Ep 27. Barney's First Car

Andy and Barney are on the hunt for a new squad car to replace their old, worn-out vehicle. While Andy is happy to stick to the budget and purchase a practical car within their means, Barney has his heart set on buying a flashy sports car- a decision that puts him in over his head financially.

With the help of a car dealer, Barney lands himself in a car he can barely afford, and the subsequent bills stack up quickly. The squad car can hardly make it up a hill, and Barney is too short to effectively drive the stick-shift. In one scene, Barney almost flies over an embankment while attempting to switch gears, sending Andy into a fit of laughter.

Despite the car's faults, Barney is fiercely proud of it. While driving around town, he draws attention to himself and the squad car, boasting about its shiny exterior and impressive motor. However, his illusion of grandiosity is quickly shattered when he realizes he's overstretched his finances, and he can no longer afford the car's mounting debts.

Feeling defeated and desperate, Barney tries to make peace with his mistake by offering to sell the squad car to the highest bidder. After unsuccessfully trying to auction off the vehicle, Barney decides to keep it- even if it means driving a car that constantly stalls in the middle of the street.

The episode features the usual shenanigans of the characters of Mayberry, with Aunt Bee and Opie providing comedic relief as they watch Barney struggle to keep his ill-advised purchase afloat. Ultimately, the episode showcases the consequences of greed and pride, while emphasizing the importance of practicality and financial responsibility.