Car Talk

During this year’s Malice Domestic, I participated in the New Kids on the Block Panel moderated by Margaret Maron. Margaret pointed out the protagonist of my Broken Vows mystery series sells high performance cars. Then she asked what I really know about them. I replied, “Let’s not put it to the test.”

But today I’m going to state what I know—or think—about cars. If I’m wrong, please be so kind as to not disagree. Here we go:

• In America the overall number of passenger vehicles outnumbers licensed drivers. (Hence I thought cars might be of interest to some readers.)


• Automatic cars are simpler to drive than standard (read: the accelerator can be used like an “on-off” switch which is how I like it).


• Drivers’ tests are easier in an automatic, even one the size of a Dodge Polara (read: boat).


• My protagonist drives a standard—a Porsche. I drive an automatic (see above). This is not to say I have never driven a standard. It is to say I didn’t learn to do it well, which is why I never drove my husband’s Corvette or Porsche.


• Good visibility is important. My first car was a used 1972 Ford Gran Torino (Clint Eastwood’s car in the 2008 movie Gran Torino, only navy with a black top). It had a lot of horsepower and very little rear window visibility, especially for a petite teen. I backed into the trash cans in our driveway, which my dad still finds hilarious.


• It is always fortuitous to resell your first used car before the bolts rust through and the transmission falls out on a major roadway. (Consider the slogan: “Have you driven a Ford lately?)


• Never buy a used Monza (car number two) at night in a dim garage or you might end up with an oxidized hood and white leather upholstery covered in dog hair.


• $800 off the sticker price of a new Chevy Cavalier IS NOT a good deal, even if your father thinks it is.


• Red sporty cars like an Eagle Talon attract attention and compliments. They are not, however, convenient for car seats and must be sacrificed upon birth of first child to obtain a four-door Subaru Legacy. Having beloved Talon crashed by new teenage owner within a week only adds insult to injury (the teenager was fine, really).


• It is not so much fun to be a racer’s wife when your husband’s car is slammed frontend-first into the wall right in front of you and your children. It’s better to be one when your husband gets out of the car, hopping mad.


• With time and skill, a crunched or rusted car can be awesome again. [Kinda wished I still had that Gran Torino when Clint’s movie came out.]

I own a Mazda Tribute now. So, anyone else want to share car tales? What was your first or favorite car?