I Put My Car Away For The Winter (Story/Rant)

"Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2" (pompei426) 12/04/2013 at 16:00 • Filed to: None

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And I am already saddened.

I never though I would have such a relationship with an object. My mother always tells me to love people, not things. But, this just might be the exception for every car guy. You see, I am a foolish college student that used his saving to buy a 42 year old BMW instead of planning for tuition payments. (I am working it out and graduating in 3 years) I bought this car before even knowing how to drive it. Literally. My friend taught me how to drive a manual in the parking lot of my mechanic's shop. It lasted too long because the accelerator pump was in backwards and I was stalling all over. I was embarrassed to say the least.

Anyway, my first adventure with my car was driving home at 11pm on a very rainy summer night. I was scared and not fully confident, but I made it home. It was love at first sight...I mean drive?

This thing is, a car with faults is beautiful and has character. Such an old car with manual everything, yes even the choke, teaches you patience and respect. You get out of the car what you put into it. And it really rewards you. You know every little thing about the car and you either love it as a flaw or want to repair it. You are the car's caretaker for however long you own it. It's not necessarily yours; you are just responsible for it. Hell, I couldn't sleep one night because I knew my car was sitting in the pouring rain without its cover. I never even imagined such a connection with a car.

I'm ranting and I need to prepare for finals. But, Oppo, share your first car/car related romances and assure me I'm not odd or demented.

505Turbeaux > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 12/04/2013 at 16:03

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hibernate well, you sexy 2002

EL_ULY > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 12/04/2013 at 16:07

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damn she is a beauty

MonkeePuzzle > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 12/04/2013 at 16:11

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oh, she is VERY pretty!

what are you driving during winter?

share mine? that staying awake at night because the lack of car cover, I've had that, wake up at 2am and go check the windows were up, or whatever random thought came to mind.

Converse > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 12/04/2013 at 16:11

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Don't be sad. She will be ready in the spring. I'm sad that I had to sell my 02 before ever finishing the project and selling her. Living vicariously at the moment.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > MonkeePuzzle 12/04/2013 at 16:17

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My dad actually gave me his 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan "Sport." I kid, but it's a good car. I used it all summer to work doing home improvements and whatnot. I just had the transmission rebuilt, it hurt the wallet to say the least.

The rain thing really bothered my because it was just sitting in my college's parking lot and 02s are very prone to rust.

MonkeePuzzle > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 12/04/2013 at 16:19

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lesson I have learned. Don't let your daily driver be as good, or fun, or whatever as your toy. I'm selling my subaru daily driver because I never drove my toy because the suby was pretty good. With that Caravan you are going to be eager to get back to your 2002 :D

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Converse 12/04/2013 at 16:22

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Good word choice. Yes, I already have a list of thing I will do when I retrieve her in the Spring. I did the same thing last year, and when I saw her for the first time in 4 months I was grinning from ear to ear. Sad to hear you sold your 02, but consider yourself one of the lucky few who do/did own one. I've had numerous people give me offers, others tell me to never sell it. I really don't have any intentions on selling it; it would be nice to say that I still own my first car 40 years from now.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > MonkeePuzzle 12/04/2013 at 16:28

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That's an interesting point. The thing is, I have chosen to drive the van (in the summer) over the 2002 for nothing other than pure enjoyment. The BMW is very basic. It is also my summer DD. So, occasionally it's nice to have a radio, a big comfy chair, and a car that starts right up. When it gets cold out the 2002 is a hassle: trouble warming it up, windows don't completely close, heat takes a while, etc. But yes, I'm already eager to drive it.

MonkeePuzzle > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 12/04/2013 at 16:32

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right, yes. Perhaps not better, but more... special. The Caravan is probably a better car, starts, runs, drives, carries more, etc etc, but it's not as special or desirable as the 2002.

For me, I was finding that my suby was getting to be as special as driving my toy, so it had to go. I'm now hunting for something with high fuel economy and less "specialness" as my daily driver. Something just awful to drive, ugly to look at, but good for a commute.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > MonkeePuzzle 12/04/2013 at 16:34

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Very understandable. Making your toy all the more desirable to drive. By the way, what is this toy you speak of? Also, might I recommend a Focus ST, lol.

MonkeePuzzle > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 12/04/2013 at 16:38

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lol.

the toy is a Civic hathback.

Jobjoris > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 12/04/2013 at 16:40

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Nice '02! Hope you stored it well for the winter, she won't like it a bit if you don't. If she's anything like mine you'll find things to do for her the next few months anyway...

JGrabowMSt > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 12/04/2013 at 21:51

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I've never been a fan of BMWs. Until I saw a 2002 for the first time. Same color as yours. I adore the 2002 now.

Just wax it more, it'll look damn sexy in the rain.

Converse > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 12/04/2013 at 22:04

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I will second that you should never sell it. Unless, it's to me...then it's ok! Keep her and take care of her no matter what. A great car that is more fun than anything made after 2000.

BarryDanger > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 12/05/2013 at 09:29

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I drove my car to work yesterday and now she is covered in snow/ice/road grime. I feel very guilty because now she is at home in the garage with all that snow melting in there! I need to find a winter car or just suck it up and walk the 12 blocks to work lol.

pre-winter picture for reference