The urban assault vehicle is terminated. Around 8pm our transmission died in the middle of Kansas in a town called Goodland. Jimmy passed in style with 300,000 miles under his belt. When your old car dies in the middle of nowhere it writes a story of it’s own. 
Our last 24 hours have consisted of: a buggy Motel 6 (that cost just as much as the hotel the night before at The Westin because of points), having our car towed and being driven to Denver (200+ miles to the nearest car rental). Tip: If you ever get stranded in the middle of the United States, hundreds of miles from a car rental, you can post a for hire via craigslist for someone to drive you. We got some hits, it works.
One Way on How to Experience Freedom
Denny and I were driving the country roads of Illinois while I was brainstorming ideas for my blog. That was when Denny pointed out that our 1988 grey Jimmy is an unconventional purchase and has given us many opportunities in life. 
Many people around our age are buying new cars and getting stuck in payments. Whereas, Denny and I have bought used cars. In that freedom from a car payment Denny and I have bought a triplex (a home), bought solar panels, and have traveled Southeast Asia. Yes, used cars do break down more than a reliable new car but if you can find a low mileage used car they can be just as reliable as a new car. Many times the insurance and repairs are cheaper than a new car payment that has interest. Add the numbers up and see that you too can attain freedom from being unconventional from your car purchases.
That Jimmy has served our family well. I will miss it’s turning radius the most. It made me look like a race car driver. Thankfully Jimmy you are a thing but we appreciated the memories we made with you: our marriage getaway car, our driving across country stretches and a limo for our dog Arnold. Goodbye Jimmy and hello to our new blue 4 wheel Subaru, Scooby-Doo. 
Now we can speed away from the zombies reliably if we were in the last season of the Walking Dead.
If you buy used cars where has the purchase given you freedom?
10,000 Smiles
10,000 Smiles is a photography project that I am doing for the year 2013. Read more about why I am doing this project.
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