Earlier this week we purchased a replacement for the Accord - a 2011 Toyota Prius. It's a fine car that gets great mileage, but it's a bit boring to drive. This morning I drove my wife's 2000 Civic to work and realized just how monotonous the Prius can be. But it checked most of the boxes we needed it to, and I'm sure we'll enjoy it. The plan is to drive the Prius for 10+ years and 150,000+ miles.
As for the Accord, her story is not yet complete. The guy we bought the Toyota from told us of a nearby family that was in a pinch an needed a car. Travis and his wife contacted me shortly thereafter, and after describing the current state of the car and trading pictures, they were interested. We gave them the car and a clean title a few days ago for free. They have a friend who is a mechanic and has agreed to help them repair the radiator for the cost of parts. I really wish them the best.
I'm slightly bummed to have to end the blog like this, but on the other hand i'm glad I found someone to carry the torch past 300K.
I promised myself I would take a final photograph, but I forgot. And I also forgot to log the final mileage on the ODO. And the worst part - I didn't even get to relish my last drive because I was thinking I might still have to drive it one more time, but the transaction with Travis happened much quicker than I anticipated.
God Speed 300K Accord.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Replacement Car & Other Details
My wife and I made an offer on a used Prius on Friday and we pick it up later today. We're buying it from a private party who, after I told the 300,000 mile adventure story, said he had an extended family member who pretty solidly needed a car to get to work. It appears that the Accord will fall into new hands tomorrow, be restored to roadworthy condition, and continue in service for at least some period of time. This makes me incredibly happy. Also, I'm passing the car along free of charge. I hope to stay in touch with the new owner and possibly snag a photo of the odometer at 300K.
As for the Prius, we did a lot of research on vehicles before settling on this. We were shopping in the subcompact segment and were almost settled on a 2012 Honda Fit (base model) as it seemed like the best value in that segment and had great reviews, and it seemed like you could get a better deal on a new model than used.
Then about a week ago my wife suggested we consider the Prius. I wasn't convinced at first because they sell for more than what we wanted to spend, but while browsing Consumer Reports figured that the cost of ownership over 5 years was comparable to a new fit. On top of that, you get the added security against rising gas prices - as we intend to keep this vehicle for 10 years or 200,000 miles it's something we like.
Choosing the Prius is still somewhat of a gamble. At present it appears that battery replacement is certain within a 200,000 mile life (they are warrantied at 100,000mi and seem to be lasting around 150,000), but we're talking about a $3,000 fix in 2012. It should be cheaper in the future as battery technologies improve. Tires are another urban legend with many people suggesting that 30,000mi is the most you can squeeze out of a set of stock tires. Again, research suggests that there is a lot of value when purchasing a different model that doesn't compromise fuel economy too much but are warrantied for 80,000 miles.
We pick up the new car this evening, which leaves just one final detail to close out this blog - the future of the Accord.
As for the Prius, we did a lot of research on vehicles before settling on this. We were shopping in the subcompact segment and were almost settled on a 2012 Honda Fit (base model) as it seemed like the best value in that segment and had great reviews, and it seemed like you could get a better deal on a new model than used.
Then about a week ago my wife suggested we consider the Prius. I wasn't convinced at first because they sell for more than what we wanted to spend, but while browsing Consumer Reports figured that the cost of ownership over 5 years was comparable to a new fit. On top of that, you get the added security against rising gas prices - as we intend to keep this vehicle for 10 years or 200,000 miles it's something we like.
Choosing the Prius is still somewhat of a gamble. At present it appears that battery replacement is certain within a 200,000 mile life (they are warrantied at 100,000mi and seem to be lasting around 150,000), but we're talking about a $3,000 fix in 2012. It should be cheaper in the future as battery technologies improve. Tires are another urban legend with many people suggesting that 30,000mi is the most you can squeeze out of a set of stock tires. Again, research suggests that there is a lot of value when purchasing a different model that doesn't compromise fuel economy too much but are warrantied for 80,000 miles.
We pick up the new car this evening, which leaves just one final detail to close out this blog - the future of the Accord.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
300K Will Not Happen
The state of affairs is abysmal. The radiator leak has only grown, and I've resigned to adding about 12oz of coolant each time I drive. Long drives are out. Each drive could be the last.
On top of this, my wife's car has been glitching over the past week. First, an exhaust hanger broke causing her muffler to fall off. She drove my car for a few days (with extra coolant in hand) while I biked to work. Once that was mended her A/C gave out.
We started researching new cars a few weeks ago. Last night we test drove a 2011 Prius with 6,000 miles. Tomorrow we test a new Honda Fit. Maybe by the weekend we'll have new wheels and I can officially kick this bucket to the curb.
A short update, but an important one. It looks like the ticker won't push much past 295,000. I'm not sad.
On top of this, my wife's car has been glitching over the past week. First, an exhaust hanger broke causing her muffler to fall off. She drove my car for a few days (with extra coolant in hand) while I biked to work. Once that was mended her A/C gave out.
We started researching new cars a few weeks ago. Last night we test drove a 2011 Prius with 6,000 miles. Tomorrow we test a new Honda Fit. Maybe by the weekend we'll have new wheels and I can officially kick this bucket to the curb.
A short update, but an important one. It looks like the ticker won't push much past 295,000. I'm not sad.
Monday, June 18, 2012
The Roller Coaster Continues...
Put a decent amount of miles on the Honda this weekend. Drove 120 miles on Saturday and 300 miles on Sunday. I didn't see a lot of leaking from the radiator, and the resevoir was keeping level pretty well. But after arriving home late last night and pulling the radiator cap the coolant in the radiator was very low. I had to add 2 liters probably to top it off. So it's still leaking.
Right now my wife is driving it because her car needs to have the exhaust repaired, which should happen tonight. We're getting desperate about replacing my honda ASAP as the anxieties of keeping 2 POS cars running at a time when we both need cars is tough.
Right now my wife is driving it because her car needs to have the exhaust repaired, which should happen tonight. We're getting desperate about replacing my honda ASAP as the anxieties of keeping 2 POS cars running at a time when we both need cars is tough.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Failure is not an option - but it's the most likely outcome
About 2 weeks ago the radiator started leaking. Luckily I'm not losing a ton of coolant right now because the leak is very small and at the top of the radiator. I've been getting by topping off the coolant reservoir every day or 2 I drive (I check each time I drive, but sometimes don't need to top it off). I've also poured in various brands of stop leak but with no success.
So realistically, it doesn't appear the leak will stop any time soon. I can continue to add coolant when needed (I've successfully driven the car 3 or 4 times at highway speed for between 60 and 100 miles without trouble - also around town and to work and back). But all it takes is one time forgetting to top it off and the car is toast. Or even worse, the leak could grow - causing the car to toast.
I wish there was more to post right now, but there's not. There will however be an epic final journey post whenever that happens.
Under 6,000 miles to go.
So realistically, it doesn't appear the leak will stop any time soon. I can continue to add coolant when needed (I've successfully driven the car 3 or 4 times at highway speed for between 60 and 100 miles without trouble - also around town and to work and back). But all it takes is one time forgetting to top it off and the car is toast. Or even worse, the leak could grow - causing the car to toast.
I wish there was more to post right now, but there's not. There will however be an epic final journey post whenever that happens.
Under 6,000 miles to go.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
Radiator Update
Friday evening I live-blogged a photo showing a radiator leak. At the time I was about 100 miles from home and worried first and foremost that I wasn't going to make it home to let our dog out. Luckily a trip to wal-mart for some coolant and that radiator seal junk allowed my wife and myself to limp home, apparently slowing but not stopping the leak. Over the weekend I put close to another 150 miles on the odo and it appears at the moment that the leak has stopped.
This is the kind of stuff that worries me. With around 6,000 miles left to 300K I'm not spending money on maintenance anymore. If the radiator leak was large enough (it appears to be pin-hole size) that would be a wrap on the car. but for the time being, i'll keep some extra coolant in the trunk and check the level daily to make sure nothing bad happens.
Hopefully this was just a bump in the road and not a sign of more serious problems.
This is the kind of stuff that worries me. With around 6,000 miles left to 300K I'm not spending money on maintenance anymore. If the radiator leak was large enough (it appears to be pin-hole size) that would be a wrap on the car. but for the time being, i'll keep some extra coolant in the trunk and check the level daily to make sure nothing bad happens.
Hopefully this was just a bump in the road and not a sign of more serious problems.
Friday, June 1, 2012
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