I just kicked Joe Dominguez in the nuts

[CathyA]

My wife had that exact car and all the same problems you've mentioned as her first car. The only malady she experienced that you haven't already mentioned is that her back seat would routinely catch fire. It's because the seat sat directly over the battery and pressure on the seat, or sometimes something as insignificant as a left hand turn, would cause the seat to touch the battery terminals, resulting in sparks. I'll bet that's where your smoke came from.

LOL Alan. How did we survive back then? Hmmm.....thinking back on that time with 2 of my father's colleagues in the back seat.........I wonder if one of their butts got really hot??

[beckyliz]

But isn't that the whole reason behind living a frugal, simple lifestyle? Being mindful of what brings you pleasure and living your life so you spend your time and money on what YOU want - not what we're taught to want and following along like lemmings. Enjoy your YOLO!

[Gardenarian]

Well said, beckyliz

I loved my 1st car, $165 worth of rusted out Karmann Ghia - holes and all. And I still prefer to shop in thrift stores and am happy with my 13 year old Scion.

I also enjoy getting great seats to the latest Oregon Shakespeare Festival production, buying the best (not cheapest) local produce from the co-op, and supporting and taking part in a lot of the environmental groups here in Southern Oregon. And the occasional trip to Europe. YOLO!

[Rogar]

A good reminder Beckyliz! There are some basics that can get forgotten. YMOYL for me was about redefining a relationship with money to better align our life with our core values. My values go beyond just having enough money but having enough time and include some giving back to friends, family and community.

My first car was a 1957 Studebaker given to me by a great uncle in poor health. Even at the time it was a little bit of a conversation piece and a great car.