Good-bye Old Friend

Two weekends ago, we sold our old friend, our 1992 Acura Vigor. She was Dave's automotive love (and yes, I knew) for 12 years. She was a loyal old gal and never gave us one problem. We bought her with a mere 69K and now she has over 180K. Sadly, as she passed 180K miles, Dave knew that he needed to put considerable money into her to maintain her so that she could continue her 110 mile/day commute. He really was in a quandry--as she's now 17 years old. He loves her but would it be wise to put more money into her or would it be better to buy another car?! The debate went on for a couple of months. We have been so thankful to have had this car since we have done absolutely nothing to her but maintenance work--brakes, oil changes every 3K miles, tires, belt replacement (including the timing belt at 95K), CV joints, etc., etc. She has been a mechanical dream. She still flies when you accelerate and her engine purrs like a kitten.

But then it happened...another beauty caught our eye--a younger gal, and after some soul-searching we decided it was time to allow the Vigor to retire to a more restful driving schedule. Our friends/neighbors/landlords, Mark & Crystal Clanton bought her to help mobilize their teens. Although they bought a Volvo for their oldest son, she has been added to their fleet. However, she must have known that she soon would be leaving us as she ended up with a dead battery once the papers were signed. But, with the installation of a new battery she was delivered to her new home where two young men beamed with excitement. It was fun seeing Colby and Matt excited to have her. It also made Dave's separation a little less sad.

The Vigor in our lovingly termed "Used Car Lot" aka our yard/driveway

She's still a hottie--even at the tender age of 17
And, yes, 3 Acuras---just before her parting. Of course, my TL on the right is the hottest one (wink, wink)

And...this is the gal who has become Dave's new mechanical babe---a 2004 Acura 3.5 RL.

It all started when this little beauty smiled at me (Linda) at a stoplight in Valdosta. She was sitting on a used car lot, and was a one-owner car that was unbelievably priced. After driving past her for a week (on my way to work), I finally called the owner. She has been a commuter car and has quite a few miles, but she has been meticulously maintained by Acura. I saw all the records! The best part---we got her for one-fifth of her original sticker price and way below blue book. She is immaculate. I had to work to find as much as a scratch on this car! We mulled it over, drove her, had her mechanically checked out, and decided that the deal was too hard to pass up.

This car is more "stately" than the Vigor and Dave regards her as his mafia car--personally I just think she is an old Grandpa car (which I guess fits)

She is loaded! Leather seats, sunroof, navigation, satellite radio, heated seats, etc, etc

So, although Dave was sad to see his Vigor leave, he's thrilled that she has gone to a great home.

Good-bye Old Friend, thank you for 12 wonderful years!