The '89 VW Fox is not widely known to be a facetious or malicious machine. No, in fact most people would say it's a tough, basic worker. The model is a no-frills version of the Jetta - smaller, fewer cylinders, fewer doors, less gadgetry, and less footroom.

Since I bought the Fox (with 39K miles on it on a nice June afternoon in 1993) it has never until this December caused me the slightest angst. Sure, the car has been through a lot since 1993 (driven by my older sister and my stepbrother for 8 years), but I still feel there is merit in the claim that the car has a good reliability record.

Last month, after the oil pressure* switch and the instrument panel light were replaced, the problems began. The main concern is that the oil light is going on and off all the time. I start the car, it flickers, then goes away. I drive a couple miles, it stays off. I get to a traffic signal where I idle for 45 seconds and the next thing I know the oil light is wavering between a shade of dark burgundy and crimson. The signal changes to green, I accel, and the oil light fades again. This process repeats and repeats over and over and over a-gain.

Yes, reader, do not fret; there is PLENTY of oil in the car. I am no dolt. In fact, there's more than enough. It's not like I am letting this happen without checking the car's vitals every few miles. Each and every occasion out with this car entails an oil check. I check it in parking lots, on streets, in alleys, outside of the REI, you name it. If I ever get in the car, I make sure to carry a couple liters of 10W-40 and a towel. When strangers see that I am checking my oil in the parking lot, they are prompted to ask, "So, do you know what you are looking for?" I nod to them, looking ever so confident - they continue with their business, and I shut the hood, annoyed that my reading shows there is a ton of oil in the car - yet my oil light continues to blink, blink, blink.

Tonight on the way to Walgreens it was a similar tale. Light was off for the first mile. Got to a stop light where I was idling for one minute. I accelerated, and the oil light starts blinking. By the time I pull into the parking lot, the light is off again. I check the oil - there is a ton in there. Why does it torture me so? The better question to ask is, "How do I stop this abusive cycle?"

I called Karmakanix and explained the situation. I am advised to take the car in next Tuesday. However, I was not advised to discontinue driving. Therefore, the risk-taking shall continue until further notice.

*Oil pressure switch was replaced Nov. 16, 2005 to alleviate oil leak I reported to mechanic.