Mind Tricks with Radio

My search for information on getting a replacement music machine for my car...one that will allow me to plug in my iPod...is veering off in new directions. Phil offered some insights, based on his experience, and I got some interesting information as I perused new car information, as well. My theory was that I could check to see what new vehicles are offering and could then elect to buy something like their standard equipment.

Looking at new car information on the web, of course, is an unwise move for someone whose car just passed 146,000 miles and is exhibiting crankiness in simple ways, like refusing to allow the truck to be opened with the key from time to time. I convinced myself a year ago to spend $5,000 on the beast to bring it to nearly new operating condition. That, alone, should be sufficient to vaccinate me against new car fever. It will probably work, but it's not a strong a vaccine as I believe it should be. My temperature has risen a bit as I look longingly at vehicles that aren't showing the wear that my 1997 Avalon is showing. But I'll be able to ward off distemper, or whatever it is I am warding off. After my recent posts questioning my credibility for failing to tithe a large percentage of my income to helping the needy, I damn sure better overcome this viscious fever!

Were I to succumb to temptation, though, I might make a radical departure from my present vehicle. The very same Phil suggested not long ago, as I was testing reactions to my mid-age craziness, that I would be better off investing in a tractor to till my land in Falba than in purchasing a Mazda Miata or some such "old man wants to demonstrate his powerful attractiveness to young stupid women" car. But, again, were I to succumb to temptation:

I might go for a 2007 Honda Element SC, which I am told gets good mileage, has a very nice set of mp3 devices, and looks sufficiently wierd to suit me.

While I was gazing at the Honda website, I came across another nice little convertible, the Honda S2000. Maybe I'd get one of those, if new car fever overcame me.

A 2007 Subaru Forester is actually moving up my list, quickly (but a 2003 version might be just as appealing). Subaru makes a point of noting that the vehicle will accommodate my iPod. I like that in a car manufacturer...mind reading.

Of course, I could fall into the lap of luxury by getting some domestic beast (which I am increasingly thinking about...when I do finally buy a car...due to my growing dissatisfaction with globalization as a concept). Were I to do that, I might get the new Lincoln MKZ, which looks rather nice.

Most likely, though, I will buy a used vehicle when the time comes. I've always talked about buying used, but haven't. When I was ready to buy my last car, I convinced myself that buying used was an invitation to dissatisfaction. So, I bought my Avalon...paid cash...brand new. That's the last time I'll be able to do that (pay cash). For years prior to buying it, after we paid off the earlier vehicles, we pretended to still have car payments and we socked the money away. That has changed. Anyway...I should buy used, if I can only convince myself that the chances are very high that I will get a good car. I'll save buckets of money and will be happier for it.

I'm taking it as a lesson...when one wants a new product for an old car, one should avoid looking at all the gadgetry on new cars. It only creates temptation and disappointment. Take an alternative approach: instead of looking for a new stereo system, for example, buy a $7 transistor radio and use it instead of the car stereo for a month. At the end of the month, the vast superiority of your car stereo over the little transistor will convince you that the car stereo is wonderful. Or so I think.