Driven by More

When I was a little boy, my greatest joy was going to the Ben Franklin 5¢ & 10¢ store Saturday morning and picking out a new Matchbox car. I loved those little cars and had quite the collection. When I got tired of them I would stage a horrible accident involving lighter fluid and a tragic fire. My imagination was at full tilt even then.
While I’ve always been fascinated by cars I’ve never actually owned a really nice one. I’ve been driving a 12 year old teal Accord for the past 6 years. It now has over a quarter of a million miles on it. The paint is chipping everywhere, the AC is out, the driver’s door will only open part way, the muffler has a hole in it and….my friends are all embarrassed for me. But I’ve chugged along - even though I know that people often judge you by the car you drive. I’ve always hated that about our society. After all, it’s just a chariot. A mere bucket-o-bolts. A way to get from point A to point B. But I had put off the inevitable for about as long as I could and this past weekend I knew it was time to “bite the bullet.”

I've never liked dealing with car salesmen. I’m so ignorant about the subject matter and I always think they sense it and seize upon my vulnerability. But this time was completely different. A friend of mine took me to a dealership on Saturday and the salesperson was a friend of his. She was hilarious, laid back, not pushy at all and genuinely interested in doing what was best for me. I did not intend to buy a car that day, but I’m really glad I did. I now have the nicest vehicle I’ve ever owned. It’s not a new car, but it’s looks and drives like new. Financial guru, Dave Ramsey, taught me to never buy a new car and I'm glad I heeded his advice.

Am I a different person for driving a better car? Nah. Will people think more highly of me when I pull up in a cool vehicle? Who cares. I’m thankful for the old Accord and the humility it taught me. I think I have a healthier perspective on “stuff” because of it. This new one will turn to rust soon enough – but for now I’m just hoping the AC holds out through the rest of the summer!