The Absent Uncle: Thoughts about cars

In our retirement my wife and I have slimmed our car fleet down to a single car. When we moved to Houston from Kansas almost eight years ago, we had three. 

When we arrived, I was shocked with the amount of premiums for the liability-only car insurance we carry. Our fleet was well past the age where carrying full coverage made any sense and since all were paid off no requirement from a lender for full coverage was necessary.

In short order it was clear that with two drivers, one retired completely, and the other (me) working as a self-employed consultant that usually flew to my client’s location and rented a car or worked from home, it was obvious we needed to reduce the parking congestion on the driveway. 

My old pickup was first to go. I knew I was going to miss it for the occasional hauling of oversize or gardening items – but putting a “For Sale” sign in its window for a couple of days brought an offer for the price I was looking for – so we were down to a two-car fleet. 

Then my car that I used for business travel (and airport parking) seemed to be developing a problem or two that might require potentially expensive repairs. Besides, between the two remaining vehicles our combined mileage was less than 2,500 miles in the preceding year. So, that vehicle was sold, as is, and we were down to a single vehicle. 

That vehicle was primarily my wife’s car. We bought it new in 2003 – yes – 2003. A 2003 Saturn Vue with only about 160,000 on it. For the most part, it has been always garaged at night, has had all suggested maintenance performed, exterior and interior looks like an almost new car. I am getting the oil changed tomorrow and will get the same reaction from the garage I take it to since we moved here – “can’t believe that car is 22 years old.”   

When I took my recent trip to Minnesota (and South Dakota) I rented a smaller SUV type vehicle. It had all the bells and whistles that are almost standard on new cars today. “Pro Drive Asst”, side mirror traffic warning, backup camera, heated and cooling seats, automatic rear door hatch open and close, push-button ignition, and the list goes on. 

I really enjoyed driving the vehicle once I got used to it. Traveling alone I didn’t need all that much space for my luggage, but I could tell that a family of four would have plenty of room on a road trip. 

While I was driving it, I even thought about maybe we should think about changing cars. 

When I returned home, there was the 22-year-old Saturn. A car insurance renewal for liability only, a sub $80 car license renewal, and suddenly I really couldn’t think of a good reason to change all that. I’m good.