Today had to arrive. I’ve thought long and hard about pulling this trigger. It’s something I must do without any mental reservation. Evasion for sure to this point. Will I live long enough to justify taking this action? Life decisions are revolving around this question more and more. Does it really make any sense to go to a dentist for a checkup? How many more years will I be able to drive? Safely? I make the same calculation on many subjects. However, this is a big one. An expensive one.
For the first time in 19 years I’ve bought a new car. Fifth in my lifetime. I had another judge once tell me he bought four cars in an 18 month period. I averaged a new car every 13+ years. Each car served its purpose as long as gas went in the tank, a few tire changes were made and washer fluid was added on a need to use basis. Yes, each received some oil changes but that process is greatly over-rated. But a car can’t last forever. I won’t either so that is why calculations must be made. If I can’t drive this car for at least six years I will really be mad; at myself or my cardiologist. The car will only be half broken in if I die too soon.
For my last car purchase I had a car buying program find the car, send the money and all I had to do was go pick it up. ( That car still runs and is my summer transportation.) USAA stopped that program and that is another reason I dithered about going solo to but a car. I have made 3 trips to dealersips; 3 more than I wanted. I’ve been pitched at least 7 cars that don’t match my criteria. No one listens. Six cars existed but were gone poof before I could purchase. My trim and color are too popular I guess. But, today’s the day. A 4th trip to a dealership/.
I’m a bit on edge though. A new car is going to have sensors, warnings, controls and a screen that make no sense to me. I may need to live the six years to learn how to operate the vehicle. My present car needs to turn a key, push one of two pedals, shift forward or backward, flip on wipers/lights and press a button for radio/tape/cd. The rest on my time is spent concentrqating on driving. That part has not changed since driver’s education classes in high school. On that part I’ve done well….no moving violations in 65 years. It’s as if modern technology awaits to ruin my record. ( “I was looking at a screen that was placed off to the side of my vision as a distraction” rings hollow as a legal excuse.)
Of course, Papa can ignore it all as I often do with most change. Well, it’s best not to complain. As long as the car goes from point A to point B and has an audio compatible with Doris Day, Buddy Holly etc. all will be fine.