Over the course of this past month I went through a major process: a step towards freedom and a step towards adulthood. What is this monumental accomplishment you may ask? None other than buying my first car. Unlike some, I did not have the opportunity to be gifted a car, so it took time to raise the money. Also unlike some, I may or may not have taken way too long to get my license, getting it well past my 16th birthday. Nonetheless, an achievement is an achievement, and like most big expenses this was a long process with emotional twists and turns, so without further adieu here are the eight stages of buying a car.
1. Naive excitement.
Oh, the initial stage was unfettered bliss -- for about a day. When I got a text from my brother asking if I'd like to buy his car, I was so excited that without hesitation I said yes. Shoutout to my brother, Jake, for being the real MVP and making this happen. This naive happiness allowed me to forget about all the other costs and processes that it takes to attain a car, but for a while, I was thrilled.
2. Harsh reality leads to despair.
Not soon after the initial excitement came the realization that along with the costs of buying the car, I would also need to pay for car insurance, gas, inspection, and any other possible problems that may arise while owning my own vehicle. With the unknown variability of all of these things, I became distraught and may or may not have had a couple break-downs along the way fearing that building costs would make it a no-go.
3. "Maybe I Can't do this" sadness.
After the despair came the melancholy sadness. After exploring too many expensive car insurance options, I began to assume that buying the car wasn't going to be possible after all. Did I wallow in self pity? Yes, Yes I did. I cursed myself for overspending and not saving up when I first started working at sixteen as well as assumed I would be stuck with only my parents for transportation all summer (cue sad sighing).
4. Newfound persistence.
But, eventually, I pulled myself up, dusted myself off, and began to explore more options. Eventually with my parents' help (shout out to them), I was able to start to figure out solutions to overcome some of the struggles of attaining the car. With a new attitude, I became persistent and driven (ba dum tis).
5. The feeling of accomplishment.
After quite some time (and stress) it finally happened. The car was mine, the payments were made, and I had acquired the freedom I had been hoping for. There is no better feeling than being able to make your first big purchase as an adult. Even though it is stressful and expenses aren't fun, it is the achievement, that you were capable, that brings happiness.
6. Newfound freedom.
With my sunroof open and the wind in my hair, I felt the freedom of the open road. When my friends want to hang out, it is no longer an ordeal to borrow the family car or get a ride. I can go where I want, when I want.
7. Realization of responsibility.
I did not forget, however, that with owning a car comes great responsibility. I cannot be reckless as I could endanger my life and others. I still have to pay for gas, insurance, and inspections, but it is something that I take full responsibility for.
8. Content happiness.
Now, with all of the stress and angst that came with making the initial purchase gone, I am content with Gilbert (my car), and feel grateful and happy each day that I drive him to work, or out and about.
