Consumer Report / Cash For Clunkers

When Cash for Clunkers came out we decided to take advantage of government program.. It made sense to trade in our biggest gas hog, the 15 passenger 79 Dodge Van but we learned it didn’t qualify. I wasn’t psyched to give up my Lincoln Continental.

Lament, Ode
I’m the first to admit I get attached to material things. I really had withdrawal pains giving up my Lincoln..True, the radio hadn't worked for six years, unless I hit a bump. The arm rest scratched my arm with the torn vinyl and leather seats were cracked. The glove compartment hung open since the latch broke.



The clear coating over the paint had started peeling two years ago.




We had replaced the transmission, I had just finished paying for two new tires and a new 300.00 muffler system was repaired last winter. A most comfortable car, the gas mileage and age definitely qualified it for the Clunker status. Deciding factor were the mounting medical bills on our credit card for three old cars.

This Regal, Presidential Car had had it’s day.



My husband researched all the details, stats, mileage, price and boring stuff and decided on a Hyundai. I chose the color and co signed the papers. I eliminated white, grey and silver and chose deep blue with sparkles which can be seen close up.





While test diving the Hyundai the salesman asked, "How does it ride?" Dryly, "I drive a Lincoln." which silenced him.

But yes the bouncy little car drove well, it had tight steering and tight brakes which grabbed at the slightest touch.

We had never purchased a foreign car before and I felt guilty.. Then someone informed me the Korean cars were made in the US so I felt better

The Salesmen tried to made me feel better. He said that someone else had traded Lincoln in with perfect leather seats and a beautiful paint job


Notice differences, Notice other small cars
Ever since I traded in my 1989 Lincoln for a Hyundai Elantra I've noticed small cars. There's an abundance of Altimas, Tercels and Corollas parked close to USU campus. They all look alike so I have to pay close attention to differentiate the brands. Gone are the days when you could tell a Ford from a Chevy, let alone Honda from a Hyundai..

Once the proud owner, I started noticing differences in compact cars. Where had I been all these years.My car, like other economic vehicles, had no front bumper. It appeared like a piece of plastic wrapped around the car. The light weight doors seemed flimsy and had plastic handles.

This little wonder was so low to the ground it could drive under a truck. Our first extended trip to Provo my husband scraped the wrap around bumper on a cement parking block which my Lincoln Continental could have easily graced over. (first scrape.) Not visible

Now I knew why this little wonder had six air bags; I was driving Captain Crunch. My position on the playing field had changed from offense to defensive driver. I had been driving a tank.

Memory
Everyday I passed the Hyundai dealership on my way to work and saw my Lincoln sitting in the field of clunkers. Just seeing my old car sent me down memory lane.

I Recalled when we first bought the Lincoln. I felt unworthy to drive the luxurious California garage car. It didn't fit the neighborhood or our home. I parked a Cadillac car with a Volkswagen house. Surprising how fast I grew accustomed and slide into comfort of luxury car.

Soon after the purchase of Lincoln my husband summoned me to the front room, "Come see this." The news reported a wreck between a Lincoln and another vehicle. The Lincoln driver was unharmed while the driver of the other car had been killed. That‘s when I felt safe in the armored tank.

Advantages Learning to like new car
Yes, I loved the ease of parking, flipping a U-ie, and I loved the sound system. Satellite radio station which came free for three months with the sticker price. I could listen to opera Broadway, classical, Comedy once I learned how to program the presets

The Hyundai is fun to drive and I feel like newly licensed teenager. On weekend I jump at any chance there is to drive the car. I willingly shop for groceries.

I loved the keypad entry on my Lincoln which meant I could leave the keys in the car. But I quickly fell in love with the keyless entry on the Elantra. In fact I still don't know how to use the door locks on the inside..,

Scratches
Later my husband noticed a scratch on the lower door and issued forth warnings to me about parking away from the crowd.Let's see, I don't have any control over other drivers no matter where I park. That's the problem with new cars, one can hyperventilate over every scratch.With my peeling paint Lincoln and muti-scratches and dings, I could relax and not worry about such things.

Field of Clunkers, Bid Thee Farewell
For two weeks my Lincoln was last in the of Clunkers.





Then the number of clunkers grew. My car became embedded two rows deep into the Field of Clunkers.

Click on photo to you see the Lincoln?

A month later, while passing by on bus, I thought I noticed my Lincoln was missing. What? out of all those cars, they chose to smash my car first? Or did they sell it? I Kept a vigil and noticed many more spots opened up as clunkers were hauled away to meet their fate

Moving on with life, I’m trying to get over the fact no one in Preston recognizes or waves at me anymore. They don’t know me in the new car. I’ll miss conversations at the gas pump when total strangers comment.“How do you like your Lincoln? I had a car like that once and they sure don’t make them like they used to.”