I continue to drive a 1985 Volvo 240 though it is falling apart. Not the engine. That is still strong. But I took it through a car wash and the machine ripped off part of the molded trim. Rust is growing around the windshield. The a.c. does not work. The power windows are slow and make moaning, squeaking noises now. The leather upholstery has torn and the cushion below that is worn. But I get into it and it starts up and runs great. And I love the car's ugly contour.
On Thanksgiving, I got a flat. A nail. I took the tire in to get it plugged, but none of the reputable places do plugs any more. Rather, they patch from the inside. But reputable places would not do that to my tire because it is too bald. After traveling around half the town on a spare, I found a dirty, broke down place that would plug it. All the cars in there looked like mine, or worse, paint peeling on old American cars held together by hope. I think I saw a Ford Pinto and a Chevy Vega there, though I am not good at naming cars.
Why do I insist on driving a beater? Cars mean little to me. I don't know the models. I only like the ones that are very distinct like old Land Rovers and Jeeps and maybe a Dusseldorf or one of the black cabs in London. A car is a horrible thing to spend money on, I think. I bought mine for $4,000 in 1995 and have put very little money into it. I've not had a car payment for longer than that.
My mother wants me to buy a car, of course, something sensible like a Camry. Great car, she says. Run forever.
Even the non-English speaking fellow who plugged my tire looked at me and shook his head, laughing like I was loco, and he works on rattle-traps all the time. I guess I will have to spend some money and get tires, but not yet. Besides, it is a rear tire. I should be fine.
Oh c'mon admit it, not buying a new car is simply a continuing act of rebellion on your part. You are choosing to remain outside the Path of the American way -- sensible car, sensible wife, sensible life. :)
ReplyDeleteOh wait, maybe that's me (minus the sensible wife part ). I dream about having one of those super new hybrids but don't have the money to buy one, matter of fact, right now... I don't have money to buy your car! But that's okay, I'm not that big on money or cars which certainly drives my very sensible mother crazy. Oh sorry to make this all about me. :D
Trains. I like trains. They are poetic and really seem to say something about humankind. Though I don't really know what. But what with everyone standing so close -- not looking or talking to each other and yet who doesn't go home and remember the faces from the train -- the foreign language book being read by the woman sitting next to you. Plus tracks always seem to travel the backside of the town -- taking us to secret places all those people on the highway don't get to see -- the great graffiti, the places the homeless live, sometimes the water that snakes along the land. And train stations ! Oh! Such humanity there.
Trains. More than hybrids, I think trains could be a real rebirth for this country.
Your car was once my car (remember?.)Living in Volvoland as I do and not having a Volvo is a national disgrace. They get rusty very quick and drink petrol like no other car. In fact I have no car at all. I go by bus. Now it seems that Ford is about to get rid of Volvo.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, cars mean very little to me too and I don't know the models that constantly fall upon us. Who cares anyway.
I have never spent more than $50. on a car - honest! They usually last me at least 2 years, so I more than get my money's worth.
ReplyDeleteI even bought a plug kit & fixed my own flats!
One $50. Datsun 210 had a faded paint job, dents galore, & a front bumper at about a thirty degree angle. Smoked like a chimney. Started right up, though.
It got me to NYC & NJ at least 5 times & I actually got a speeding ticket coming home one night from Foxwoods (I was going downhill :-)