Mason's Monolog

Approximately two years ago, I got my first car. It was a green 1995 Saturn SL1. I drove that car everywhere. By the time I sold it, I had put almost 40,000 miles on it. Not only was it my daily runner to school and work, that car took me on a couple of road trips. I went to Wahpeton and Storden, both over two hour drives, with no issues.

I just threw a quart of oil in the car before I headed out to my destination and it was good to go. It only left me stranded once, and that was when the alternator went out. Other than that, there were no major issues.

The main things that were wrong with the car were the air conditioning didn’t work and it burned oil—about a quart every 500 or so miles. Neither of these were an issue for me as I could roll down the windows and get air and I could buy a synthetic blend oil for less than $4 a quart and it worked really well in the car.

I loved that car and if I ever had the chance to buy it back, I wouldn’t hesitate for a minute. I would even take one with a 5-speed in it.

I sold it to a 16-year-old and it was his first car. If he’s checking and adding oil, I’m sure it’s treating him just as well as it treated me. I hope he’s making as many good memories as I made.

All in all, I miss the heck out of that car. Part of me tells me I should have never sold it, but on the other hand, I’ve got a much nicer car now.

I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for those little cars. Sometimes I feel they are under-appreciated, but they’ll run forever. To me, my Saturn was more than just a beater or just a car...maybe you can chalk that up to it being my first car. No matter which way you look at it, any car I drive will always be more than just a mode of transportation for me.

Cars are a huge part of my life and that will never change!