We have been procrastinating on this for over a year, so it would be wrong to say it was ONLY because of the impending tariffs—but last summer we had two cars for six drivers, and that was not great, especially if we expect the kids to work summer jobs, which we do; so we’ve been meaning to buy a third car, but haven’t been doing it, and I’ve been feeling increasingly anxious about it, ESPECIALLY with the impending tariffs. And also because one of our two cars is 15 years old with nearing 150,000 miles on it, and that is the sort of situation where one sudden bright day there is a repair that costs more than the car is worth. So if anything we should be adding TWO cars.
Then one evening last week, I suddenly felt a little lift of motivation and capability. I have learned to SEIZE these moments when they occur, but it was like 9:00 at night, so I had to wait to see if it would still be there in the morning, and it WAS, and I went out and bought a used car. It’s a Subaru Outback, with roughly 45,000 miles on it. I went to work the next day and my co-worker who has a Subaru Outback spent like 15 minutes telling me everything that has gone wrong with hers. I HAVE ALREADY SIGNED THE PAPERWORK AND INFORMED MY INSURANCE, IT IS TOO LATE TO TELL ME THESE THINGS.
And anyway, I am already fond of the car. (You might think I would be someone who would give cars names, but I don’t. I do talk to them, and pat them lovingly, and thank them, and reassure them.) I test-drove a Crosstrek, which is what my heart originally wanted, and an Outback, which is what the salesperson knew right away I would end up choosing. The Crosstrek is adorable, and I am not a small person, and we are still regularly transporting things to and from college dorm rooms. The Outback is less cute, but gave me some of the feeling of my beloved Toyota Sienna minivan, which we bought used when I was pregnant with the twins; the Outback isn’t a minivan and doesn’t have a third row of seating, but it felt similar to drive.
The color is grey, which was not at the top of my list and not at the bottom. It’s fine. And the thing is, I always THINK I want a fun color, but what I ACTUALLY want is to blend in, and not have other people be able to tell at a glance that it’s my car. I bought cute license-plate frames, and I put on an equality sticker; I will add more stickers when I’ve decided what I want. It seems like we’re not doing bees-as-symbols-of-resistance this time around, is that your impression as well?
And can we share notes on what else we are supposed to be buying ahead of tariffs and other economic collapses? I have heard mostly coffee and baking chocolate and spices and vanilla.
I heard that small electronics you might need are something to look for now. I need a small fan for my office and maybe a coffee pot.
It’s all supposed to wreak havoc on the holidays, specifically Halloween costumes, holiday decor, and toys. I find it very sad to think of the holidays being spoiled for those who are in the market for these things, so I’m going to try and get anything we don’t need anymore to thrift shops in October.
I have bought spices. I keep thinking I should buy yarn but that’s more I want to buy yarn and my yarn stash is already large. Sock yarn alone could potentially cover my feet for the rest of my lifetime (as soon as it’s knit into socks).
I also bought rechargeable batteries. My household operates with a ton of non-perishable foodstuff (pasta, rice, canned goods) at all times.
II have a 21 year old car and I love her and will fix her forever. The mechanic is sometimes like “this will be pricey ($1200)” and I am like “is it cheaper than a new car?” “Yes.” “Fix it”
My car is also a VW Jetta, not known to be amazingly reliable. It’s not a toyota camry. But she has been. So yours may be too. I am glad you like her. Yay for stickers!
My husband is a car guy and says Subarus are very very very reliable. We bought one ourselves in 2022 and it has been great. He says older Subarus had “head gasket” issues (I put that in quotes because I don’t know what it is and am hoping I spelled it right) but since yours only has 45,000 miles I think you are safe. I am side-eyeing your coworker. Enjoy the new car!
I’ve heard paper products (toilet paper, paper towels), coffee, chocolate. We did a major stock up at Costco just in case, because we will use all that stuff anyway and it lasts a while. No, I did not buy enough to last until the next administration, but I have hope for a course-correction. Have to have hope!
Just to counteract the naysaying coworker…my mom got an Outback within a few years of when I graduated high school, possibly before I graduated high school, and that was 22 years ago and it was her main car for at least a decade and then my brother’s car cause it needed regular repairs but was still useful to the car that was offered to us for free in case we needed an extra one to I think finally being acknowledged as no longer practical except for maybe short trips within town last year. So…a pretty good run.