been maintained.

I told him I was looking for a relatively inexpensive car that was safe and reliable. He said he knew of a Volvo that was older but in good condition and asked if I was interested. I said I was and he said he would talk to the owner and call me. That call never came. Now, my cellular service in my house sucks but no call.

I saw an old Mitsubishi Montero (the old ones that were a realistic size) in the ads in encuentro24.com. It was for sale by a dealer just a few blocks away. I walked over there and asked. It took three women and two phone calls (to another woman) to come up with an assortment of lies that eventually said "oh, that one isn't available but we have this other one for 50% more". I left.

I had noticed quite a few almost new VW Saviero pickups for sale at MiGarage. I didn't try to contact them based on my previous encounter with them. Then I saw one from a private party in Zona 1 (nearby). I chatted with him in email and set up a date for Thursday at 1630. He emailed me on Thursday AM to make sure we were still on. I said we were and I could meet him anywhere in Zona 1. He said he would think of a good place and get back to me. Thursday at 1630 has come and went and I have never heard from him.

One problem with the Saviero is that most are single-cab ones. New the single-cab costs Q89,000 but the double-cab (which isn't bigger — the bed is just shorter) is Q139,000. But, a double-cab one appears on the MiGarage web site. I have sent them a "request for a date" twice. No response.

Earlier Thursday there was an ad for a VW Carry. It's basically a VW Golf with a panel truck back. Cheap and makes sense. I set up a date for 0900 this morning. I got there at 0850, rang the bell, knocked on the door and ultimately called the phone number in the ad. Nothing. Around 0910 I left. When I got home there was email from the person I had corresponded with giving me her phone number — different from the one in the ad. She said "they" were there ... .

As I was writing this I just got a message from MiGarage — telling me the car I asked about (the Saviero, not the Mahindra) sold but if I can send them my phone number then "we can talk about options ...".

My conclusion: The car god is telling me not to buy a car. Telling me over and over. I have decided to listen.