Recollections of My Last Car Purchase and My Evolving Preferences
Back in 1997, I purchased my last pickup truck, a Ford Ranger, which had a mileage of 28,9000 miles. The truck served me well until it finally gave up in 2009. As I reminisce, the Ford Taurus from 1985 is the only car between then and now that I can remember driving into the ground. With all these journeys under my belt, my car-buying history reflects a journey of personal evolution and changing preferences.
A Tesla Model 3: A Lifetime Investment
My most recent foray into the car-buying realm involves a Tesla Model 3, and I made this purchase in August 2018 with no immediate plans to replace it. This car, like the one I bought in 1985, entered my life with decades of expected longevity built in. I hold the belief that my current Tesla will last a lifetime, and this sets it apart from the other vehicles in my past, which were often viewed as temporary solutions.
Electricity and Economy: A Used Tesla Twice Over
Two days ago, I received a delivery of another used Tesla. Interestingly, this one had previously been an electric vehicle and a replacement for a model that had been stolen and later recovered. Now, with a similar configuration in a fresh frame, I am embracing another phase of my electric vehicle journey.
Used Cars and Maintenance
Fast-forward to 2000, where I bought a 1995 Ford Taurus for $700. This car, sporting 191,000 miles on the odometer, lacked the luxury and speed of a new car. However, I possess a practical and frugal soul, and I tackled the repairs and maintenance myself. By 2016, I sold it for the same price, 700 dollars, with an additional 46,000 miles on the odometer.
Preserving and managing a car effectively goes beyond the initial purchase. It requires diligent maintenance, and sometimes, as with the Taurus, even DIY repairs. Over the years, accumulated maintenance costs equaled approximately $1,500, which could be considered a fair trade-off for the benefit of continuing to drive a functional and reliable vehicle.
From New to Secondhand, to Giving Away
Previously, in 2009, I bought a used car that is no longer in my possession. Nevertheless, it opened the door for a 2005 Taurus that I still own today. Another significant event in 2007 was the purchase of a new car, which was then donated to my daughter the following year when she made the decision to sell it and acquire a new one, emphasizing the cyclical nature of vehicle purchase and ownership.
As I recount these episodes in my car-buying history, it becomes clear that my preferences have shifted towards electric vehicles and sheer longevity, drastically different from the brand-specific focus that might have characterized my past decisions. Whether it's about practicality, sustainability, or a simple desire for a more reliable mode of transportation, each vehicle in my collection tells a story of the time, the place, and the sentiments that brought it into my life.