You might want to read this next sentence a couple times, just to let it truly sink in.
Last week, I¿bought a car.
I signed the papers, I¿drove it home, I parked it in my driveway.
Something just clicked, and I finally made up my mind to stop talking about needing a new car, and actually get a new car. One of my better decisions if I do say so myself.
It almost didn’t happen. I was talking to a friend on the phone right before Brandon and I¿headed over to the car dealership, and I told her about the Rav4’s imminent demise. She reminded me that, not only did I take my driver’s test in that car, but she did, as well. Her mom drove a mini-van, and at 16, she had about as much of a chance of parallel parking that thing as you thought I did of buying a new car. Then the sentimental, how-can-I-part-with-my-faithful-Toyota thoughts starting creeping up again.
I¿prayed the Lord would take them captive.
After test driving another new (to me) Ford Escape, my prayer was answered.
I¿do love my Toyota, and y’all know that car has survived a lot. Bless its heart. She’s become a minor celebrity, thanks to my excellent weekly updates. My husband actually asked me the other day why I was still writing about my car.
But this column is a little different. I promised I¿would not mention the Rav again until I¿had a new car. I drove a white Ford Escape to work this morning, so I think I¿have earned the right to give the Toyota one more swan song. How many does this make now? You know the saying, “Old soldiers don’t die, they just fade away”? Well, old Toyotas don’t die, either, because their owners insist on drawing things out for months on end.
I¿have one last journey to make in the old girl. Once the wheel bearings are replaced for the fifth (or sixth?) time, I will deliver it back to my mom. Most people assume that I¿did a trade in, but technically it’s still my mom’s car, and you wouldn’t want me to just hand over such a trusted sidekick to the care of strangers would you? My mom will have the responsibility of choosing a fitting end.
Now on to greener, Ford pastures.
I admit, I wasn’t prepared to actually buy something the day we went to the lot. We were going to take one more look around, decide for sure between a car and an SUV, then make the big purchase after a few days to mull on things. I test drove a couple vehicles, I can’t remember what they were now, but the Ford was my favorite. I¿didn’t even know such a thing was a possibility, but the salesman actually suggested we take it home for the night so we could feel more secure in our decision.
Oh, clever, clever used car salesman. I¿mean, who wants to drive a car 10 years newer than the one parked in their driveway, then return it the next day and just walk away?
People much more strong-willed than me.
Brandon really wanted me to do the picking, since I’m the one who will be driving it every day, so the next day, instead of returning our borrowed vehicle, I convinced him we needed to buy it.
Everyone is in complete shock and awe that I¿made up my mind and completed the task. There is a time for everything, and you can’t rush a big purchase like a car. I¿believe in developing a long-lasting relationship with a vehicle, and that kind of loyalty cannot be faked.
I promise, I¿will try to refrain from weekly new car updates. After all, it would be kind of boring to read, “I¿turned on my car today and it sounded like a car is supposed to.” I’m willing it to be that way for at least 10 years. I¿really don’t think that’s too much to ask.
And now I officially retire from writing about cars. Until my new car messes up for the first time. Or I¿start to miss the Rav4.
Who am I¿kidding? I have a problem. Do they make a 12-step group for this kind of thing?
