Let me tell you about my car, My 2005 Nissan Sentra. That’s right I said 2005. It is green, or jade if I am being particular. It is a little car though four adults can fit comfortably inside as long as the shorter ones sit in the back. It is a four cylinder so not bad on gas. It does not have wifi, gps, or satellite capabilities. It does have a couple of dents, scratches, and a cracked break light. Also the seat belt connector on the drivers side always slides down to the bottom of the belt. I have to find it near the floor and slide it back up the belt before I can put it on and click it into place. What else can I tell you about my Nissan Sentra??? Oh, most importantly it runs just fine. It just passed inspection after a repair. On average for the last few years the car has cost me less than $800 a year in repairs. It is reliable.
Yes the car is now over 11 years old. I have had it exactly 11 years today as a matter of fact. My dad went with me on Columbus day to go buy it. That is one of my fondest memories. My dad was so proud of me and everything feel into place for me to buy the car with confidence. But that is not why my Nissan Sentra gives me joy.
My Nissan Sentra gives me joy because it reminds me of some of my good qualities. Qualities that I forget about or that I have started to doubt over the years. It reminds me that I am good with money. I saved up a very decent down payment for my car. I had a really good credit score for a 25 year old when I bought it. So I had a loan and certified check from my bank in hand when I went to buy it so I did not need the car companies financing. I paid the car off early and have no car payment Over the years I have found myself in debt a time or two, including now managing the cost of my fertility treatment. It is not a good feeling and makes me doubt my ability to be good with money. My car is a reminder that I am.
My Nissan Sentra gives me joy because it reminds me that I make good decisions. My home and car are the two biggest purchases that I have ever made. I did research and prepared as best as I could before buying either. While I am proud to be a homeowner it has not really turned out as great as I thought it would. I did not know how hard managing a house was. I also did not foresee the changes that have taken place in my neighborhood. Hindsight being 20/20 I would have done somethings differently. At times when dealing with homeownership stuff I doubt my decision making abilities. But then I look out at my car and see how well that has turned out. Not all of my decisions have been disappointing. I can make goo decisions.
My Nissan Sentra gives me joy because it gives me independence. I can get up and go wherever I want whenever I want. I don’t have to worry about an uber, SEPTA (public transportation in Philly), or family or friends for rides.
My Nissan Sentra gives me joy because it reminds me that I can stick to a plan. The main reason I got a Nissan Sentra is because one of my friends had one and it was super old and running well. I knew I wanted whatever car I purchased to last. I read some financial advice around the time of my car research that said you should not get a new car until the maintenance costs on your current car cost the same as or more than a care payment on a new vehicle. That was my plan from day one of car ownership. So here we are 11 years later. The car still cost way less than a repair. I admit I am itching for something new. But for now I calm the itch by reminding myself I don’t have a car note.
Realistically I know that I don’t have much time left with my 2005 Nissan Sentra. Eventually my plan to become a Single Mother By Choice will become a reality. I will need something that fits and is compatible with modern day car seats. But until then I will keep Chasing Joy in my 2005 jade green Nissan Sentra.
How old is your car? When did you decide it was time for a new one?
Girl you keep your car. I had my car for about 15 years. I was the only owner of the car. I had to roll up my windows manually. It ran great. I got a new to me used car when the dials on the old car dashboard stopped working and when fumes started coming through. I too was glad not to have a car note on the old car for many years.