According to many car magazines, reports, and what not, the quality of the vehicles we purchase should be trusted on their expertise. I have no doubt that many of the reports are very accurate, but, when it comes to keeping your car running longer and getting your money’s worth, the part behind the wheel is the most important one.
A car is like a human body: if you don’t take care of it, it will not take care of you. You eat junk food, you will get obese, not to mention the amount of health problems that will come with it. You don’t change your oil, or if you put low quality in your vehicle, your vehicle will spend more time at the shop or will need replacement sooner.
We put 200,000 miles on that car. We took it across the country when we moved. Of course the car became my property once we got married (marriage law: the husband drives the oldest car).
One of its best features is the fact that I can work on it. The maintenance is easy and very doable: oil changes, spark plugs, gas filter, air filter, serpentine belt, and alternator are some of the mechanical labors that I manage to do myself and save money at the same time.
Even though the car is nearing twenty years, the air conditioning, power window, power lock, even the radio that came with the car still works with no problems. The seats are comfortable and nice to sit on, no matter how long of a trip you are taking.
It has good gas mileage and it takes 87 octanes which saves money at the pump.
It may not be worth much nowadays, but that car has been a part of the family for a long time. I call it “the Faithful” because it has been very reliable and faithful to us under very hard circumstances.
No regrets, only good memories.
