just curious

This is an ANNONYMOUS curiosity. <BR> <BR>A friend of mine just bought a new car yesterday and is very excited and asked me why I didn't want a new car. <BR> <BR>I said, hey, a new car would be nice I just don't want to spend the money. If I did that, I couldn't take trips. You know how it goes, blah, blah, blah... <BR> <BR>So, I was thinking, I wonder what cars all the fodorites drive? I'm sure some of you have new cars (lucky devils) and many have old cars. And others, I'm sure, must have not only new cars, but really nice new cars (extra lucky devils). As for us, we are right in the middle. My husband drives a 1989 Volvo 740 and I drive a 1988 Mercedes 190. I'd love one of the bigger models but I can't afford it and still travel. <BR> <BR>So, what type of car do you drive?

Lori

OK, I'll be the first one to answer. I also think there was a previous thread on this many moons ago, but here goes. I drive a 1999 BMW, and my husband drives a 1992 Maxima.........

Richard

I drive an '89 Ford Aerostar, my wife drives a '91 Chrysler LeBaron convertible, on special occasions we drive my '66 Austin Healey 3000 (original owner). I have the luxury of working at home, so the Aerostar is used mainly for drives to DFW and to take the dogs to the vet.

luckyme

I will anonymously answer truthfully. I drive a 99 Mercedes E430, husband drives a 95 Mercedes S420, and the backup vehicle is a 98 Ford Explorer Sport, named "Big Red." I have worked the same job for 23 years, husband just retired after 25 years. We save and invest, we are very focused on money management, we do not have children, and we travel about 4 times a year: this year it is Europe in the spring; Hawaii in june; Argentina in the fall. The Europe trip is paid with frequent flyer miles and we are staying in luxury hotels. the Hawaii and Argentina trips are company paid incentives that I earned, and they put us in luxury hotels. I'll extend the Argentina trip into Chile for a week to see my high school foreign exchange sister and stay for a week. Husband will take a week's trip to Canada fishing in July with his father, brother, and nephew, an annual event. They rough it, so that will be low cost. <BR>Already planning to go to Scotland in the summer of 2001 and to Portofino either spring or fall of the same year. <BR> <BR>Planning 15th wedding anniversary trip to be something like the Orient Express from London/Paris/Venice. Then a week in Rome. In 2001. Just plan for it, and put the money away in advance. No regrets. <BR> <BR>We are always excited about life! <BR>I feel very fortunate to be able to do the traveling that I do, and I am grateful for good health and a willing travel partner-hubby who doesn't mind spending to do these fun things. <BR> <BR>Good luck to you, mr. just curious. There is nothing wrong with buying a new car, traveling first class, or staying at the Ritz. Do it if you can afford it and if it makes you smile. <BR>

just curious

Here, here! <BR> <BR>I knew we had some lucky devils out there driving new cars AND traveling! Alas, it is not me. Perhaps one day. <BR> <BR>I guess we don't really have to give up EVERYTHING in order to travel. We can still enjoy decent cars (and in some cases great cars!) and travel every year. <BR> <BR>I'm so glad this is all annonymous because I feel we can all be more honest without getting hassled. <BR> <BR>Good for you "luckyme"! You sound like the position I'm planning on being in in about 8-10 years. My husband and I had a record year in our business last year and have begun putting extra money away into investments. He already has an old 401K from a previous job many years ago. Based on the growth it has been doing and the way our business is booming, we should be able to retire in 8 - 10 years. Then, we'll just travel and work on pet projects when the mood strikes. We'll never do nothing. We would go crazy! <BR> <BR>The funny thing about this car thing is, my husband hates cars. He could give a heck about what car he drives. I'm serious! He was driving a really cheap econo car for about 4 years while I was begging him to get rid of it. It was embarrasing! Why did he like it? It never broke down and the air would freeze your butt off. That's all he cared about. <BR> <BR>Me, I like nice. I'm not that demanding but I do like to keep up a certain image for the business. It might sound strange but lots of people respect nicer cars. When you pull up in a Mercedes (even though mine isn't new, it's got new paint and has a special package on it, very sleek!) people treat you differently. I know this for a fact because I used to drive a 1984 pick up. Big difference! <BR> <BR>Well, thanks for the responses. Keep them coming. <BR>

gina

Ok, I drive the ultimate teacher car. 1995 Honda Accord. We have a parking lot full of them. Sensible, reliable, boring, paid for. Heading to Europe this summer, can't wait.

Roy

Here is an oldie but goody for you.I drive a 1963 Chevy Impala SS.and it is in perfect shape!!No I do not want a new car but my wife wants a new one.

ilisa

I drive a 1996 Ford Taurus wagon (I have turned into a complete mom!) and my husband drives a 1992 Chrysler LeBaron convertible which I despise. We'll need to replace it soon, and I dread paying for another car though it's something we can't avoid. Whatever we get, however, I refuse to succumb to a mini-van.

redneck

I just recently traded in the Harley for a 1971 Chevvy Impala. My wife upgraded her Model T for a newer one -- 1966 Ford Custom with a 289 cc engine. The tractor is a 1978 Farmall. When we ain't plowing, we uses it for the store. <BR>Wish I saw the point in this somewhat inane line of questioning.

Erin

Since I live in northern NJ and work 15 miles from home, I was a public transportation person for a LONG time. Last year I bought my mother's 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse for a thousand bucks! It's paid for, in good condition (now that I've invested $1300 in repairs) and gets me from point A to B. Sure I would love a new car, but with student loans and the mortgage, I just can't afford it right now. And I definitely don't want to sacrifice my travels (Florida next week, Rio de Janeiro in six weeks, Spain in the fall, and Georgia next Xmas). But I still dream about a brand new black Baby Benz...maybe someday!

dan woodlief

I drive a 1999 Ferrari that I picked up in Milan last year. Just kidding... I have a red '97 Mustang. My wife has a '97 T-Bird. Before that, we only had one car - an 84 T-Bird that was starting to fall apart from Wisconsin-generated rust. No, we are not Ford fanatics - just happened to like these particular cars and got good deals. Plus, I work 42 miles from home, and the Mustang helps get me here on time. Unfortunately, a 17-year old ran into the back of my car Monday - but luckily no dents.

Maira

Ford Escort and Honda Civic for us. We have chosen to avoid car payments and luxury items so we can go to Europe, the Caribbean, AND a U.S. destination every year. Been doing that for the last seven years. Don't regret a second of it. No kids; not a choice, but in peace with that.

Mrs. Mortimer

We have a Y2K VW Beetle (black);they now make them with heaters. We also have a black Blazer, a blue Buick station wagon, and a Cadillac hearse (black of course). <BR>

Have_wagon

I knew many of you folks had money, good for you. I drive a 1990 Toyota Corolla wagon. Between trips to England and Paris, the old girl has been on camping trips to both coasts; 177,500+ miles and still going strong.

Neon

I drive a 1995 Dodge Neon, and my husband drives a 1997 Honda CRV. He swore if I let him get that car (which he did not need) he would never ever want another car. Obviously not true, in 1998 he got a Mazda Miata as well (paid cash from a severance deal with his company). He's been researching my next car (probably a 2000 Audi A4) for over a year, and he's making noises about wanting an Audi TT too. Me, I'm happy if my car looks good enough and starts every time no worries. The Neon's been great for that!

s.fowler

I drive a 95 toyota corolla which I bought used with 4,500 miles on it! I still am amazed at my luck Hubby's 91 Geo Storm [Isuzu] died recently so, after drooling over new cars, we bought a used 96 Toyota Tercel. One of our arguments for the Tercel was... the diff is a trip to PARIS!

just curious

Inane? I think that's a little strong. And if I have to explain this, then forget it. <BR> <BR>Double ditto on the payments. I hate car payments. After I paid off the one and only vehicle I ever bought new, I swore I'd never do it again. <BR> <BR>And I totally agree with "Neon." That's why I like my car too. It looks pretty good and it runs like a champ. I've had it for going on 3 years and still haven't done any work on the engine. <BR> <BR>S. Fowler, you and your husband sound like us! Everything is in relation to what other item(s) we can buy with the money. He swears that if he ever won Lotto, we would still drive an older car. Me, I would drive a newer car (3-4 years old) but probably not brand new. I just hate the hit you take the second you drive it off the lot. <BR> <BR>............... <BR> <BR>

lola

The connection here is trying to find out more about those of us who travel to Europe, obviously, and to put vehicles with names. It's rather interesting. <BR>I drive a 98 black Miata; my husband, a 98 Accord. I've always liked fun, beautiful cars, and have attended many classic car shows. My first car was an MGB, British Racing Green, picked up in London in the 1960s at the start of an idyllic two-month European honeymoon (my first husband could afford it!). <BR>Later, as a single mom, I did fine with more practical cars, but then for a while had a long relationship with a car buff who had--at various times-- a Rolls Silver Cloud, a Morgan, a red Mercedes 450 SL (people were hostile!) and my favorite, a primrose yellow, 12-cylinder E-Type Jag, circa 1973. It drank 13 quarts of oil about every other month and was more in the shop than the garage. Nobody knew what it was when we'd take it out for a spin and we'd often get stopped by curious folks or get "thumbs up" signs; it made people happy. Always wanted to let it rip on the autobahn at 120, but had to sell it. Cars are indeed fun, but I'd take a bus if I had to in order to travel instead.

Kavey

We have a brand new spangly Honda CRV which we got yesterday!!! <BR> <BR>We share a car as I commute on the Tube to wrok so we dont need a car each. <BR> <BR>He is Ruby Red and his name is Geronimo... <BR> <BR>He is soooooooooo lovely. And he only had 6 miles on the clock when we got him.... <BR> <BR>Kavey the very very pleased with her new toy

Diane

After many years of driving my kids (and various teammates) in a Ford Taurus Wagon (retired in 1995 with 189K miles on it), I drove a plum colored Saturn SL2 for 3 years before I realised that our kids' educations were actually funded by our savings from all those years with the Taurus & Saturn! Bought myself a brand new Acura CL (2-door coupe with "the big engine," leather, air, heated seats and a Bose stereo system) two years ago. I have the most heavenly 30 minute commute to and from work. I'll drive this car until it falls apart. My husband has a 1996 VW Passat.