RE: praise of older sleds

[DaveM <doc1590@domain.elided>]

I find myself recently, without an original thought
and only posting when I read something that enlightens
(or infuriates) me.  I need to work on that.

Mr. C. Michael Smith in the frozen waste land hit the
nail right on the head.  I've bought, leased, kept and
sold dozens of cars and I can honestly say, "I will
never buy a NEW car again".  I bought an Acura Legend
when they came out because it's engine was as close to
an Alfa as I'd seen.  I sold it five years later for
about half what I paid. (and THEY hold their value
very well)  I realized then that new cars, unless kept
until the body rusts off, are not practical.  They
smell nice and are nice and tight, but they still have
mechanical problems.  (Valve guides replaced in Acura
at 22,000 miles)
My Alfa is on stands in the garage and will be until
the mood strikes me to fix it.  I have an 85 Nissan
Pickup with 217,000 miles in the driveway, with
original clutch, A/C, Alternator etc etc etc. I'd
drive it across the U.S. tomorrow, without fear.  I
bought it used with 50k on the meter for $3200 over 10
years ago.  I'll put my cost per mile up against most
anything out there.  My son says, "Dad respects his
truck, but he LOVES his Alfa".  I love and respect
both of them, I have NO car payments every month and
get where I need or want to go.  Once a year when I go
on vacation, I rent a Lincoln or Caddy and I'm done
with it.  Sure, I could own one, but why?  

No, no one turns there heads when I drive down the
street, but then if that mattered, I'd drive a purple
Mustang convertible with a big sign on the side that
said "Look at ME".  I suppose that's worth $25,000 to
some.  Every once in awhile, someone will remark at a
gas station or when I get out at a store, "Hey, my
friend in college had one of those Alpha Romeros and
that was the neatest car I ever saw".  That brings a
smile to my face every time.  I feel like saying,
"Yes, it is neat, plus it's paid for and will never be
worth less than what I paid for it.
Nice post Michael.  Deserving of much better than a
5am rambling accolade, such as this.  

Dave Miller
Deltona Florida (77F yesterday....eat your hearts out)


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