First Drive of the Year - And Thoughts

Reply #45 – May 31, 2006, 11:46:54 AM

I haven't posted in forever. This thread definitely speaks to me.

I bought a brand new 20th anniversary back in August of 1987. Drove it for 4 years and totaled it in an accident. About 2 years ago I found a really good condition 20th online. I flew 1100 miles to look at the car, bought it, and drove it home. Reliability is not a problem.

I wanted this car to be perfect in every way. I have restored the car inside and out. It looks flawless. Anybody who has ever tried to find an interior for a 20th will appreciate the trouble I had finding that. It looks and runs perfectly with 128,000 miles on it to boot.

Now this is the thing. My other car as is Eric's is an SUV. I have a GMC Envoy Dbuttstuffi. It is smokin' sweet. It does make the Cougar seem dated in a huge way. I have considered selling the Cougar but it does hold a special place in my heart. It is as others have stated a "time machine". I climb in that car and I'm transported back to a much more carefree time in my life.

However, the car is always going to be a concern for as long as I own her. The big "what ifs?".

What if
1) I get into an accident can I fix the body damage
2) It breaks down can I find parts
3) I get a hole in these impossible to find seats (20th anniversary)
4) I do decide to sell it can I stand the loss that the market will bring

I loved my original Cougar that I wrecked. It was my baby. This car is well a car. Once I finished the restoration I was as proud as anybody because it is perfect. However, after the restoration was complete and all the blood, sweat and tears had dried it came down to one thing. It is just a car albeit a sentimental car and no matter how much I want it to be awesome it is a 19 year old car. It will never be as smooth driving or modern as my new SUV. I don't think that is why I bought this car. It was to have once again what I had lost to a very severe accident.

Do I love this Cougar as much as my original? NO. Would I sell it if the right money were offered? Probably. Is that likely? No.

What it all boils down to for me and me alone. My 20th anniversary is a toy. I drive it when I want to and am thankful that I was able to put the car back to it's original showroom condition. I probably won't put 500 miles on her this year. I'll drive it to work a few times, cruise around the Sonic, drive it to church every now and then. The rest of the time it will sit in the garage and be washed occasionally.

I'm glad that their are so many people here who love their Fox frame cars. I'm thankful for the information that is shared here. I'm thankful that my Cougar isn't my daily driver. I don't want to wear it out or risk tearing it up.

PeAcE