Member-only story
I Got My First Car at Age 33, Here’s Why I Waited
more about money than convenience
I’m currently driving my first car. That sounds pretty odd as I’m in my mid-30s, but it’s true.
Growing up, I was in quite a few car accidents. I was in no hurry to drive. I was scared that once I got on the road, I’d cause accidents.
I tried in earnest after my freshman year of college to learn to drive. My mother was driving me out to a college bookstore on the other side of the city. There was a textbook I needed that no local CCAC bookstores had.
We were at a red light, just starting to accelerate. The driver in back of us slammed on the gas and came flying into us. I survived with whiplash; my mother was not so lucky.
The crash had herniated her spinal column and she needed surgery. A priest told her at the time “the next accident you’ll be in will likely be your last”. The fear came rushing back.
I received my bachelor’s degree from Carlow University in Oakland, PA. It was on a bus line and about 15 minutes from the city. With transportation at your door, it seemed wasteful to even consider purchasing a car.
After college, I moved back in with my mother. It just made sense. I was in student debt to the tune of $60,000 as well as credit card debt…
