When I was 17, I spent my life savings on my first car—a whole 2700 bucks. I took what I could get, teenage budget and all. This led me to my first love, a 1995 gold Ford Ranger. At 20 years old, there are a few quirks that I have had to deal with.
1. Windshield wipers randomly turn on, rain not included
It could be the clearest day in Sunny San Diego and my windshield wipers feel like grooving, for no reason whatsoever. So here I am, cruising through the city with my windshield wipers swiping away. People glance at me like I’m crazy, but it’s fine.
2. I have to cheer on my truck to merge on the freeway
Holding a 4-cylinder engine, my truck wouldn’t classify as “powerful”. Hills are the worst. However, it’s nothing it can’t push through with a little encouragement: “Come on truck, you can do it!” Yes, I am that crazy driver who talks to her car, but it’s fine.
3. Literally everyone passes me
Sometimes my encouragement isn’t enough and I’m caught going 55 on the freeway. While getting passed is annoying, I honestly don’t blame people for doing it to me. My truck has graced me with patience: I add at least 10 minutes to every ETA from Google Maps, but it’s fine.
4. I cross my fingers every time I start the engine
I have been lucky, with minimal issues from my old man of a car. Being on the verge of a doctor’s visit, I cross my fingers every time I turn the ignition. I wait for the beautiful sound of guzzling gas. One day soon that sound will no longer exist, but in the meantime it’s fine.
5. Gas money is all gone with horrible mileage
When you live in California—yes I have paid $4.25 for a gallon of gas—12 miles to the gallon is nothing short of painful. In a regular month, I could easily spend half my paycheck on gas. Thank you to all my friends who drive when I don’t feel like dumping my wallet through the streets of SoCal. My truck eats gas like there is no tomorrow, but it’s fine.
At the end of the day, all of these “issues” are so worth it. My truck is more to me than a car; it is my pride and joy. I mean, what sounds better than cruising in your truck, windows down, blaring your favorite song? To me, nothing. That is why I have learned to happily deal with these 5 quirks.