The "Why Fix What Isn't Broken?" Philosophy

First things first—there’s absolutely nothing wrong with either of our cars. Eric’s red Tacoma is a workhorse. Need to haul gravel, pine needles, furniture, or anything else heavy and rugged? That truck is ready for duty. It’s not a showpiece—it’s a truck that does its job without complaining, even if the paint gets a little scratched along the way.

My Prius? It’s a gas-mileage superstar. With hybrid power under the hood, it keeps fuel costs low and my errands eco-friendly. Plus, since we both work from home, we don’t put a ton of miles on our cars anyway.

Driving Isn’t My Jam

Here’s a personal confession: I’ve never loved driving. In fact, it scares me. Growing up with poor vision didn’t help, and even after cataract surgery improved my eyesight, I still find driving nerve-wracking. Eric is the Director of Transportation, champion chauffeur, does most of the driving, and I’m more than happy to let him take the wheel. Why would I invest in a new car when I’d rather invest in not driving it?

Function Over Flash

Eric’s truck is perfect for work, whether it’s hauling landscaping materials for our rentals or helping move a couch to and from Red Collection. Meanwhile, my Prius is ideal for everyday errands. What’s the point of buying something new just to worry about dings, scratches, or putting unnecessary miles on it? For us, these cars are tools, not status symbols.

Speaking of status symbols, let’s get real: I don’t want to attract clients who judge my skills as a real estate agent by the price tag of my car. My knowledge, experience, and ability to find the perfect home for my clients have nothing to do with whether I drive a luxury SUV or a hybrid. If someone’s evaluating me based on my car instead of my expertise, they probably aren’t the right client for me.

The Joy of Less

There’s a special kind of freedom that comes with driving an older car. No monthly car payments. No agonizing over scratches in the paint. No unnecessary tech that makes you feel like you need an engineering degree just to turn the radio on.

Keeping our older cars also aligns with our values. We’re not adding to the demand for new vehicles, and we’re doing our part to reduce waste by maintaining what we already have. Sustainability isn’t just about recycling or using energy-efficient appliances—it’s also about appreciating and extending the life of what you own.

When "Old" Is Just Right

Let’s face it: older cars have personality. Eric’s Tacoma is like a loyal dog—always ready for an adventure and totally unfazed by a little dirt or wear. My Prius feels like an old friend—reliable, efficient, and drama-free.

We don’t need the latest bells and whistles to feel good about our vehicles. We’ve got cars that work for our lifestyle, and that’s all that matters.

What About the Future?

We’re not saying we’ll never buy a new car. If either of our vehicles decides it’s time to retire, we’ll consider replacing it. But until then, we’re happy sticking with what works, enjoying the extra cash in our pockets, and living life without the worry of door dings or monthly payments.

So, the next time you see us cruising in our red truck or silver Prius, give us a wave. We may not be riding in the flashiest cars on the block, but we’re driving with purpose, practicality, and a touch of pride in making choices that truly fit our lives.

Now, who wants to help us load a few bags of pine needles into the Tacoma? 😊