I Have a Sunroof!
September 21, 2010
It was time. A moment of silence, please.
After 17 years, we’ve traded our car for a new model. Who knew you don’t have to crank the engine to get it started anymore?
We have a just-turned 16-year-old in the house, and few things are scarier to a parent than turning a young driver loose for the first few times. We tried to keep the old car long enough to pass on to our son, but it had become, shall we say, quirky. Lots of little things were amiss, not worth fixing on a car that old. The final straw came when the oil light flashed on repeatedly and the mechanics were unable to fix it or really say why it was coming on. I didn’t want my young, inexperienced driver out on the road breaking down. Plus, the car had virtually no safety features, and frankly, it worried me. I’d cocoon my son in bubble wrap when he’s behind the wheel if I could.
Despite the expense of insuring a teenage boy on a new car (can you say, “astronomical”?), we decided it would be best to buy now, while we could get a decent deal and before I had a waiting room chair named after me at the auto shop.
Ta-da!
The new car is sooooo much nicer than the old one…smoother, quieter, more features. I’m inventing errands just to have the chance to drive it.
If you want me, I’ll be on the road.
P.S. Does anyone name their cars? I never have, but I know a few people who do and it seems like fun. Any suggestions of a moniker for the new wheels?
10 comments
Hmmm, I'm not going to recognize you!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the "new baby!"
As to what to name it—is it a boy or a girl? They usually have personalities that give you a hint. My Jeep's name is Asa and my convertible was named Emme. But not sure what to name yours. May have to ride around in it for a while and see what bubbles up.
I admit it takes me a moment in the parking lot to find my car! I don't know yet if it is a boy or girl...or what its personality is. One more reason to drive around more!
ReplyDeleteI'll bet your gas mileage is better, too, besides the safety factors!
ReplyDeleteLike you, we kept our old car a long time - we figured that when the repair bills exceeded a car payment, it was time to move on, even though we loved it.
I have a feeling that if your son doesn't name it first, you'll know soon enough!
Kathy,
ReplyDeleteThat is so exciting and fun. I got my first brand new car ever 6 years ago, where I got to pick it out just exactly how I wanted it, so I can relate to what you are saying. I have a sunroof too, but come to find out I usually keep it shut, even with the cover on it because the sun hurts my eyes! Ha!
Your care is beautiful!
You'd have a terrible time here in FL if the sun hurts your eyes! (Truthfully, it hurts mine too, so I wear sunglasses ALL the time.) It is nice to have a comfortable car that I'm not afraid is going to break down at any moment. I'm taking it to the grocery store today!
ReplyDeleteHi, Elizabeth--our son is quite pleased with the new car, too, and wants to drive more than ever. Don't know if he's got any names picked out yet!
ReplyDeleteYay! A new car! It looks great. We always name our cars, but sometimes it takes time. It has to fit the car's personality. We had an old pick-up truck named "Bea", short for Beatrice, and an old station wagon named "Connie" because she was a Continental.
ReplyDeleteIs your son going to be driving this car too, or the old one?
Isn't it funny how cars can have personalities? I'm thinking this one is a girl. Beyond that, I'm not sure!
ReplyDeleteOur son will be driving the new one (!!!). The old one was becoming too unreliable and didn't have any safety features so we traded it in.
When I was sixteen my dad bought an old 1950 Pontiac (this was in 1970) from an old lady who backed out of her driveway smack into a police car. They decided it was time for her to stop driving and evidently it was time for me to start! I named the huge old pea-green car Helga. She was a tank for sure and would stall out everytime I exited the freeway. She served her purpose though and I have fond memories of her. It's the only car I've ever named.
ReplyDeleteFreebird--I love this story! It sounds like Helga was the perfect name, and she was the perfect car for you at the time.
ReplyDelete