Nothing beats and old crappy car

[Nickshu]

I really enjoyed this article, so thought I'd share it here:

Nothing Beats an Old, Crappy Car | WIRED

[Seahawk]

That was a very enjoyable article.

Thanks.

[Jim Richards]

Nice read, thanks! I can relate. I've owned more old crappy cars than not. I'm probably a bit of a Luddite, too.

Awesome

[FLYGEEZER]

Thanks for the post....Great read!

[Norm K]

My first thought when I clicked the link and saw the old Bimmer was something along the lines of, "Cool old car, I want one!" Then, as I read the article and, more specifically, the description of the car I knew my first inclination was spot-on ... I do want one! Gotta run - heading over to Craigslist.

[KNS]

Along the same lines -

I read in Road & Track several months ago an interview with one of the top auto designers (McLaren or Porsche...). He mentioned something along the lines that one of the things they are competing with in new car sales are the buyers who can choose something like a Singer rather than a new car. He acknowledged that emotion and driver involvement is being designed out of modern cars.

[onewhippedpuppy]

That was great. I thoroughly understand his affliction.

[MRM]

I understand the sentiment, but it is not for me. Perhaps I was scarred by my youth. I grew up driving crappy cars. For years I said that if a genie appeared and granted me one wish, it would be a car that started every time I turned the key, the first time I turned the key, and no matter when I turned the key.

Years later when my wife and I were finally through school and fully employed, our first new car was a beautiful Mazda Protégé. It was our genie wish come true. It started every time I turned the key, the first time I turned the key. I was hooked. With an unfortunate diversion with a Chrysler minivan and an expensive infatuation with an Audi RS6, our family cars ever since then have been reasonably nice cars that had the most highly prized virtues of reliability and comfort.

Having said that, my 84 Carrera sits in my mother in law's garage, waiting for Minnesota's spring to finally arrive and for the last bits to be sorted so I can finally get it on the road. I'll probably always have one old, interesting car that has "personality" hidden away somewhere for sunny summer afternoons. But when it comes to my serious time in cars, I crave comfort and reliability.

Now get off my law, don't scratch my Buick, it's time for my Metamucil

[JacobS911]

Fun read thanks for posting! I should get back to work now...

[1990C4S]

Of the seven cars I own, five move under their own power. Just one was built in the last decade, and only two—a 1965 Ford Mustang fastback and a 1968 Alexis Formula Ford race car—could be said to have any real value.

[BE911SC]

Keep in mind that the writer is 'only' 34 so he has a lot of stamina and patience for old cars to drain out of him. Good article.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by MRM

But when it comes to my serious time in cars, I crave comfort and reliability.

Now get off my lawn, don't scratch my Buick, it's time for my Metamucil

So does he...trust me, when he flies into an assignment he doesn't hit the rent-a-wreck counter. His wife and kids also ride around in a Honda. He is also a writer so getting on the 405 in his 40 year old car at 0730 isn't an issue.

I have two itches in life I scratch that are counter to fiscal sense. I drive new truck for seven to ten years and then I get another new truck. Lather, rinse, repeat.

I own old weekend cars that have no other purpose than to make me happy in some remote, odd way that is not connected to my wallet. I pay the freight because happiness is a warm engine cowling.

[Palum6o]

Oh this hits the nail on the head. Time is so limited anymore. Between family, kids, and work... I hope to tinker on something again soon!

[aigel]

Haha - I was there when I was that guys age. Top number was 9 cars, I think. He'll wear himself out soon enough with that and family life and other hobbies will catch up. After the 8th engine rebuild you BDTDT.

I am shocked he paid $2800 for that. Really?

My only con aside from time is crash safety. I now drive in dense traffic and would be scared getting banged up in an old car.

I'll be back on day - retirement age ...

G

[Jerome74911S]

I wrote a very comparable article called, "A Case for the Neo-Luddite Porsche." I wrote it in January, and it's on my blog.

See address below.