Taking A Stand: After 10 years, I’m back on the market
After 10 years I’m back in the market again, ready to pick me out a new one to replace the one I’ve had for a decade now.
While I must confess, she has served me well all these years, there comes a time when you have to move on even if parting is tough after so many years together.
No, I’m not referring to my wife of 10 years. She’s low-mileage, well-maintained and last time I checked she wasn’t using too much oil and I wouldn’t be afraid to start out to Florida with her. Besides, I’d never get what I already got in her at trade in and the 1972 models of that type are hard to come by nowadays.
Instead, I’ve entered the car buying mode. With my wife graduating college recently, it’s now my turn to upgrade my ride. I mean, 10 years in one car is pretty good. I think I’ve got my money’s worth with the 1993 Nissan Altima, which, aside from some minor problems and a little oil usage, is still getting the job done.
Unlike some folks who want new cars for status reasons, I’m one that is motivated by dependability. Seeing my car has got a lot of miles on it, it’s time to replace or face those repair bills for things like a clutch and stuff in the drive train that are going south. Hey, if it weren’t for upkeep bills, I’d drive it another decade.
While I like the idea of getting a new ride, the big downside is that they expect you to pay for it. The old Nissan has been paid off for over five years so it’s like free driving now, just add gas and oil. I hate the fact you have to split ownership with the bank for four or five years.
However, since the decision has been made to move on, I’ve found myself checking out vehicles at car lots, in parking lots and even on the highway, turning my head to take in passing vehicles almost like guys turn their heads to check out pretty women. And, as odd as it may sound, I almost feel guilty doing it while I’m with my present car. It kind of feels like I’m cheating on the Altima, checking out newer models while enjoying the comfortable ride of my present car.
I’d equate it to the old dog syndrome. You know the feeling, you got to someone else’s house and pet their dog and then you go home and you’re dog starts sniffing you, smelling the other dog’s scent. Your dog then gives you that odd look, kind of like he’s saying “you’ve been with another dog, haven’t you?” It’s not quite to the point of your wife finding another woman’s lipstick on your collar, but you’ve still got a small degree of guilt.
Of course, I’m sure the guilt will disappear once I begin the haggling process at the car lots, replaced by anger and frustration. The first time I saw a sticker price, I looked at the calendar to make sure it wasn’t April Fools Day. You’d think cars are made of solid gold given the price they charge nowadays. And, let’s not even get on SUV’s, many of which cost more than I paid for my house and are more expensive than a cocaine habit just to keep in gas.
By the way, I’m buying slightly used since I don’t feel like torching a few thousand bucks as soon as I drive off the car lot. I can get the new car smell from a bottle without paying through the nose for the luxury.
Since my search has just started, I’m taking my time because I’d like my next car to also last 10 years. Right now the leading candidate is a Chrysler Sebring convertible to accommodate my pending middle age crazy phase.
(Duane Sherrill is a reporter for the Standard. He can be reached at 473-2191 or by e-mail at [email protected].)