my first car

The very first car I owned was a white 2-door 1990 Mazda 121. It was a manual transmission. If anyone is familiar with Kath and Kim (a comedy show in Australia), it was the same car that Sharon had. My parents insisted that I learn to drive a manual car, and my parents advised that the first car I bought was a manual, so I never forget how to drive one, as “you never know when you may need to drive a manual car!” This is so true because all my other cars have been automatic.

When I bought it, the car was I think 2nd or 3rd hand, but it was well looked after. I think I paid about $2000AUD for the car. I bought the car in my last year of university in 2001. I drove it into uni most days, (20km/12.5 miles one way), but the car got its most use in 2002. This was my first year out of home. I moved to Goulburn (2 hours and 193 km/120 miles from Sydney), so there were a lot of trips going up and back on open highways travelling at 110km/hr or 69 miles/hr. Also, there were many trips to Canberra in the car (91.5km/57 miles). I also took a friend on her Learners Permit for some lessons. So, this car took an absolute flogging! And it never died! I don’t know how it survived with some of the speeds it got to for an older car!

When I sold it, there were about 200 000km/124274 miles on the odometer.

There were many good times and memories I have of my little Mazda! I had some great experiences with her. It will always have a special place in my heart.