Ah, memories. In the 90's, my mother had a 197_ Volvo wagon that toted my brother and I around. After she got rid of that one, she got a newer (but still older than yours) Volvo wagon. After that one "left" (IDK what she did with it), she got a turbo sedan Volvo. She really had a thing for Volvo apparently. Basically, most of our time that was spent in the car was in a Volvo. Can't begin to describe how embarrassing it was to be dropped off at my elementary school in a loud, rumble-y station wagon older than me or any of my little schoolmates. But anyway back to your car!
I think if you have a dry place to store it her, there's no harm in having a workhorse vehicle at your disposal. I mean, where will you find another one of equal quality and sentimentality? ☺ You're absolutely right, the most definitely don't make 'em like they used to.
And to answer your question, we use only one car (a reliable late-model import) for most of our daily non-work activities that require driving. However, for special situations, my boyfriend does have the ability to use his work van, which is a serious luxury, IMO.
Sorry your mom embarrassed you. I probably wouldn't have wanted to be taken to school in our squeaky beast either. But at least you were safe in a heavy Swedish car!
Being so close to the ocean, and with a tiny one car garage (with a broken door that doesn't close!), dry-storage is kind of a challenge. And the salt here rusts things out like crazy! Even if I could, I'd never buy a new car while we live here.
But I am toying with the idea of bringing it into the garage when it rains, and leaving the main car outside. Or maybe we could get one of those fabric hoop-house shelters. (The wind around here, though...) Surprisingly enough, the Volvo hasn't rusted nearly as bad as the 2010 Prius.
Maybe we will have a mechanic come by and see what it would take to make her street-legal again.
Safety first! Social awkwardness inducing situations second!
Salty and/or climates are a definite death sentence for vehicles left to the whims of nature. This is a tough decision you face.
Picture this scenario: Sell to a local person with garage on the terms that you may borrow her back occasionally for special circumstances.
Might seem like a dream outcome, depends on who's in your IRL social network, really. I wish you good luck! Keep us posted 😉
That's not a bad idea, actually. I know a guy who works for the town as a mechanic...
I'm sure you will come up with a solution that is suitable for all involved while maintaining your old gal's dignity ☺