Screeching to a Halt

We knew this day was coming, but tried desperately to avoid it. Our beloved car, the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu we purchased used in 2005, has taken its' last gasp. After twelve years (almost a third of our married life) and 177,000 miles, we have been forced to trade it in.

Actually I'm amazed the car dealer is taking it. We are upgrading to a 2013 Malibu, still quite old for some people, but like new for us. So many gadgets, who knew a car could have all these things? The dealer gave us $500 for our car, doesn't sound like much but we avoid breaking down on the road or extensive repairs that may or may not work. The heat works sometimes, the temperature gauge likes to flop around and scare my wife into thinking the engine's going to burst. Our trusted mechanic thinks a head gasket might be in order. We don't care to take that risk so ultimately pulled the plug. So sad.

The new Malibu has a huge trunk and the back seat folds down for even more storage space, or room to make-out maybe? Probably not. But we will be able to fit a bike in the trunk with no disassembly necessary.

The 2003 Malibu is similar to me. Old, a few scratches, noises and leaks, always in need of repair, but keeps chugging along. With any luck Jan will keep me around though and not make a trade for a shiny, upgraded model with lots of hair who can run fast. I still think I'm worth more than $500.