My 1996 Oldsmobile, which has been with me for most of my driving life, appears to have reached its end. The steering broke last week, and although the mechanic can fix it, he says the car's underbody is in such bad shape that more problems are likely to happen soon. So basically, I'm being told it's not worth fixing.
I'm pretty upset. That car has been a part of my life for a really long time, and I've gotten attached to it. I actually almost lost it once before, about two years after I bought it, because of an accident where some guy made a totally uncontrolled turn and smashed into me while I was sitting at a red light. Insurance company wanted to call it a total loss, but I disputed that and ended up keeping the car. I didn't feel this way when it looked like I might lose it back then. Not enough time to get really attached, I guess. But it's different now. I'm not good at dealing with this kind of thing. I like to hold on to things. And I'm not particularly enthusiastic about newer cars, either.
I definitely want some kind of memento from the car. Hopefully I can get the mechanic to pry off its nameplate or something for me.
Alternatively, if anyone knows about ways to save an old car, I'd be interested.