Reflections on My Longest-Owned Vehicles

Exploring the tales behind some of the longest-owned vehicles can provide insights into durability, personal preferences, and the evolution of automotive technology. Here are the stories of my beloved cars, each having a significant place in my life through countless miles and memories.

My 19-Year-Old Mercedes 300D

First and foremost in my heart is my 1983 Mercedes 300D. This vehicle earned its stripes over an impressive 19 years of service. During my tenure with it, I manually swapped its gears and replaced its front brakes with ones from the same year's S-Class. I took over the car from someone who had accumulated 293,509 miles on it. After putting in over 401,000 miles, the engine finally bit the dust, marking the end of a remarkable journey.

While I owned this vehicle, I cataloged its wear and tear meticulously. Regular maintenance and timely upgrades kept it running strong, making it a reliable and consistent companion on my daily commutes and weekend adventures.

The Triumph Street Triple

My next significant vehicle was the Triumph Street Triple, which I owned from 2015 to 2022. This motorcycle ran well until it had clocked 42,000 miles. However, as fate would have it, a 'low life' decided it wanted the bike more than I did. This event marked the end of a six-year ride on two wheels, which was rewarding and exhilarating in equal measure.

My 2011 Ford Ranger

One of my longest-owned vehicles is the 2011 Ford Ranger, now a model that is 14 years old. This truck has served me well through its tenure, being a versatile and robust workhorse. Whether I was transporting building materials, picking up groceries, or taking the family on an adventure, the Ford Ranger has been an unsung hero.

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Subaru Legacy

In 2012, I welcomed a 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE into my life. This 11-year-old car held the distinction of being the longest active vehicle until my mother passed away, leaving me a 2016 Subaru Legacy. The Camry was marked for retirement due to higher mileage compared to my wife's 2021 Chevy Equinox. Although it served us well, the Camry had accumulated a respectable 100,000 miles and it was time to hand over the keys to another model.

This is where the 2016 Subaru Legacy enters the scene. Although it is only nine years old, it has already racked up a significant amount of miles. I take comfort in its reliability and hope that it will serve us for many more years, much like my mother's previous car.

Final Thoughts

Each of these vehicles holds a special place in my life, not just for the service they provided but also for the memories they have created. From the enduring Mercedes 300D to the spirited Triumph Street Triple, and the reliable Ford Ranger and all the milestones in between, these cars played a significant role in shaping my journey. If you are looking for long-lasting vehicles and stories of service and durability, these are tales you will find inspiring.