Have you ever been emotionally attached to a car?

[Randi]

I am in the doghouse with my adult son. Background: he & his older brother have a genetic condition that is progressive and physically he has deteriorated over the past year.His brother passed away 10 yrs ago. Currently he is on oxygen 24/7, his eyesight is worsening, and he is considered disabled. Now his brother had a car that he loved and which my son took over. Obviously he can no longer drive and has not driven since July 2003. The car has sat in the driveway all that time. It is now 15 yrs old, in poor condition, and I had thought of donating it to a charity but due to the age, I would have to pay them $65 to tow it away! I have been approached by a buyer, who is willing to pay $325 for it. I said fine, but now my son is livid with me. He wants to KEEP the car! He thinks it is a classic and should be worth lots more (it isn't) and thinks he may drive again. I hate to burst his bubble of hope, but I really think he should jump at a chance to sell it. The money is not an issue, just to get rid of it.
Am I being to insensitive? I am his main caregiver and have power of attorney, so I could sign the title, but I would rather have him feel better about the sale. At least this way, someone would be driving it.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Well, I'm a softie. I'd keep the car. He likes it. It holds memories and dreams for him. It's something that means quite a bit to him. Even though he's on O2 and his eyesight is worsening. Yep, I'd keep it.

I have been emotionally attached to a vehicle myself. I had a little truck, stick drive. Great tires. Sliding rear window. Great sound system. I even named it, "Henry". When I sold it, it was a bittersweet day. I had a lot of good times in that truck. But it was time to move on and I was ready. Your son isn't ready. Nothing wrong with that IMO.

 

[WOW]

I agree with Ocean Annie.....Let him keep it!!!! I was attached to my first car 1968 VW Beetle.......Cried like a baby when I sold it......Still have my eye on one of the new ones......I drive on major highways and am afraid of being in such a small car. Otherwise I would have one again!!!!! Also, if I was rich I would have my highway car and my Beetle.

 

[ripleysmom]

Also you might want to check to see if the car is listed on ebay and what it might be going for. Your son may be right.

To be honest I would keep the car if it were me.

 

[Yardbird]

I purchased a new vehicle several weeks ago. I cried when it was time to give up the keys, and sign over my Mustang. Yes, you could say that I do get attached.

I know that you would like to be rid of your son's car, but I hope you reconsider and keep it for him. It seems like he's had to give up enough already.

 

[MelessaG]

I was very attached to my first car. I see the dilemma, but I say let him keep it too.

 

[HollyJoy]

OH yes.. I have a Ford Windstar and it's pretty much a love/hate relationship! I really like the van, but it's given us nothing but trouble. I've had opportunity to get rid of it, but just couldn't. Lately though, I'd trade it in a heartbeat! LOL

 

[Kitty 34]

I was very attached to my little white VW.....but I totaled it on the way home from work (25 yrs ago) and when I finally got out of the hospital after having broken my neck, I went to the junk yard to officially say bye to my little car. What a mess it was.

 

[Disney Doll]

If it's not really bothering you and money isn't a huge issue, I'd say keep it.

If your son is sick, it may be one thing that makes him happy.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Thats tough! When my sister died, my mom couldnt bear to get rid of her van. It sat in the garage for a few years until we moved back into the area. We had it for a good many years. We just got rid of it, it was really hard for me, I know its just a van, but I feel it was a little piece of her. I was really upset when I heard the dealer say he was sending it to the car crusher and if we wanted to, we could go and watch, wow that really was like ripping a piece of my heart out. My dh told someone we were buying a new van and he offered to take the old one for free, we said sure. I think he is keeping it in his backyard and storing stuff in it, but at least its not crushed. It seems like the car is brining your son some sense of joy and satisfaction. Only he would know best when it is time to let go. Would talking to the buyer or taking pictures or videos of it help your son to cope with the situation etc? Good luck.

 

[Pop Daddy]

I loved them all