I Miss Driving

I really do. Of course I have a car, and it does get me from point A to B. The problem is that it's a utility to get me from point A to B, and not a glorious portal into an adrenaline fueled state of being. That might sound like complete bunk to anyone who's never been there, but it exists.

My last car, a BMW 325e was a junker in many ways: The windows didn't work well, the seats were broken, the lower control arms were shot, the windshield was cracked, the AC didn't work, etc. It was in rough shape, and was fast becoming a money pit. However, that baby could get up and move with little coaxing. The tires' camber was aggressive, allowing me to hug corners at speeds that make minivans flip. What it lacked in top speed, it more than make up for it in raw torque. I was rarely beaten off the line.

It wasn't about going fast though. I rarely did more than 15 over the limit. It was about being in absolute control. The car did exactly what I wanted, when I wanted it. It was like being one step closer to a 60mph cheetah.

Now, in my reliable, hearty Toyota, I feel like a passenger. I'm telling the car where to go, but I don't feel like I'm really in control. It's almost like I have to ask permission. "May I please turn left here?" It doesn't feel like my feet are on the pavement anymore.

Boy, I sure do miss driving.