an end to an era
My gas guzzling days are over. I have shed my unnecessary extravagance. The end of an era, so to speak. This weekend was a big one in many ways (more about that later), but in particular it was a significant in our vehicular history. This weekend, Suzy and I pulled the trigger on a new car – which spelled the end for the big shiny Ford F150. You see, we’ve been talking about this for some time, our vehicle situation. The truck, even though I love it to death, is just not practical as a family car. It’s beautiful, it’s comfortable and quiet inside, it’s easy to drive, powerful as heck (V8 5.4Liter), but it has plenty of downsides for practicality. Besides the fact that it’s downright expensive, it also consumes petrol at an alarming rate, it’s too tall for us to get a car seat in-out of, it’s not good for more than two people, etc…
And so, we began the search for a new vehicle. I have a strong aversion to mini-vans. I know, I know. They are great for families. Sliding doors are fantastic for kids. Having three rows of seats is great for getting the grandparents in the vehicle too. But they just carry that stigma – the soccer mom stigma. (Don’t get me wrong, I fully intend to be a soccer dad) Blech! No mini-van for me.
And at the end of the day we found ourselves a great compromise. We eventually settled on a gorgeous little cross-over SUV – which is really just a slightly larger than a station wagon. In reality, it is a station wagon with a SUV-like gait. It’s waaay more fuel efficient than the truck. The payments are way less. It’s safe, it’s quiet, it’s comfortable. All said, I’m really happy with the purchase.
I was definitely sad to see the old truck go, but it was a good run. We had some good times together doing truck-like things, camping, road-tripping, hauling loads and just driving to work. Alas, these days are over. Farewell dear truck. We’ve embarked on a new era.
June 10th, 2009 at 8:13 am
So what’s wrong with being a soccer mom? Why is that stigma so bad? It’s WAY better than the druggie or pimp stigma. Your vehicle is very pretty by the way. Oh, and the sliding doors on a van can be good, but they freak me out… they are very dangerous. I saw a kid get her entire hand closed in a sliding door. There was some kind of 20/20 like show on mini vans and their dangerous doors. So, there. There is another thing why you shouldn’t have a mini van.
June 11th, 2009 at 3:46 am
what up dude. can’t imagine that the truck was any shinier than that fancy vehicular masterpiece above pictured. sounds like exciting times indeed!
June 12th, 2009 at 8:56 am
For what it’s worth, I LOVE the new car… Then again, I’m also driving it
All in all, though, I think the best part of this is streamlining our lives into things that make sense for us. It makes me feel like we’re being responsible adults. This car is going to be SO much better for road trips, too. A happy compromise between the civic and the truck. And will work well once gizma arrives 
June 13th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Were you commuting to work in the F150 truck? Ugh! You must have spent a fortune on gas! Congrats on buying something more fuel efficient.
June 17th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Yup – Commuting in the F-150 was hitting me square in the wallet. I’m now driving the Honda Civic around, which gets roughly 35/Highway and 28/City. Soooo much nicer.
June 20th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
But I want a mini-van! And I don’t even play soccer.
We have a Nissan Sentra as our family car. There is no room in it, but we can get 40 mpg sometimes! We say, “Put your hands up kids!” before slamming their doors. Otherwise, their fingers are pinched between the carseats as everything is shoved together. Ha!