getcher motor runnin'?

i've lived in Chicago for six and a half years now. just lately, something strange has come over me...the oddest feeling, the queer urge to...buy a car. agh, i feel dirty just typing it.

so far i've gotten along by riding the rails and patronizing taxis, but i think my wanderlust is acting up. relying upon Kim to chauffeur me everywhere is neither reliable nor fair. sure, if she ditches her stick and buys an automatic, i could drive that... it's not the same.

*cue rantings of typical greedy American, a car for every person, etc* seriously. lemme give a positive rundown:

• i'd be able to go anywhere i wanted at any time.


• i'd finally learn to drive via trial by fire.


• it'd be a lot easier on Kim.


• i could take mini-vacations outside the city without having to fly or figure out train schedules.
  
• being able to contribute better on road trips.


• with enough practice, i could level up to visiting friends out-of-state.


• i wouldn't feel like i'm tied to a major city anymore, thereby opening up my options for the future.

naturally there are bad things:

• car payments.


• license sticker fees.


• parking meter fees.


• car insurance.


• gas prices.


• Chicago traffic.


• Chicago winters.


• parking/street sweeping tickets.


• repairs and upkeep.


• i suck at driving.

wow, that's a lot more negatives than i anticipated. this requires some serious thought.