A eulogy for an ’03 Jetta
Taken during a road trip to Ithaca last summer.
This afternoon, after nearly seven years driving an 03 Volkswagen Jetta, I bought a new car.
That Jetta was my first real car. I got it in 2006 when I was probably 21 years old. Until that point, I’d always shared a vehicle with my twin brother. So when I got that car, I decided to make it my own.
It’s bumper is lined with Phish and Dead stickers. A faded roof-rack fills out its frame. The driver’s side mirror was knocked off years ago and its white replacement doesn’t match the silver paint. There are dents, dings and scratches all over. The Flowmaster muffler I accidentally installed four years ago rumbles and roars, announcing my arrival wherever I go. It’s a loud and bumpy ride. But for 7 years, that car was who I am.
My twenties have been tumultuous, to say the least. Since I bought that car I’ve been in and out of love with three different women. I’ve lived in seven different houses in three different cities. I’ve had five different jobs and earned two college degrees. I’ve lost a grandfather but gained a brother-in-law and a niece. I’ve grown older and my hair grayer. I’ve had triumphs and failures.
I’ve been to Bonnaroo, Phish, moe.down, Mountain Jam, and hundreds of concerts throughout New York State, all in that car. I’ve tailgated at Bills games, blues concerts and campgrounds, all in that car. I’ve traveled to Chicago, Philadelphia, Toronto, New York, Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Erie, Roanoke and Wilmington, all in that car. I’ve had relationships blossom and relationships crumble, all in that car. I’ve eaten, drank, slept, bled, laughed, cried, fought, and even made love in that car.
I’ve gotten stuck on dirt roads, locked out at inopportune times and left stranded by flat tires and dead batteries in that car. I’ve hauled kayaks, skis, bikes, Christmas trees, furniture and (fairly often) a bunch of drunk friends with that car.
There are few things in my life that have endured as long as that Jetta. I’ve never kept a job, apartment or girlfriend for even half as long as that car. It’s carried me along life’s bumpy road, and now it’s time to say farewell.
So goodbye, Jetta, and may you bring as much joy and as many fond memories to your next owner as you did to me.
Please, if you have fond memories of the ‘ol Flowmaster, share in the comments.
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- Taken during a road trip to Ithaca last summer.
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- Camping trip at Buttermilk Falls circa 2010
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- At Super Ball for Phish with some phriends
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- From my time living behind Westcott Theater in 2012.
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- From moe.down XII (with a backstage pass) in 2011.
I love music and journalism and try to get as much of both as possible. I also love gold shekels but find them harder to come by. I am the music and entertainment writer for Syracuse Media Group. If you're with Rolling Stone please give me a call.
I will always think fondly of Jetta ’03 pulling up to Comstock blasting some Call Me Maybe. Always. <3
Spilled coffee in that car on the way to the warehouse. Twice. GLAD TO GET THAT OUT.
I recently retired my 2000 red Chevy truck in for a black Honda Accord.
I never thought about writing a blog about “Big Red,” Maybe I’ll reconsider for my blog.
p.s. Almost bought a Passat though a few mechanics talked me about of it.
So Chris, what are you replacing these memories with?
Wow, I had no idea about all those things prior to purchasing this car, but I do know one thing it has kept you safe all these years and we are proud to continue to drive this museum around and hope that it continues your legacy on to the next generation of drivers. Pray for its new driver and the things he will experience with his “new” car!! Thanks Chris….ARS