As strange as it sounds, I miss my old clunker of a car. I drove a 99’ Chevy Lumina in midnight blue since I was eighteen. I named the car Prudence because it looked like a granny car. But, I was in love. I had freedom to do whatever I wanted to do, when I wanted to do it.

Then the problems came. It seemed like the car always had to be worked on, whether it be brakes, replacing the battery, the radiator, strange noises coming from under the hood, etc. But, it was a car that was over fifteen years old. But what can I say? I loved my car. I spent money constantly cleaning it and buying accessories and air freshener. Soon, I started living out of my car (not literally). There were at least three outfits in my car at all times and you couldn’t see my floorboards. I would clean it once a week but it would get dirty again in a week.

I got in my first wreck in this car and it scared me half to death. But just the hood was dented. Got the hood replaced and the car was now two toned. But I was okay with it. It gave my car character. She now had battle scars.

Soon, my car wouldn’t crank at all. In old GMC or Chevy cars there is a security problem. Basically, the ignition switch will stop recognizing the chip in the keys. It would start every now and then but it started to get annoying and frustrating. Once I figured out what it was and got it fixed, it was good to go. But, it took a long time to pin down exactly what it was.

Then, about mid-August, my car started doing really scary things. It would die on me while driving. After getting it towed to the shop and being told that it was a bad battery I was relieved. I replaced the battery and was ready to pick it up from the shop. I got my car and started driving down the interstate…only to have it die on me on the interstate. Honestly, one of the scariest things that’s ever happened to me. So, it wasn’t the battery. I took it back the shop and waited, and waited, and waited. I was so scared and nervous for my car. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to afford the fix (but my parents would back me up).

After a day of worrying and grief, I got the call that changed everything. Internal engine problems. I was so sad, and I just remember crawling in bed, crying, and calling dad. He told me not to worry about it, and everything would work out. But, I had this car since I was eighteen. I had made many memories in this car.

My dad wanted me to come out to Shreveport where he lives to go to a used car lot to get a cheap car to replace my old car. My brother drove me out and dad kept asking me if I’d be okay with a stick shift car and I was at this point. I just wanted a car. And I missed my old car. Dad was describing this old two toned car that was a stick shift that he was looking at for me and I was honestly okay with it.

We show up at dad’s and were getting ready to go look at my potential new car and he holds out a key. It didn’t click right away. But as soon as I realized what was going on I was jumping for joy. My stepmom gave me her 2004 BMW. It was a HUGE step-up from my old car. My brother was in on the surprise and it was a good day. It was my stepmom’s idea to give me the car and I couldn’t be more thankful.

Now that I had a new car, it had to have a name. I named the car Zoey. I love this car so much more than my first car but Prudence will always have a special place in my heart.