Pauline’s first car
What was your first car and why did you buy it? My first car with my own money was a gorgeous ’01 silver VW Golf. I had previously been driving family cars. Golfs of course. What can I say we are a VW family. Previous cars had been MK2 Silver Golf and MK3 Red Golf. Both these cars are proud possessions of my brother now. Back to my lovely “first” car, it was bought from a garage in the middle of no where. I had just started earning money so wanted my own set of wheels. I was working shift work so couldn’t be dragging family out late at night to collect me. Freedom at last. She was 1.9TDI. I can still remember the heavy sound of the diesel engine. I picked her up on my birthday. She was named Baby and got “pimped” by me. Although we are not talking Pimp my ride here. Nice set of alloys, set of spots and wind deflectors are as far as I go.
What did you pay for it? It cost me €10,000 but it was well worth it.
How did it change your life? I finally had freedom. Long drives at the weekend. Not having to rely on other people for drives. Family also were able to walk out of the house and drive their own car not to find it missing as I had a to take a trip somewhere.
What was the longest trip you ever took in the car? The car really only did trips around Ireland. Furthest was Dublin. But the freedom that came with the car was brilliant. No waiting or begging for drives.
What was your best memory or most memorable moment in the car? Most memorable memory was shortly after I convinced a guy in work to buy a Golf. We started meeting up as a result of us both owning Golfs. Later that guy became my boyfriend. We are no longer together but the car led to the conversation that brought him into my life.
What was your worst memory associated with the car? When I sold it. I was put under pressure to sell. I regret it to this day that I sold my beautiful silver Golf.
How long did you keep your first car? I kept the car approx three years. Traded in for a Gold Golf.
Pauline Houlihan
4th March, 2014
