If your first car was a nice Nissan, Jeep, BMW or anything from 2010 onward, keep scrolling. Because I'm talking about the beaters. The cars that are almost older than you. The hand-me-downs. The salvage from junk yards with doors you don't have to lock because let's get real, who is going to steal that thing?
1. What is that?
Much like a child meeting an unwanted sibling, our natural instinct is to reject this new member of our lives. But little do we know, the two of us are going to grow very close.
2. But where's the aux cord?
If you're lucky, you can get hooked up with a new radio but otherwise, you're stuck with those tapes with a cord on it, or some other device to play music through your phone. Or you resort to burning CD's. Just like sixth grade all over again! Don't forget your sharpies.
3. Why is my check engine light on again?
At first this may cause panic. What's wrong? Am I going to break down? But soon enough, you'll learn to ignore that yellow light. And if you hear a noise, just turn the music up.
4. UGH.
Whether it's your heat or AC, one of them is broken.
5. On the bright side...
You don't have to worry about scratching the paint! Half of it is rusting off anyways. It makes an ideal vehicle to move into college and fill with sand after a day at the beach. It's also a perfect opportunity to buy all those bumper stickers. Because I certainly wouldn't put a bumper sticker on a Lexus.
6. Pride.
You're not alone. There's a whole culture of bad cars and you'll earn bad car respect. Every successful journey you make in that ugly, noisy car is a feat. However, you are always prepared for a breakdown with a trunk full of jumper cables, motor oil, brake fluid and coolant. A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. A perfect ship probably didn't either.
7. Farewell.
All cars go to heaven. One day, that car with 250,000 miles on it won't start again and you'll be forced to upgrade or start new memories with another beater. As nice as it will be to eat a bagel and drive at the same time (because my car is a standard), I will miss my piece of junk and how it only cost about $18 to fill her tank.
Inspired by Sophia, my 1997 Honda Civic. Named after Sophia Petrillo of "The Golden Girls."
Salute to all the other owners of bad cars and good luck on your next inspection sticker.
