New Car

So, for ten years, I drove this:

1991 Honda Civic DX. No air. Crank windows. The radio only worked on one speaker. The open-door light went on and off. On cold mornings I had to whack the dash five or six times to get the dashboard lights to go on. AM/FM cassette player. Visor held up with velcro. No heat. Hole in an exhaust pipe. Squeaking brakes. Body rusted through in several spots. This picture makes him look good.

Pretty much of an embarassment to drive around in.

But it always started (except around Christmas time, when I finally had to replace the original battery), and it always got me where I was going. And it got 36 miles to the gallon. The occasional exhaust system and oil changes were about all I ever had to pay for. I jump-started at least four other cars with it. I went into the ditch three times in this car (only had to be towed out once). And it had the best bright lights ever. But it was time to say good-bye to old Whitey, aka Rusty. Times change, and the cars must change with it.

Hello, new car (yet to be named):

2003 Honda Civic LX with only 25,000 miles. Air. Power windows/locks. Cd player. Cup holders! Cruise control. A little thingy to hold your gas cap so you don't have to put it on the car. The dome light turns on when you take the key out of the ignition. Tachometer. 2 trip odometers. Air bags. I can safely drive around town without dying of embarassment. I will be able to wash it. Rusty hadn't been washed in a few years due to the amount of rust left on the driveway afterwards. It's a total car makeover. Too bad it had to be beige.

And too bad I'll have to make a car payment. Good thing I've got a big stash!