Cars

So, my car has needed four services in the last four months. True, one was an annual checkup, but it still cost me $100. This is my cue to start looking at new cars. Now, I favor small hybrids (even if I could afford an Accord, I would still want a Civic) and small hatchbacks. The Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, heck, maybe even the Scion xA hatchback. I like these cars and they're good for city driving.

But, then I was thinking - how long am I going to be in the city? I don't want to take on a car payment while I'm still accumulating debt, so my Volvo has to last another two years. Then I'll probably stay in an East-Coast city for my residency. That's three years, and maybe another two for my residency. Based on that, I can justified finding a gently used hybrid or hatchback.

It's the part after my training, when I'm actually looking for a job and to start a career, that things get sticky. I honestly think I'm going to end up out west - or possibly farther North. I'm considering trying for a rotation in Alaska now. And, I can really see myself settling there. I *miss* Montana. A lot. I think about it often and I want to go back. It's so beautiful and I think I'm well suited to living there. Except for the bitter cold, but hell, twenty-five+ years of training and I ought to be able to afford a decent winter coat. You know, something with down.

If I end up out there, a little hatchback or hybrid is not only going to be impractical for the terrain, but impractical to repair. Hybrid technology will be slow to reach the Mountain areas. Hybrids are good for stop and go driving. Montana has a posted speed limit of 80mph, because the distances are so great. I'm not anticipating the mechanics of the region will jump on the hybrid bandwagon for a long time. I'd probably have to get a small SUV with 4 wheel drive.

So, I'll either just bite the bullet and keep the Volvo all through my training. Or get a small car and then sell it after 3-5 years. I probably could keep the Volvo. I'll probably be relying on public transportation through my training. Or driving short distances. Driving in many cities is a pretty stupid thing to do, although a lot of cities lack a decent infrastructure.

Heh, I really think I'm going to end up out West though.