This is going to be long, but I’m kind of worried about myself. Since I was a toddler, I have been absolutely nuts about anything to do with automobiles. I mean NUTS. I’ve been wrenching on cars with my dad since I was around 7 or so. I literally built my first vehicle at the age of 15—my old 1968 F100 Shortbed truck. Life was awesome back then. I worked my can off during high school for two things—1.) to afford going out with my girlfriend and 2.) to afford parts for my truck. Simple.
When I graduated high school, I still had this old truck. With the BBF, it got about 8mpg at best. Since I was going to college, I knew I had to ditch this thing. There was no way I could afford this truck’s appetite in a college setting with rent, tuition, etc. So, regretfully, I sold it.
At the young age of 18, I made a decision that I can’t believe to this day. I decided to drive an ordinary vehicle for the 4yrs I was in college. Something that I didn't have to worry about. Something that wouldn't distract me from college work. A 2002 Ford Explorer beater w/ 200k miles fit the bill perfectly. With the profit from the F100, I could pay some tuition! Worked out great.
Fast forward 4 years. I've graduated. I've got a 9-5 job in Healthcare IT that I consider a career. I love it. I’m still rocking my old 2002 Explorer. It’s a champ. I could easily afford to jump and go buy a terminator, or a higher mileage GT500. If you would have spoken to the 18 year old me, it would be a done deal. Now, I cringe when thinking about spending that kind of $$ on something that is not a comfortable DD.
Want to know what’s even stranger? I used to LOVE loud off road midpipes, cammed out sounds, and tire smoke, etc… the whole shebang. Now, when I see someone roll by in a decked out Mustang (or Camaro, or whatever), and it’s loud and etc, I actually feel sorry for that person. That car is their life. A freaking car. Nothing wrong with enjoying the car and etc, but when you’re cleaning nooks and crannies in the engine with a Q-tip… I don’t even know. I know this is sort of judging the person, but I know that it was once me. I was that guy. I just don’t know what’s happened to me now. It’s not like I’m getting old, I’m only 23.
I think now that I see how much it costs to live a comfortable life, how much responsibility is required when thinking about marriage, family, being competitive at work and developing yourself professionally, I just can’t fathom how people justify cars like these. It just seems like something a 16-18 year old would drive. But instead, it’s 40 year olds doing this.
It’s not my business what people choose to do with their $$, but I just can’t bring myself to get back in the car game? I’m actually thinking about an Escape titanium Ecoboost 2.0 as a new DD since the explorer is worn out. Maybe that will be a nice DD that will give me the mod bug again? Can you crank the boost up on these escapes?
Anyone ever gone thru this stage of life? I’m actually kind of worried about myself. It’s like I made a 180 degree turn haha. I also forgot to mention that competitive powerlifting is now "my thing"... not sure if this has somehow mentally replaced "cars"
When I graduated high school, I still had this old truck. With the BBF, it got about 8mpg at best. Since I was going to college, I knew I had to ditch this thing. There was no way I could afford this truck’s appetite in a college setting with rent, tuition, etc. So, regretfully, I sold it.
At the young age of 18, I made a decision that I can’t believe to this day. I decided to drive an ordinary vehicle for the 4yrs I was in college. Something that I didn't have to worry about. Something that wouldn't distract me from college work. A 2002 Ford Explorer beater w/ 200k miles fit the bill perfectly. With the profit from the F100, I could pay some tuition! Worked out great.
Fast forward 4 years. I've graduated. I've got a 9-5 job in Healthcare IT that I consider a career. I love it. I’m still rocking my old 2002 Explorer. It’s a champ. I could easily afford to jump and go buy a terminator, or a higher mileage GT500. If you would have spoken to the 18 year old me, it would be a done deal. Now, I cringe when thinking about spending that kind of $$ on something that is not a comfortable DD.
Want to know what’s even stranger? I used to LOVE loud off road midpipes, cammed out sounds, and tire smoke, etc… the whole shebang. Now, when I see someone roll by in a decked out Mustang (or Camaro, or whatever), and it’s loud and etc, I actually feel sorry for that person. That car is their life. A freaking car. Nothing wrong with enjoying the car and etc, but when you’re cleaning nooks and crannies in the engine with a Q-tip… I don’t even know. I know this is sort of judging the person, but I know that it was once me. I was that guy. I just don’t know what’s happened to me now. It’s not like I’m getting old, I’m only 23.
I think now that I see how much it costs to live a comfortable life, how much responsibility is required when thinking about marriage, family, being competitive at work and developing yourself professionally, I just can’t fathom how people justify cars like these. It just seems like something a 16-18 year old would drive. But instead, it’s 40 year olds doing this.
It’s not my business what people choose to do with their $$, but I just can’t bring myself to get back in the car game? I’m actually thinking about an Escape titanium Ecoboost 2.0 as a new DD since the explorer is worn out. Maybe that will be a nice DD that will give me the mod bug again? Can you crank the boost up on these escapes?
Anyone ever gone thru this stage of life? I’m actually kind of worried about myself. It’s like I made a 180 degree turn haha. I also forgot to mention that competitive powerlifting is now "my thing"... not sure if this has somehow mentally replaced "cars"
I actually wish I could be like you and just get out altogether.
