Saying Goodbye to One in the Fleet of Our Jalopies

It’s finally come to the end of its life as we know it, a red stick shift 2001 Corolla Sport model. The car has less than 200,000 miles, though my initial hope when we bought it almost 14 years ago, was to take it to at least 250,000 to 300,000 city miles.

Yesterday, we took it into the mechanic (doctor), for its last check up. We learned that to keep it running safely would cost way more than the car is worth. The decision that if the auto repair shop can take it off our hands and donate it to a sustainable place, they could have it.

The call came in this afternoon that our mechanics found a place or foundation who will take the car. Hubby Bill took it on its last ride to Brady’s Auto in Crofton, Maryland, and happy to do so.

I love the zippiness of this five-speed transmission, though even with its 4 cylinders, it still gave the driver a good time while in the hot seat. It was my go to vehicle when I refereed all those soccer games the last 14 years. I never wanted to park in a school lot, or out of the way soccer fields, in a hifalutin 2012 Honda Accord, mind you. The P. O. S. (Piece of Sh$#) as we affectionately called her, truly was a fan favorite. Many folks learned to drive a stick shift car 🚗 on this amusement park size car, including The Best Daughter and three nephews.

Interesting for us, everything seemed to work fine until it didn’t in the last several months. The radio, heat, A/C, power windows and more never gave us a problem.

I’m plan on adding this last story to my book because it’s hard for me to let go of some inanimate objects, including a worn out car. We ride ‘em until we can’t. They are good to the last drop of gas, engine and all working/non-working parts. But, we will put money in our pockets since we won’t have to pay insurance, licenses and registration, and maintenance any longer.

bSoleille!

Terri

I’ll miss this old girl.