Driving a Beater

I like new things as much as anyone. New clothes or shoes, tools or gadgets. One thing I've never had is a new car. I've had my fair share of vehicles, more than I can count, just never a new one.

I currently drive a 1991 Volvo sedan. It's safe and reliable and has never given me any problems. The odometer is stuck at 130k and was broken when I bought it. There's no telling how many actual miles are on the engine. Nevertheless it has been a great car and gets me to and from work everyday. The ac doesn't work but people did just fine before air conditioning, right? I've always enjoyed the windows down, the breeze and the open road- okay, who am I kiddng? AC would be nice.

Besides the obvious reward of not having a car payment, there are some advantages of driving an older car, for instance not having to worry about every little scratch or ding on the body. I can park anywhere I want. if someone parks too close and opens there door, boom! You just hit the equivalent of a sherman tank, may want to get that looked at. Most of the time I park my car get out and throw the keys on the floorboard. I know this is not advisable but the car has not been stolen and if you want my 10 year old JVC cd player that bad, take it.

I also use my car as a pick up truck, hauling recycling in the trunk, toting the lawn mower around, there's gravel and mulch in between the seats so it's probably a good thing I'm not driving a newer model with leather interior. Insurance? Liablility my friend, I pay for what I hit, that's it. My wife drives a newer vehicle that we use for road trips or date nights, although I must say she's not embarrassed to jump in the clunker and ride around with me.

From time to time I hop in a friend or family member's new car and I can't help but to be mesmerized by the amenitities. I stare at the gadgets and screens, press buttons and ask questions. New cars are really nice, too nice for me actually. Like they say, you don't miss what you've never had. I remember my 1972 Cheverolet Impala my senior year in high school my Mom bought for $175 dollars. What a steal!! The car was a lima bean green that must of gotten 4 miles to the gallon. But she could rest assured I was safe driving a house on wheels.

Before that it was my first car, a 1986 Renault Alliance, man could the French build 'em!! My Dad has since confessed to laughing on Saturday mornings while listening to the engine crank for half an hour before starting so I could get to work. Or my 1965 Dodge Polara, I thought $20 bucks to fill it up was a fortune.

Now as an adult thinking of having children one day, I know that i will need to drive something a little more modern, but for right now the dogs don't complain if the windows are down and I don't complain about the drooling in the car so everything works out. But if you happen to see a guy in a volvo on the side of the road with two dogs hanging out the windows, would you mind giving us a ride?