My Journey Through Ugly Cars: From the Crappiest to the Best

Driving is a significant aspect of many people's lives, but owning a car with less-than-ideal qualities can be a unique and memorable experience. In this article, I will share my personal journey through some of the 'ugliest' cars I owned, from the crappiest to the best ones that eventually elevated my status and experience as a driver.

From the Crappiest to the Best

A 1954 Plymouth Savoy: My First Car

First, let me tell you about the 'crappiest' car I owned: a 1954 Plymouth Savoy. While it was very used, a four-door, and only had a six-cylinder engine that wasn't exactly speedy, it was still a car that got me places where I needed to go and it was all mine. The Savoy was my first unshared vehicle, and it was an essential part of my teenage years. It was slow and ugly, but it was that car that made a real difference in my life. With it, I got off a yellow limo service, and no longer faced the embarrassment of my mom picking me up at school. More importantly, it helped me become a popular figure among my friends because I now had a car to take them places. It might not have been the most attractive car out there, but it was definitely the best one I owned.

A Buick Ranier: The Car That Lasted the Longest

My next stop is the Buick Ranier SUV. Initially, this car only had about 90,000 miles, and it had some basic aerodynamics features like a sunroof, rear airbags, and a 4x4 system. However, these basic components quickly broke. The CD player also met its end at this point. Despite its flaws, I still owned it for a while. I eventually traded it for a Lexus RX350, which had 90,000 miles at the time. After that, it now has 165,000 miles, and only its alternator and oil line have been serviced in the last five years. Aside from these minor issues, the car has been in excellent condition. Its durability is impressive, and now it's even more valuable than when I first got it. Interestingly, people give this car much more respect when visiting a Lexus dealership compared to other brands I’ve owned. From that point onwards, I decided to stick with Lexus for all my car needs.

The Goliath 1100: A German Gem with a Flaw

My third ride was a Goliath 1100, a German car that was only produced from 1957 to 1961. I ended up with it after my ex-husband fell in love with it in a junkyard in 1966. I got it for just 100 dollars. The car had cable shifting, similar to a motorcycle. Occasionally, if I shifted gears while driving, the little ball and socket connection would pop apart, causing me to stop and fix it myself. One day, I had a flat tire, and the mechanic said, "I hate to charge you for patching the flat. The patch is the only piece of sound rubber on the tire." I asked if I could buy new tires, and he replied, "Lady, they don't make tires that size." I insisted there were tires on the rims, and he said, "Lady, you just think you have tires."

Despite its many quirks and issues, I used the Goliath 1100 all summer but had to sell it in the fall when I could no longer afford to run it. I felt guilty selling it, fearing it might have a cracked block. However, I heard the potential buyer tell his girlfriend that I was selling it too cheaply and that I was too inexperienced to know better, so I took his 50 dollars and left him to deal with the car.

Conclusion: Lessons Learned from Owning Ugly Cars

While these cars were undoubtedly ugly and had their share of quirks, they were also vital parts of my life. Each one taught me something about responsibility, problem-solving, and the value of a reliable car. From the slow and cumbersome 1954 Plymouth Savoy to the durable and reliable Buick Ranier SUV, and the quirky yet charming Goliath 1100, my journey through these cars has been one of learning and adaptation. With my current car being a reliable Lexus, I know that I've finally found a brand and a car that suits my needs and offers the best value for money.

Regardless of how ugly a car might be, they each have their unique stories and personal significance. Through these experiences, I've learned that no car is too bad as long as it serves its purpose and brings joy and practicality to our lives. So, if you’re looking for a new ride, don't let the looks fool you – there could be a fantastic journey waiting for you right around the corner.