Introduction

Car ownership is a personal endeavor often influenced by one's lifestyle, preferences, and interests. For my wife and me, it's a blend of necessity, hobby, and convenience in our small, rural town in the Southwest. This article delves into our automotive journey, from our current collection to past vehicles, and the impact of our interests on car choices.

Current Fleet and Lifestyle

Currently, my wife and I own five vehicles. This eclectic mix includes a 1981 Corvette Fastback C3, a 1973 Ford 250 Long-bed, a 2004 Z71 Avalanche, a 2003 Ford 350 6.0 Powerstroke Crew-cab Long-bed, and a 1981 C30 Silverado Crew-cab Dually Long-bed. While I own a 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, a 2023 Toyota Sequoia, and a 2019 GMC Sierra, I rarely drive the 'crew-cab long-bed' trucks unless absolutely necessary. Instead, I often use my feet and the occasional two-car spot.

Past Vehicle History

Over the past eight years, we have sold or switched out about seven to eight vehicles. This was a natural progression reflecting both personal and professional changes. We typically maintained at least three vehicles at any given time, as they mostly ran without incident. Here are a few of our previous vehicles:

1981 Corvette Fastback C3 1973 Ford 250 Long-bed 2004 Z71 Avalanche 2003 Ford 350 6.0 Powerstroke Crew-cab Long-bed 1981 C30 Silverado Crew-cab Dually Long-bed

These vehicles have provided us with a rich variety of driving experiences, from the excitement of muscle cars to the practicality of larger vehicles for long commutes.

Vintage and Projects

Vintage vehicles hold a special place in our hearts. Automotive restoration and projects are a hobby that many men in our small town share. Rendants and dads alike take pride in working on their own cars and homes. My 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet is a personal favorite among 'fun' cars, and it's joined by a diverse collection of BMWs, Volvos, and other iconic models.

Driving Experiences and Safety

Driving in our rural town is both rewarding and challenging. With dirt roads and poorly maintained paved roads, safety is paramount. In the past, our wife has been hit three times in our Volvo vehicles with minimal injuries. This highlights the importance of choosing reliable cars, even when they're not the most modern or fashionable.

My Personal Automotive Resume

As a youngster, my car choices reflected my interests in accessibility and affordability. I owned cheap Toyotas, early 60s VW beetles, Rabbits, and Dusters. As my income increased, I ventured into more reliable and comfortable cars like Volvos and Mercedes. My fascination with BMWs has been longstanding, and I've owned close to 20 of them. Despite their fantastic driving experience, their reliability leaves much to be desired. Currently, our Lexus LS430 stands out as the most reliable car in our collection.

Conclusion

Our journey through various vehicles has been a mix of love, maintenance, and practicality. Whether it's a vintage project or a modern luxury, each car adds to our collection and our collective story. My love for cars and my wife's preference for practicality have shaped our current fleet, offering us a blend of nostalgia and convenience.