Over the past several years I've written a variety of essays for the Art of Manliness, a truly excellent webzine with a large following.Recently, I've come aboard as a regular contributor, meaning I'll be contributing an original article to them once a month.
Today's post is just up, titled "How To Be Happy with the Car You Drive," a lighthearted--though somewhat poignant--look at the various vehicular stages of a man's life.
See the post HERE or copy and past the following URL into your browser:
http://artofmanliness.com/2012/11/26/how-to-be-happy-with-the-car-you-drive/
I'll be back next week on this blog with a new post, same as always.
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6 comments:
Hi Marcus,
yes, cars are a important chapter for men.
I'm looking for a new (used) one at the moment. My first car, an Opel Vectra B (GM made), with already over 310.000km is getting more and more worn out. I'm not able to count on it anymore. So I'm looking for a better one.
There are many aspects the new one has to meat. But not all of them are meetable with my price range.
As I already have asmall family it must be a large car, large space even on the back seats. I'm 6 feet 3 inch tall, so there should be enough space behind me for a baby seat and a baby in it. Next big thing is it has to be fuel efficient. The gas price here in Germany kills you. It is 7,70USD for a gallon of normal gasoline. Yes I calculated right!!! Diesel is a bit cheaper here.
So there is no way to drive a Dodge Ram with about 5.0L ccm engine.
Next thing is it should look nice from the inside. I have to feal comfortable driving it. You are sitting in your car mostly, you are not looking it from the outside. So in my opinion it should look nice in the inside first, then nice on the outside.
Let's see what it will be in the end...
New cars are not affordable for me at the moment. The one I would want costs 45.000USD. It is a Skoda Superb. Family car. And this price is far far cheaper as an AUDI, BMW and Mercedes, which I don't need by the way.
Tobi, it's always so good for me to get the perspective of people living in countries other than the U.S. thanks. Wow, $7.70 USD for a gallon of gas. Crazy. best--MB
Marcus,
I am in car phase 3 currently. While I have always been happy with my car, I felt proud about my car for the first time today thanks to your article. It might not win any "Keeping up with the Jones" contests, but it fits our needs perfectly and it is way better than not having a car payment. I am looking forward to seeing more from you both here and over on AoM. Thanks for the motivation to keep doing what I am doing and not give in to coveteousness.
Thanks for the good word, Phil. best--MB
Marcus - stumbled on your piece and the photo of you with your Volvo 164. That was my first car, too. Maroon. 1975. Also had a roof rack! Blast from the past. Mine had crazy electrical problems but I loved it, for all the reasons you describe. I live in Atlanta and drive past a Volvo repair shop fairly regularly that always seems to have one or two 164s parked in the lot. Always makes me smile, and frequently makes me want to stop and make an offer.
Tom, good word, thanks--always glad to connect with a fellow Volvo fan.
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