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| Monday, June 12, 2006 |
| Sayonara Old Friend |
 My beloved Honda Civic is dying. It's had a coolant leak for some time (among other smallish issues). When I took it to the doctor today to see about getting a new water pump, I recieved the bad news. It's N-stage and a water pump would only be a bandaid on a gaping chestwound.
It's time to just let nature take it's course and let the car go. Sad, cause I've really really liked this car. It fits me perfectly, gets great gas mileage, and was exactly (and I do mean EXACTLY) what I wanted when I was last shopping for a car. But time and Minnesota winter salts have taken their toll. The water pump and the radiator are leaking profusely, the exhaust has huge holes in it, the clutch is nearly worn through, the belts are all cracked and flaking, the tie rods are worn out, and worst of all, the frame itself has rusted so much it is no longer structurally sound.
I began hunting for a suitable replacement today. I really do want another old-body Civic (either sedan or hatchback). It must be a 5-speed and not too rusty. It'd be great if it had some power features and maybe some AC. And I've realized I'm picky on color these days. No red, black, white, or super bright blues/greens. I like the sandy color of my current car, or maybe a lighter nicer blue, perhaps gray, or there was a newer purple that might do (if it drives right). Nearly put money down on a hatchback version of what I've got today, but it was gone by the time I called.
The other issue is going to be finances. I've got a smallish chunk in the bank (which was earmarked for other things) that may have to become the car fund. I'm also looking at what might be available in the form of financing from a dealership on something newer (though I really am partial to that old body style of the late 80s - early 90s).
I'm not about to let the last days of my Civic go to waste, mind you. Unless a suitable replacement is found, I plan to continue to drive this car until it a) cracks in twain, b) the water pump goes thus blowing the engine, c) something else catastrophic happens and I have to get out and walk. At that point, I'll have to regroup. Perhaps I should work on my long distance biking skills. |
posted by Jen @ 10:37 PM   |
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