by Cecile Cinco

It is easy to see the overall look of a car and decide whether it is beautiful or not. What strikes our eyes is oftentimes what matters. With cars, though, beauty is not merely skin deep. What the machine is made of matters much even if the paint is scratched all over. Having eagle alloys rims will add to the beauty even if what you often see is the wheel. In short, the function of the car is its beauty. If it lasts longer, drives faster, goes the extra mile, etc. How it actually looks just adds to its beauty.

Reminiscing my youth, aside from a trailer which is typically driving my own “house,” I wanted an ATV (all terrain vehicle) because I always wanted to be going by the mountains as a nature tripper. I thought it would be a good retirement activity. I wanted something that can run despite the road condition. I don’t want to be pushing it at an old age!

Now, I thought the Polaris ATV would be nice. I like it better than a car. A lot safer than a sports bike too (since it has four wheels)!

How many times have you seen contests or raffle draws where the grand prize is a brand new car? Such are usually sponsored by big companies which main product is soda, beer, cigarette, or several household products like soap and shampoo.

What will you do if you win a car? Perhaps the answer will really depend on one’s economic status in life. If you’re filthy rich, you probably won’t join such contest or raffle as you have a garage full of your preferred wheels. If you’re just rich, you’ll probably just add the won car to your collection or hand over the key to your son or daughter or best friend perhaps. If you’re the average 9-5 person, you’ll probably be one of the happiest persons in the world since what you received is much greater than what you can achieve. You’ll keep the car and live a rich life even if you’re not.

What if you belong to the below-average income earners? Winning the car may even pose a great problem! How are you going to maintain it? Aside from the fuel, you have to insure it so you’ll spend time looking for car insurance quotes to find the least cost for the most coverage. You’ll have to learn how to drive. You’ll need a parking space. (If you live where I live, there is no parking space.) You might not be able to sleep for fear that someone might just scratch your brand new car!

As for me, I’m going to sell it, take the cash, and use it at will. If I need a car, I’ll take a taxi and pay the driver. That way there’s nothing to maintain and nothing to worry about.

Who among you owns a car? Who among you still dreams of owning a car? Among those who already own one, is it your first? If not, how many have you owned since the first? What model or models have you owned? For those yet dreaming of owning one (a car or whatever vehicle), what is your dream car/vehicle?

As for me, I’m yet dreaming of having one. I’m not looking around yet since it’s financially impossible but I have some specifics. It must be spacious that the five of us can fit together with a week’s supply of clothing (so we can bring it to the Feast of Tabernacles, which we celebrate every year, far from where we live. It also must have big wheels so it can withstand floods that happen from time to time in the Philippines and could still happen in the future. As much as possible, it should run on diesel. It’s cheaper than gasoline. What model and make do you know that fit my criteria? How much could it be?

When the dream finally comes true, what’s the first thing to do (thanking the Giver is already in my system)? I guess I should apply even for a cheap auto insurance just so something comes back when something bad happens. Then I should move to a bigger place where there is a garage. (See how it’s being more expensive owning a car?) Then I’ll learn to drive! It’s not just a man’s world that drives, right? Then maybe I’ll get fatter and weaker (for lack of exercise).

Owning something precious is responsibility at work. Even something good can be harmful if not used wisely. What we decide to do can make or break our future.

If you have only one chance to own a car for the rest of your life, what would it be?

If you are not rich, then you cannot buy a Ferrari, right? Some may argue just having been given one and it does not mean that the person is rich, right? Well, that surely is a rare happening that can be and should be celebrated! Is someone handing me a Ferrari? Anyone?

Okay. Normally, the rich people are busy. I meant those who have earned their way to riches. (Those who were born with a silver spoon in his or her mouth may act busy if they so wish.) Being busy, any breakdowns will hamper what could be an important deal, meeting, event, etc.

Owning a Ferrari is not something you can just set aside when a breakdown occurs but when you need Ferrari parts, you can be sure someone can help ease out the time and lend a helping hand without you having to break away from your normal busy schedule.

What’s common from among Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini aside from being Italian names? They are all manufacturers of sports cars! Since there are not many sports cars as there are travel and everyday cars, they are very special. Very special indeed that if you own one, every eye could be looking at your car instead of you!

Being very special and less common has its problems too. For instance where are you going to buy a replacement should you need Ferrari parts, for example? Good thing we are living the internet age that everything is now within the reach of your fingers.