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 ☺