My Poor Old Car

Did you know my Mountaineer is now offically 9 years old. And boy is it starting to show its age. It also have 130K miles - it would have more but I didn't drive it much while I had the convertible and these last couple months we have been car pooling so it doesn't get out as much any more.

Because of gas prices and because Chris was out of town I've been driving the Jetta for the last 5 weeks. My car only got out once in those 5 weeks and that was to go pick up some mulch just down the road. Well today was one of the days where after work Chris and I head in different directions so we can't car pool. So he takes the Jetta (since he is going farther) and I take the Mountaineer.

I was quite pleased it started this morning and except for the brakes being stiff (from sitting) there were no problems.

Until I got near the airport.

I noticed the ABS light had come on - okay, no big deal, just be careful - it could just be from sitting. Then the airbag light came on. Then the radio died. Then the check engine light came on. Then all the gages dropped to zero. Then the car died. In the left lane, right by the airport. I was able to coast into the turn lane by the gas station before I came to a halt.

While the car was in the process of dieing I called Chris who had just arrived at work (about 3 blocks from where the car stopped). So he gets back in his car to come push me out of traffic and into the parking lot - My hero!!!

With the symptoms it was showing we were pretty sure the alternator gave up the boat but since neither of us could fix it right there as we both had to get to work we left it in the parking lot.

Chris went back at lunch to see if it would start - well it did so he moved it to the work lot where it wouldn't get towed (being that I died right at the airport I wasn't sure how long it would be before it got towed). After work I picked him and the bad alternator up (he pulled it out on break) to go get a new one (and a serpentine belt since the belt was off and need to be changed anyways). And hour later and I was on the road and the car drives like new!!

This was going to be the year of money spent on my car any way - it needs plugs, wires, and exhaust, shocks, front supports and probably a starter (since those also seem to go about about 100K miles). And since its paid for and I couldn't sell it becuase of its gas milage and I really don't want another car payment we will do the upkeep needed and get another 5 years out of it.

I think I have the oldest car right now.