My car recently rolled over 180,000 miles. It's the first car I bought new. I bought it in July of 2001.
Yes, that means I've put over 25,000 miles per year on my car. According to those that know, the average amount of miles put on a car in a year is 15,000.
It is both an extremely long time and relatively no time at all to own a car. My parents have gone through three cars, my sister two. But really, the car's in good shape otherwise. And I really can't afford to get a new car, what with trying to save for a house.
Since I got the car I've had the wiring harness fixed, a new set of gaskets, two sets of brakes, two sets of new tires, a new front end, new tie rod and wheel bearings, a new transmission, a new knob for my climate control, a new windshield, and a few burnt out lightbulbs. The passenger rear door is significantly dented, the trunk tailgate light molding is cracked, there are paint scratches, and the windshield looks like it was washed in high-pressure gravel. The jack is broken, sheared in half. The oil is burning at a rate of about a quart every 4,000 miles.
But really, the car's in good shape otherwise.
It's a smooth ride, it gets about 28 mpg on a V6, the sound system is great, and its the car we prefer to take when we're in a car for an extended period of time. Most people get into my car and say "wow, it's lot more comfortable than I thought it would be. (place your backseat jokes on hold, please.)
I hope to get a replacement for it, considering the mileage is still really good for a non-hybrid. It just costs a few duckets.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
180k is a lot. ... no comment about make/country of origin/color...?
You drive a lot; that include long-distance? I'm a electric vehicle fan, so I'm curious what kind of range a practical guy like you needs
It's a 2001 Buick Regal, tan (or some bogus LL Bean color that looks awfully tan). One of the last great "American" cars.
My office is 25 miles one way, my current worksite is 49 miles one way.
Electric vehicle speaking, the average commute is growing, getting longer. A growing number of people (in the U.S., natch) are in their cars for 3 hours or more a day, commuting 50 plus miles for work. It's not so much the length of the drive, but the total amp draw and capacity. Granted, regenerative braking reduces the draw, but still...
For the record, your sister has had 5 cars. You should call her sometime.
Love,
Your sister
Post a Comment