Geek Habitat

According to a recent survey comparing parents’ and teens’ favorite vehicles, #2 on parents’ list is the Toyota Corolla; #1 on teens’ list is of course the Ford Mustang. A no-brainer, right?

Well, I can relate. My first, and only car thus far? A 1992 Toyota Corolla. She’s reliable, built like a (very little) tank, runs well and has good gas mileage. Her air conditioning still works (the radio? not so much…), and her only real flaw is she’s getting a little rough around the edges — the years are beginning to show, though everyone who meets her comments on her youthful vigor and appearance. She did recently start shedding uncontrollably, resulting in me yanking out her headliner, but everyone’s hair thins with age, right? She has lots of sqeaks and other assorted sounds, and her windshield washer reservoir leaks and isn’t screwed down anymore (thank goodness for duct tape!) All in all, we try not to call attention to these imperfections because she still hauls us, camping gear, camera equipment, garden plants and supplies, groceries and bicycles with no complaints. Hell, she even “four-wheeled” at Padre Island National Seashore before I convinced Justin to take his new 4×4 pickup down-island! Yes, I am a little attached to her, even though I try not to admit it. She’s only left me stranded twice in our lives together — once, after-hours at an Air Force Base when I accidentally left my headlights on, and once when her alternator died just after her 10th birthday.

So, I’ve had a long, long stint as the owner of a “responsible vehicle”. For several years, I’ve had my eyes on a “fun vehicle”. It’s not adultery if you’re just looking, right?

Meanwhile, my parents have driven muscle cars — matching red Chevy Cameros — for years, and Dad’s now awaiting the arrival of his last-off-the-production-line 2005 Ford Mustang GT. While my Dad’s been waiting for his custom ordered ‘Stang to arrive, my brother bought and received his ‘Sonic Blue’ 2005 Ford Mustang. Suddenly, I’m surrounded not just by fun vehicles, but really sexy, fun vehicles. One look at the Mustang and my mind went “Tilt!” Suddenly, my research into new cars veered from a Ford Escape or Ford Escape Hybrid to a Mustang GT.

I’ll let you know how it turns out. We’re not actually car hunting anytime soon — it’s been quite liberating not having a car payment every month, now that Justin’s Ford F-150 SuperCrew 4×4 finally got paid off earlier this year.