When I moved back to Valencia from La Jolla, CA, I brought the car I bought there. But that was because cars were twice or thrice as expensive here. My 1990 Honda Accord lasted over twenty years… But I agree, our grandparents did not want the “freedom” that a car gives you. They wanted a chauffeur to be driven. I have become a practicing pedestrian and train rider.
The economics of what you did made sense at the time, Juan.
I understand not taking a chance on a much more expensive vehicle when you already had reliable transportation, especially since you still had a need for it. You chose the rational path. I've noticed that Americans frequently switch vehicles without ever paying anything off. Some have no choice, but those who do prevent themselves from saving by carrying too much debt.
And every time they switch vehicles, they're taking a chance.
That's partly why we held onto our last car for several years (until we moved to Spain) because it was the most reliable one we've ever owned. A Honda Accord like yours, actually. It basically held its value, so when we sold it, we figured we'd either succeed at car-free life or just buy a different one if needed. We planned for the contingencies, and thankfully car-free life has been a success so far.
I harp on cars a lot, but I'm not anti-car. Cars can mean and have meant "freedom" depending on the place and time. On this blog, I've tried my best to emphasize first and foremost that I have preferences and opinions about cars (and other stuff!), not universal truths. And I also tend to undermine my own points by weaving satire and bizarro tangents into these discussions… but in general, my home country could've prevented a bonkers amount of destruction related to personal vehicles by simply making non-stupid infrastructural decisions in urban and suburban areas. Living in a country not entirely captured by industry is a dream come true!
Starting with, what if------?, isn't really advice but can lead to more thought. Just know there is one old man in the states that's happy when you're both happy regardless of where you are.
My Grandfather advised me to never give advice because a smart person doesn't need it and a stupid person won't pay attention.
This just might sum up all of our societal problems.
When I moved back to Valencia from La Jolla, CA, I brought the car I bought there. But that was because cars were twice or thrice as expensive here. My 1990 Honda Accord lasted over twenty years… But I agree, our grandparents did not want the “freedom” that a car gives you. They wanted a chauffeur to be driven. I have become a practicing pedestrian and train rider.
The economics of what you did made sense at the time, Juan.
I understand not taking a chance on a much more expensive vehicle when you already had reliable transportation, especially since you still had a need for it. You chose the rational path. I've noticed that Americans frequently switch vehicles without ever paying anything off. Some have no choice, but those who do prevent themselves from saving by carrying too much debt.
And every time they switch vehicles, they're taking a chance.
That's partly why we held onto our last car for several years (until we moved to Spain) because it was the most reliable one we've ever owned. A Honda Accord like yours, actually. It basically held its value, so when we sold it, we figured we'd either succeed at car-free life or just buy a different one if needed. We planned for the contingencies, and thankfully car-free life has been a success so far.
I harp on cars a lot, but I'm not anti-car. Cars can mean and have meant "freedom" depending on the place and time. On this blog, I've tried my best to emphasize first and foremost that I have preferences and opinions about cars (and other stuff!), not universal truths. And I also tend to undermine my own points by weaving satire and bizarro tangents into these discussions… but in general, my home country could've prevented a bonkers amount of destruction related to personal vehicles by simply making non-stupid infrastructural decisions in urban and suburban areas. Living in a country not entirely captured by industry is a dream come true!
Thanks for your comment.
Starting with, what if------?, isn't really advice but can lead to more thought. Just know there is one old man in the states that's happy when you're both happy regardless of where you are.