Later that year, Mick was promoted and with that promotion came a company car. This meant that we could afford for me to have a car myself. I would have chosen a much smaller car as it was just going to be a little runaround, but we would never have got back the price we'd paid just a few months earlier for the Laguna had we sold it at that point, so we decided that we'd keep it.
The car is now nineteen years old and I'm sure you'll agree, it doesn't look in bad nick for its age. It would cost far more than it's worth though to get it through its MOT so it's gone to the big scrap yard in the sky. I must say that I was quite sad to see it go. It may just be a lump of metal but it's served me well over the years, back and forth to school, taken Daniel to cubs and Eleanor to her singing lessons, as well as giving me a bit of freedom to go here and there. I waved it off with a heavy heart.
Having a car is a luxury, especially when I don't actually need one as I don't work. The one thing it was really handy for was getting me to my parent's house now they're elderly and in need of help, but I can walk there, though it will take a chunk out of my day. I've decided that I won't be replacing the car, we're more fortunate than some as Mick still has his company car. I shall have to start walking to places I would normally drive to, or take public transport. I'll just have to see how I get on.
It's a pity you won't have a car, but as I know, your public transport is quite good compared to some of ours & walking is good for us. I'm a bit worried though, as your winter is coming on & it's not much fun to walk in the inclement cold weather. I do miss my little car, but can drive the X-trail when I have too, though I don't feel I have the independence I once had. Take care.
ReplyDeleteMick's around much more than he used to be now as he works from home quite a bit so he can run me around when he's here. I don't think I'll really miss the car as it wasn't getting used very often, it's just getting to my mum and dad's which will be a bit of a pain.
DeleteSnap re. your car's age! Our current car is 19 yrs old this year - although we've not had it since new, just a very long time. It's just gone through it's MOT - failed and cost nearly £500 to put right - nothing major though - just wear and tear. It's an Audi A4 estate with not a spot of rust anywhere on it for its 19 years. I typed in it's value into the website "We Buy Any..." and they said £175!! It's a trooper - takes us the length & breadth of the country sometimes. I'm very attached to it so we've decided we'll run it into the ground before we have to get a replacement. It's our only vehicle - hubby has a works van but can't use it when he's at home as it's got a tracker fitted (so no crafty trips to the tip! ha ha).
ReplyDeleteThat's one thing about it, it was solid. I don't think they make cars like that any more. It doesn't owe me a penny as we haven't had to spend very much on it at all over the years. That's how I felt about my car, why change it when it's a good runner, age is but a number. Who knows what another car would end up costing you. I hope you get many more years out of your car yet.
DeleteYou must have really looked after your car for it to have served you so well, it looks (looked) in great condition. My sister gave up her car when she retired as there was no need to keep two cars when both of them were at home, makes sense really. I had a new car last month, a Citroen Aircross, my other car was a two door Citroen DS3 but looking after Bonnie i needed a 4 door. I must admit that i don't think i would like to be without my car, it is necessary at the moment, but even if it wasn't I don't like the thought of relying on anyone or public transport, before I could drive I walked everywhere rather than wait for a bus, i just hate all the waiting around.
ReplyDeleteI'm ashamed to admit that I didn't really look after the car at all. It stood outdoors in all weathers, didn't particularly have long runs, and was washed rarely, yet it never let me down, until now. I can't say that I'm fond of public transport, it lets you down too often, but a car is an expensive luxury and as I only use it to travel locally, it just isn't worth buying another.
DeleteWe down-sized to one car this year. Mac had a little Miata, but it just sat in the garage because we hardly ever used it.
ReplyDeleteIt just isn't worth the cost of keeping it on the road if it isn't used often, you might as well use the money you would have been spending on it on something else.
DeleteI empathise: we had to scrap our sixteen year-old Volvo when it became too expensive to get it through the MOT. I loved that car, even though it was a bit heavy on fuel; it took us across the country to visit our families, we filled it up for fabulous camping trips and for transporting our daughter and her belongings to and from university and it served the usual commuting and family duties. It was so comfortable and I loved it. It was our second car so I managed without for four years before we bought another and I really missed it. x
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how we sometimes get attached to inanimate objects, I was so sorry to see my car go, I think it must be the memories we attach to them. I'm hoping that I can manage without a car but time will tell. I'm just glad that it managed to hold out all this time, I was praying that it'd see the kids through school but it's ended up just about seeing them both through university too.
DeleteI’m not a driver, but know how invaluable they can become. She’s done you well, I imagine there are lots of memories associated with her which is perhaps why you’re sad to say goodbye xx
ReplyDeleteIt's actually quite baffling why I'm so sad to see my car go as I hate driving. I think it's good to be able to drive as it's a handy skill to have but it's not something I enjoy.
DeleteI had my previous car for a long time - 16 years or something like that - and I loved it, we each have our own car, and I wouldn't be without mine because of where we live and things I need to get to. I understand the liking of your beloved long had car and also the need to not have it anymore, it is a mixed emotion isn't it. Enjoy the walking instead!
ReplyDeleteI think it would be different for me if I lived in a rural area. We live in a small town, on the outskirts of a large city, which has two train stations within walking distance as well as good bus routes (though it doesn't mean the buses run to schedule, they rarely do!). I'm also in walking distance to a supermarket and a high street so it isn't as if I'll be stranded without a car. It will probably do me good to be without anyway, I shall definitely have to walk more.
DeleteGood for you for keeping it so long, and not replacing it. I think that I'll be doing the same with my old Fiesta, which I don't use much or enjoy driving nowadays. xx
ReplyDeleteI really loved this car, it was so nice to drive and it got to the point where it made economic sense to keep it rather than replace it. I've never enjoyed driving but a driving licence is a good thing to have, you never know when you'll need it.
DeleteI'm often home without the car, I use our local buses slot, but I do find without the car I stay at home more, which is not a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll end up staying at home more without a car. I used to use public transport a lot when I worked but I can't even remember the last time I used a bus or a train now.
DeleteIt will be a change for sure, but it sounds like you know what you need to do to handle it. We have had times with only one car and it wasn't so bad. My current car is 13 years old and has just started needing periodic work done, so I don't see it lasting more than a few years from now, but we'll keep fixing it as long as it's worth it to do so. We plan to have only one car when the kids are fledged and I'm actually looking forward to that a lot. I don't know if I'll work again or continue to stay home, but we'll manage either way.
ReplyDeleteMy main concern was that it lasted whilst the kids were at school and it did that and more so it owes me nothing. It costs quite a bit to keep a car on the road and as it's not a necessity for me to have a car, it works out as an expense we can do without.
DeleteWell, I suppose there are benefits to walking where you go. You will be in great shape. But, it is hard to lose a good friend. Even if that friend was a CAR! LOL
ReplyDeleteI felt sad when my Honda had to go. But, I now love the Subaru that took its place. I have to have a car. We live in a car driven town. I don't think the bus even comes out this far.
I'm lucky really that having a car is a choice for me, I can certainly get by without one, it just won't be as convenient, but it's doable.
DeleteWe still run two cars but don’t really need to.I have a small Vauxhall Agila which runs on fresh air,is easy to park,the road tax is only £20.The bigger car we use if we are going on motorways or longer distances.We will run the little one until it dies and then not replace it.I also hate driving but know I must keep it up.A couple of years ago my OH had a couple of spells in hospital and as it is 12 miles away I had to drive.There is a bus but it goes via the little villages and takes forever.I wish I could say I never had to drive again!,,
ReplyDeleteI feel exactly the same, I hate driving, but having a licence is good for unforeseen things, as you've found. We're lucky that Mick gets a company car, it's replaced every three years. Obviously, he pays for it in his tax but it doesn't cost us road tax or insurance, and services and any repairs are covered by his employer so it saves us a lot of money.
DeleteIt must have been a wrench to see it go, with all those memories attached to it. Running a car can be costly, but living where I do I couldn't manage without one. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for next month's MOT. X
ReplyDeleteIt was, I was sad to see it go. It's always a worry when MOT time comes around, it isn't cheap to keep a car on the road these days.
DeleteI suppose it´s like many things that change as life, family and responsibilities do, sad though, but at least it seems you have public transport. As you say its costly to have two. Rebecca was very surprised at the motoring costs in the UK compared to here. I haven´t driven for years mainly because of the fibro, I think I might again if the car was smaller xcx
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely go for something smaller if I got a car again, I only kept this one as we'd only just bought it and wouldn't have made sense to sell it at that time. I'll see how I go on with public transport but we do have Mick's car anyway so I won't be stuck.
DeleteIt is very sad, to see a loved car, go...... Very sad. It may look like "just metal." But it has done well by you, and holds memories.
ReplyDeleteBut even though the car is gone, you still have the happy memories.
Hugs to you.
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I don't think I had a photo of the car until I took this one but as you say, I still have the memories of the good times it's provided.
DeleteIt is hard to lose the tried and true cars! We have been with just the truck for over a year now. When it is just Fireman and I , there are few issues. When Zach visits for summer, it is obvious we need another car. but we dont really want one
ReplyDeleteI can't see there being many issued for us having one car but I know Eleanor won't be happy when she's home from uni and wanting lifts here and there.
DeleteIt must have been a wrench to let her go after all those years. I had to let my car go when Gerard took early retirement our finances were such that two cars wasn't doable. Its amazing how quickly you adapt.
ReplyDeleteIt can be such an expense to run two cars and if you don't really need them the money could be best spent elsewhere. Having my car was a luxury that I feel I can do without now.
DeleteWow, that's a great age for a car! If it was a child, it'd be old enough to go to the pub! LOL
ReplyDeleteHa ha. I kept thinking each year that it wouldn't get through its MOT but it did. I'd have probably got another car if this one had given up the ghost whilst the kids were still at school but it lasted, saving me a lot of money.
DeleteIt is quite sad to see a much loved car go … it's strange in many ways because it is just a lump of metal.
ReplyDeleteBUT it is the memories it holds of good times (sometimes sad times) but always being a part of the family.
I hope you get on ok with public transport, I guess it will be a case of getting used to it and planning your day(s) accordingly.
All the best Jan
I feel quite sad when I look out of the window and it's missing from the drive. I'm sure I'll get used to public transport, the biggest thing I'll need to adjust to is walking to my mum and dad's house. I've been so used to popping round to see them whenever but having to walk will take a bigger chunk out of my day so will need to be planned.
DeleteThat car definitely did you well! Sometimes I wish I could walk to work, but it's a round trip of about 36 miles and public transport just isn't good enough here in Mid Wales.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised that it lasted so long. Cars can be a necessity but I'm glad that, for me, it's a choice. There's no real reason why I need a car so I might as well save the money.
DeleteYour car certainly did look to be in wonderful shape for it's age! We live in the country so there is no getting around both of us needing a car. My car is "only" 13 years old but still has few km considering. Unfortunately, it's looking a bit worse for wear on the outside as we do have to contend with a lot of salt on the roads during the winter which leads to rust. I'll likely drive it as long as I can, though, until, like my last car, they tell me that it's no longer worth fixing as the undercarriage won't last too much longer due to the rust.
ReplyDeleteThat's basically what's happened to my car. The outside was still in such good condition, it's the things you can't see which start going, and because it didn't do many miles, that can be worse than a car which does long journeys.
DeleteHow sad, that car has certainly been worth it's weight in gold, so many memories too. Good luck finding your way around without it Jo.xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'll really miss it at first but I'll get used to life without a car eventually.
DeleteIt is sad to see them go when like you say there are many memories of times spent together in the cars. As you know I can certainly empathise with you right now on the car front!
ReplyDeleteWhat a faithful old friend you had.
Lisa x
I know we're both going through the same thing at the moment. I would have definitely got another car if the kids were still at school, it's a bit of an ordeal getting them here and there without one, but I'm sure I'll be able to do without now there's only myself left to consider.
DeleteShe looks lovely, lots of happy memories of fun times (and "are we there yet" ones I bet!) which is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI hope your bus service is better than ours here in the city.
The last time I went on a local bus I ended up complaining to the company. It doesn't bode well, does it? I'll have to see how I get on.
DeleteWe are retired and share our car, I've never had one of my own and this meant, when the children were young, getting them up in a morning to go with me when I took husband to work so that I could have the car for the day, and then the revere in the evening, piling them in and going to collect him.
ReplyDeleteSince being retired we bought our car in 2001, and our car was just a year old with 900 miles only on the clock. It is therefore 19 next spring as it is a 2000 registration, but like your departed Laguna, was a top of the range model and has stood the test of time, we love it. It's a Mitsubishi Galant, V6, with all leather upholstery, cruise control, climate control, heated seats, CD player, indeed as many 'luxuries' as some modern cars have. We still love it. I do hope you will be able to manage without your car.
Margaret P
It's good to hear of so many people keeping their trusty cars for many years. A lot of people seem to change their cars ever year, it seems, so it's nice to hear that a lot of us keep them for a long time. My mum could never drive and we didn't always have a car when I was growing up so I often used public transport in those days.
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