Horses of a Different Color
Even I have succumbed to the threat of winter weather. So much so, that I went and purchased a second car. Now our family of two has three vehicles. In all honesty, there were some more practical reasons, aside from the weather, for the decision.
In addition to my beloved Chevelle (which I just can’t sell), I now own a 2004 Toyota Corolla, which gets about five times the gas mileage of the beast; even if it is about five times less fun to drive. Not to mention, front-wheel-drive handles the winter weather much better than high-horsepower rear-wheel-drive and I don’t have to worry about PennDOT’s salt eroding the Toyota. Hell, at least it’s not milk or bread.
With my gas cost cutting solution, I’ve added some new problems. Now, if I don’t get the Chevelle sold, I have to store it, insure it, maintain it, and find time to drive it. I guess I could solve the problem by buying a house with a big garage, but somehow I doubt my wife would appreciate that. Even so, I won’t cry: I dig my own graves and refuse to regret having fun. Besides, nobody died and I have learned a lot from the experience.
I’m certainly not advocating complete hedonism, but just live your life, enjoy it as much as possible, and tell the critics to kiss your ass. Everyone is very willing to tell you what you can’t do; so much so that you start to believe it yourself. Sometimes, you even have to tell yourself to kiss off.
In addition to my beloved Chevelle (which I just can’t sell), I now own a 2004 Toyota Corolla, which gets about five times the gas mileage of the beast; even if it is about five times less fun to drive. Not to mention, front-wheel-drive handles the winter weather much better than high-horsepower rear-wheel-drive and I don’t have to worry about PennDOT’s salt eroding the Toyota. Hell, at least it’s not milk or bread.
With my gas cost cutting solution, I’ve added some new problems. Now, if I don’t get the Chevelle sold, I have to store it, insure it, maintain it, and find time to drive it. I guess I could solve the problem by buying a house with a big garage, but somehow I doubt my wife would appreciate that. Even so, I won’t cry: I dig my own graves and refuse to regret having fun. Besides, nobody died and I have learned a lot from the experience.
I’m certainly not advocating complete hedonism, but just live your life, enjoy it as much as possible, and tell the critics to kiss your ass. Everyone is very willing to tell you what you can’t do; so much so that you start to believe it yourself. Sometimes, you even have to tell yourself to kiss off.
posted by TGB at
9:09 AM
5 Comments:
The beast will not be happy that he has been stabled. Oh, and think of the fun you will be having now! The fickle finger of fate is sure to send you a multitude of calls of inquiry about the beast now that you have to travel to his new stable to parade him for the buyers.
One also must pause to chuckle at the picture that comes to mind of your six-foot plus frame stuffed into a Corolla.
New job, cubicle, desk, suit, tie, button-down shirt, 9-5, Corolla (family car)…….the perfect sedate family man! LOL!!! Can you say…….middle age!
The cars a classic! Don't get rid of it. It keeps you young . Every time I get into my 1971 RS Camaro with 500hp a smile and rush comes over my from head to toe. I guess its a guy thing. But I to am at the 50 years and still need some pleasure under my foot. Plus my Harley will never go.My job well I'm in that boat also. Tired of working seasonal and would just like to relax and enjoy work without having to worry about the winter. I'm looking for a job to settle down with the rest of my life but when you choose a career in your twenties its not allways what you end up with. STAY YOUNG IN YOUR MIND!!!!!!!!!
Neko: It’s not really a matter of want to, more like have to. It’s very tough for me financially to store, maintain, insure, etc. the Chevelle and drive the Toyota to work everyday.
Besides, I look at it this way: If I don’t have the time and means to enjoy it anymore, I should sell it to someone who does, and give them a chance at that excitement. I’m still trying to find the right buyer…it’s a middle of the road car; that is the appearance is fair to good, and the drive train is very good to great. It seems like everyone wants either a show car, or a rust-bucket they can rebuild.
Believe me, I feel bad thinking about it sitting in the cold at that storage place…I try to drive it at least once a week.
I too relize the financial aspect of the car. Some times when I walk through my garage to get into my truck only see the $$$$ thats sitting there only to be used on Nice weather Sundays in the summer. At times it is a burden to my wallet and have tried to sell it a few times after restoring it. All of my hard work and money go with the great memories of trying to price it so it will sell. That is the tough part. Have you ever thought of Ebay. It is very easy to do yourself with minimal money. Check out the website Ebay motors and see all types of "rust bucket to totally restored. It is worth a shot. Take care and good luck,Neko
Neko: I know what you mean, and it’s even worse when you have to rent storage. I’ve had plenty of fun with it, and I hope to find someone that’ll enjoy it as much as I have.
I tried the Ebay route early, with no success. I may give it a try with a little lower price soon.
Thanks for the encouragement!
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