Sunday, December 07, 2008
One sexy automobile
Just heard a commercial that asked “When you turn your car on, does it reciprocate?” I snorted with derision but then stopped short. Since buying myself what I call my midlife crisis car, I feel a little like that every time I get into my car. Oh no, I’ve become susceptible to cheesy marketing ploys!
Back to my car. I decided to retire my near-vintage, 325i BMW sedan. Despite it being in excellent condition - original leather interior still in great condition, little signs of wear at all, great exterior condition a well - my mechanic told me that it was time for Dandelion (as my grandson named her) to be turned over to a new owner. He said this car needed to be owned by someone who would treat the need for a replacement part as an opportunity to shop around and lovingly look for bargains. That’s not me. When I need to replace a part, and with clients to see, I’m asking how soon can I get back on the road.
So before I put the car onto Craig’s List, I started looking for a car. A friend approached me about buying his sports car. I remembered when he bought it, brand spanking new from the dealership. I got to drive it, once, and was quite impressed with the features, performance, and power. And, not inconsequentially, it was dead sexy. Is there such a thing as too sexy? It’s the type of car that people stare at. So the trunk is small enough to fit a set of golf clubs or my briefcase. So it only seats two. I decided to buy it.
OK, so I veered off my path of “Prius vs Smart Car” and got my midlife crisis car instead. (It’s not that bad on gas, actually, so I don’t feel as bad as if I’d gotten an SUV, say.) It will be my car for a long time to come, and my next car, if I still need one, will be whatever hybrid is invited by then. My immediate compensation has been to work from home several days a week, thereby saving the commute downtown. I’m also moving my office to a co-working office that I’ll use one day a week.
As shallow as it sounds, I feel good every time I get into the car. There’s a satisfying growl as I go from second to third gear. The features, many of which I didn’t really understand when I bought the car and am still learning the advantages of, give this fine automobile a good safety, as well as performance, rating. Yeah, I know it’s shallow. It’s about as close to mainstream as I’ve ever felt. But I’m not going to let myself be guilted into not enjoying my purchase. And, oh yes, anyone need a 1991 BMW in great condition?
Here’s a photo of my baby:
