The BMW

My current wheels are provided by a 1993 325i (this isn't my car, mine is grey, but this is a '93 325i). I love that car, really I do, but I do have a few reservations that are no fault of the car.

• BMW drivers have a reputation for being assholes. I have a much better idea why that is now that I own one.
• Yuppies own BMWs and mobile phones and they talk on them in their cars, while driving. I do that now too.
• Everyone thinks that my car cost a fortune to buy and will cost a fortune to fix.

Does this mean I drive like an asshole?

Generally, no, and I've yet to be run off the road by a BMW in Washington. I don't remember all the driving details in Chicago, but, as I recall, the number one asshole car was the Jeep Cherokee. I don't have a predatory driving style, but I do defend myself. I've been known to cut in front of people, but I'm so far away from their front bumper by the time they notice, that they don't honk at me or flash me. I guess it doesn't count as cutting someone off if you signal and there's lots of room in front of you, post cutting, to speed up into. I try to stay out of the way, and I wish people stayed out of my way too. It's startlingly easy to do this in my car. It's FAST, it handles beautifully, and it has every safety feature known to man.

Does this make me a yuppie?

Um, I hope not. I don't look like one or act like one, except for the BMW and cell phone thing. I don't kissmy bosses butt, I don't social climb, I don't dress professionally, and I have a nose ring, some tattoos and some other piercings (generally not visible), so I hope that balances out the car and phone.

Did (does) my car cost a fortune

No. I bought it when it was four years old. At that point, it cost less than a new Miata, Accura or and number of mid-price American cars. Yeah, it's four years old, but it's been meticulously maintained, and it runs like a top. I haven't put a dime into it yet. The dealer did the BMW Inspection #2 in January, and the car should be coming up for an oil change any day now. Yeah, it'll be more than what it costs to change the oil in the Miata, but it asks for it less often, so there. Yes, it's *really* expensive if something goes wrong with the car, but if you maintain it the way the Germans say to, nothing's likely to go wrong.