Since I turned eighteen, I have always had a car—even if my early ones were old, run-down hoopties.

Upon securing an entry-level position at a major corporation, I considered purchasing a new sports car. But with my meager salary I could only afford a brand-new red Chevrolet Chevette.

The Chevette is often regarded as one of the worst cars ever. It was a basic, no-frills vehicle built primarily for fuel efficiency during the 1970s oil crisis, with little emphasis on comfort or performance.

A chick magnet it was not, but I felt like a pimp cruising down the highway, breathing in that new-car smell.

The new basic trim for 1980 did not come with an AM radio, but its price tag was under $4,000. In the ensuing years I upgraded a few times, purchasing new cars with more horsepower and sex appeal than my Chevette.

As a senior citizen on a fixed income, I currently drive a 2003 Ford Focus. Given my financial circumstances, it is unlikely that I will be able to purchase a new vehicle (average price 50K) unless I experience a financial windfall, such as winning the lottery.

How I miss cruising down the highway in my bright red Chevette, with Madonna’s “Holiday” blaring from my after-market radio.