For those of you that don’t know me, I’ve owned two cars in my life – a “purchased new” 1989 Nissan 240SX, which I drove until I bought a brand new 1998 Nissan Altima, which is seemingly about to move on to another life as well. And I’m feeling guilty as hell about it.
I remember writing a poem about my 240SX the day after I sold it, that’s how loyal I am to my vehicles. And it’s completely the opposite of my brother, who motors through 2-3 new vehicles every year. I don’t know how we ended up so different in that way. Growing up, my father typically had a company car, so it got cycled through every four or so years; my mom, when she had her own car, only had two as well – a yellow 1971 Cadillac Sedan deVille (that thing was *H*U*G*E*), and a Chrysler LeBaron. I don’t remember the year of the latter.
But the Altima’s starting to have some major issues – three times this year. The first time was when the steering went, requiring me to drive it to my favorite garage (Kingsgate Autopro) without power steering. If you’ve ever had to do that before, you’ll know how hard it is. $1,500.
The next time was a new clutch. $1,500. Then this week, it required a new alternator. Another $500. Realistically, if I would’ve sold it at the start of the year, I could’ve saved myself that $3,500 and used it towards another vehicle. And the body’s got major rust damage on both sides around the doors – perhaps some of that is because I didn’t wash it often enough – but surely it’s worse than it should be on a 13-year old car. Sigh.
At any rate, I’d like to thank my Altima for its 13 years of extraordinary service. I only wish you could have as good an end as the 240SX (which I sold to a stereo installation place, and was reportedly customized and decked out with a premium stereo). But it appears you’re more likely destined to the kidney foundation in exchange for a tax receipt. Regardless, you served me well and for that I thank you.
I’ve got some cash set aside, not a lot, but enough to move up about five years (2003-ish), and fewer kilometers, and maybe get 4-wheel drive. Maybe. I definitely love my anti-lock brakes too, those have saved me a few times, so I’d like to get ABS too. Maybe an Explorer? Or an Escape? Stay tuned.
