[net.auto] ... driving an older car. Is there really a viable alternative?

werner@ut-ngp.UUCP (06/21/83)

ahhh,  my old car ...

	-  I don't get upset about any new scratches - if I can notice
		them at all,
	-  it looks ok, even without a car-wash (it looks the same)

	-  my insurance rates are affordable (as I, actually, own the blasted
		thing outright)

	-  I can actually fix things myself, and the worst that can happen,
		I reduce its use from transportation to toy - and get a
		"new" old car.
	-  and you benefit, too.  when you run into me, with your nice new
		car, and create several hundred dollars of "dents" while
		just putting an "accent" to an existing bump on mine -
		I just might let you get away if you nod appreciatively
		when I tell you all about the advantages of having an old car

Now when was the last time, that you drove away from an accident feeling good
about the experience?  Happened to me twice already this year, when I could
say:   "well, looks like it is still safe to drive, and that dent, actually,
seems to improve its looks...  but, seriously, let me tell you about the
advantages of driving an old car ...."

	Need I say more ......

Soon  to come
   1) How many rust-spots may your car have and still pass inspection in 
	West-Germany? (how many must you have in East Germany to avoid
	having to become a member of THE party to be allowed to drive
	in public?)
       (excepts from "Learning to survive with on old car in Krautland")
   2) Why did my '54 Chevy get stolen on Easter Friday from the parking lot
	of the church, but not my new Mercedes? (in "My Venezuelan Years")
      plus:
	Why did the Columbian border guards try to take me for "bite"
	with my oldie - but took off their hat when I past with the
	"newie"?  and "Starting a '54 white rusty Chevy without a key"

The suspense must be killing you, already ....

Werner (UUCP: {ctvax,decvax!eagle,gatech,ucbvax!nbires,rice} !ut-ngp!werner )
       (ARPA: cs.werner@utexas-20 )