Farewell to a Friend

"Sn210" (sn210) 01/13/2014 at 10:10 • Filed to: None

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Today is my last day with my Civic. Its a bittersweet feeling; I'm very excited for my next car but I almost feel guilty trading the Civic in.

I bought myself a brand new Civic back in 2008. My very first car was a Jeep Wrangler, but once I started working full time and got into college, I needed something more fuel efficient. I picked up a cheap Saturn SC2 three door coupe with the trick door, 5 speed manual, and plastic side panels. It was awesome on gas, but painfully slow. People used to get pissed and road raged at me because it was so slow taking off from stop lights. After spending $3k on the car, $2200 on insurance (no tickets, just a young man with a "coupe" on paper), $1500 on a transmission replacement, and another $500 or so on sensors and shit, I decided to go the new car route.

The eight generation Civic caught my eye because of the windshield wipers. Seriously. I saw one drive by on campus on a rainy day and it caught my eye. After that first encounter, I thoroughly researched the cars and decided that was the one I wanted. I set a goal for myself. If I got straight A's on my next semester, I'd get a new Si sedan!

Well that didn't happen... so I choose the LX. The LX is the middle-of-the-ground trim level. It wasn't as nicely equipped as an EX, which had a sunroof, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and god damn variable intermittent wipers, but it wasn't the super base version either, the DX. The DX didn't even come with A/C or body color matching door mirrors. The LX had an Aux input and got 32 MPG's, what more could I ask for!

And so after securing a deal at close to invoice price, I was that rare millennial who bought new. I needed something I could rely on and keep gas in the tank. I was driving back and forth from home, to school, work, and my girlfriend's house. (All of these were full time gigs, too!) I was also building my credit with the goal of buying a house after college.

I went through a lot with the Civic. I owned it while through college and when I got my first big boy job. I owned it when I was dating, engaged to, and married my wife. I drove it around looking for houses, and it was the first car parked in my driveway of my first home. This car got me into online forums and I ventured into modding, like an Si sway bar upgrade, Si body color matched grille, a throttle body spacer, '09 tail lights with the amber turn signals, and Accord Crosstour Alloy wheels. That's right, I found something I liked on the Crosstour.

All in all, it was an awesome car. It was super reliable, great on gas, and cost me very little to insure. It did its job and served me well. It gave me no reason to buy another car, which is why I'm feeling kind of guilty I guess. I think I just got bored over the last 6 years and now I'm finally in a situation where I can afford something more upscale. I'm definitely looking forward to owning my next car, an Acura TL Type S. Its got twice the power of the Civic and comes with a ton of features I didn't get to enjoy with the Honda. For starters, the Acura has variable intermittent wipers! You don't know how much you miss them until you don't have them! Its got heated mirrors and leather seats. Its got Navigation, bluetooth, and a badass sound system. Its got 2 more cylinders and 1 more gear. I'm very excited that I get to pick it up after work.

So before I take my Civic for one last drive to the dealership I've promised it to, I want to leave you guys with this: Never let anyone tell you its just a car, its your car. You can take as much pride in what you own as you want, and you aren't any less of an enthusiast because of the car you drive.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Sn210 01/13/2014 at 10:20

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Jalop through and through. The car still looks beautiful. Hopefully it'll continue its journey and provide someone else a chance to start their life. Thanks for the solid read brother.

timateo81 > Sn210 01/13/2014 at 10:41

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A car is merely a vessel through which you pass time and space. Don't dwell on losing a friend, because both of you have many great memories ahead of you.

Rejoice that we (as a species) are not physically gifted with adequate speed, and therefore must rely on these temporary supplemental speed vessels. For if the Creator gifted us with adequate speed biologically, there would be no cars for us to mod, and probably a ton of people with fart cans in their jeans.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Sn210 01/13/2014 at 10:44

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That is exactly how I feel... I'm leasing my 2013 Civic and have 33 more months.. sure its a base LX with an auto but I do like the car a lot. It isn't the most Jalop thing out there but I do love driving it.

Whats next?

Great choice on those rims BTW... they are the best part on the Crosstour!

Sn210 > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 01/13/2014 at 10:53

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Thanks! I still have them if you're interested! The dealership wanted the original wheel/hubcaps with it. You'd just have to switch your TPMS sensors onto them. Then just paint your rear drums because they stick out like a sore thumb.

naallday > Sn210 01/13/2014 at 11:46

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Love this. Love the civic and love your next choice in car. The tl type s won't disappoint I'm sure. I've driven many

Sn210 > naallday 01/13/2014 at 11:51

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Thanks! I'm pretty excited for the TL, 4 hours left...