My Dating Life In The Fast Lane

I know this isn't a news flash but I'm car shopping. I know I have said this before, but I am in fact actually going around, looking at cars, arranging my finances and generally preparing to make this important purchase. JJ and I went to seven dealerships yesterday saw some possibilities, but nothing really spoke to me. There is so much to consider. For me I want a "cool" car. It has to be relatively reliable, affordable, and comfortable, but also have what the French call "je ne sais quoi". Finding that car has proven to be quite the undertaking. The thing is, I could just go to a dealership, buy a car and be done, but I don't want to just settle for the safe choice, I want the car that is just right for me.

As I was thinking about this it reminded me so much of (try not to be offended) finding the right girl. Now surely I am not the first to think of the analogy, but it got me to think about the girls who have come in out of my life. I haven't driven let alone owned all of these cars but for me they make a good representation. So in no particular order.

The SAAB. Typical Scandinavian. From the outside, it has great lines, and is fun to drive. However after a few years, it proves to be unreliable, expensive to maintain, and ultimately not the car you thought it would be. Sure was fun for the first couple of years though.

 

The BMW 750. This is a an absolutely beautiful car. It does however have a very high sticker price. I looked all over town to find one where the numbers worked. Ultimately it just didn't work at that time in my life. It seems like it is more suitable for a doctor than a future congressman. 

 

The Kawasaki Ninja. Unpredictable in a good way, but must be a little crazy to drive. Definitely the sort of vehicle where after three months, one way or another you have to get rid of it or it will probably kill you. Every now and then I think I should take the Ninja out. Ultimately I realize I don't have a helmet.

The Subaru. It has no trouble going left. At one point in my life the Subaru, somehow seemed like a good idea. It gave me an amazing first impression. Maybe I was dazzled by the All Wheel drive, but in hindsight seems like a terrible terrible idea. Despite many of my friends saying, why would you ever get a Subaru? The good news is that it was a short term lease, that got shipped to Europe .

Chevrolet Silverado w/ Lift Package. There is a part of me that is a truck guy. It's a bit impractical, doesn't get great mileage, but definitely makes an impression. Would be completely appropriate to take to game or to the lake but not an everyday driver. Super cool though and would definitely make the right guy happy. Just not this guy.

 

The Acura TSX. Not necessarily flashy but reliable and sporty. This is the kind of car that would give you no problems and be very happy with for years to come. Even though I only had it for a few weeks, I think of it fondly.

 

The Ford Mustang. The Mustang came highly recommended, and there are few cars that I was more excited about right off the bat. Definitely a classic beauty. Despite my best efforts the Mustang was just not reliable and never would be, at least not for me.

The Corvette. Despite my efforts I never could catch up with the Corvette. It is extremely popular vehicle, attracts a lot of attention, and is great topic of conversation. As fun as the Corvette is, I think it's better suited for someone a bit closer to middle age. Awesome car though. No doubt about it.

The Volkswagen Bug Zip Car.  This one skews a bit younger. I never seriously considered the Zip Car, but it was a fun for a weekend trip. It wasn't practical but not every car you drive is.

The Porsche. My dream car, to me it's perfect. It's beautiful, high performance, and consistently blows me away. Yes, it can at times be temperamental, and I have been known to grind the gears, but I can not get enough of this car. Of all the cars I could ever have this is the one that is number one on my list.

In the end I'm not sure what car I'll end up with. Obviously I want the Porsche, and if it works out that would be outstanding, and I know without a doubt that someday I will have my dream car. Sure the time table may be a bit farther off than I would like, and the Porsche might be a Cayman, a Boxster, a Cayenne, or a Panamera, but it will definitely, be beautiful, responsive, and fun.
 

*In reality I'm thinking of a Dodge Durango, despite the fact that my sister Jennifer thinks it's a bad idea. I know that no lady wants to be compared to a Durango.