I Love My Car

Back in the late 90's, I was making good money. For the first time in my life I purchased a new car. Silver with black interior, my 1998 Audi A4 had only 11 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. I bought the sports package as an option as well as a Bose sound system. Wow! It was perfect in every way. I still love my car 10 years later. It has some scratches, a faulty sunroof and I've had to get some minor mechanical work done, but when I take a day to spend on it, I marvel at how great it looks. Maybe it's just me but I really don't seem to appreciate the newer models much more than my 1998 model. Not enough to justify putting down 35k on a new car and the feeling that comes with it. Did I mention how great it feels? I've even looked at the newer Audi models in detail and I always find myself favoring my model and year vehicle. Is it just me or do I see hidden potential?

I'm a big fan of keeping things original, and I don't like added on, or after market body parts. Spoilers, scoops or flared out fenders bother me. Windows tinted so dark that the car looks two toned in black are not my thing either. My current affection for my car has forced me to think about it and here is what I came up with. A car should be maintained to its original look as best as is possible. Let's consider this "stage one" of your vehicles' life. If you're lucky and your car is kept in a garage, (mine is not) this stage can be maintained almost indefinitely. You may experience the occasional annoying scratch or dent when you go to the market but these are always manageable. After some time however depending on where your car is kept, you may need to take your car to "step two" of its life.

Step two is where I am at now. Actually step two may be forced upon your old vehicle if you decide you want something new. Poor car. How do you change your existing car to make it feel brand new? Keep in mind that the other option is to drop tens of thousands on a new car.

Firstly, take your car to a detail shop. This may sound odd if you're going to be taking it to the shop for any improvements but follow this logic. When you bring your car to any repair shop the impression your car makes on the people doing the work goes a long way. If they see your car is very well maintained, they will assume you pay very close attention to the vehicle. If they make that assumption you should expect them to respect your car and your observations about any work they do as well.

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