A few days ago my pastor asked me if I'd watch their dogs and cat again while they go on their trip to see family. I reluctantly said yes - reluctantly not because I didn't want to help them out, but because it is a 20 minute one-way drive.
So today I went out there to get the house key and to make sure the animals remembered me. On my way though I had several cars honking at me. Then I noticed in my side view mirror that smoke was pouring out from behind my car. I pulled into a different lane to see if it was really smoke, or if it was dirt. I also adjusted my side mirror to see if I could see anything. Nope, it was smoke.
I got to my exit and pulled off. While crossing over the bridge, my engine started billowing smoke. Huge plumes of smoke. I immediately pulled over and stopped the car, grabbed my purse and keys and jumped out. (I was slightly afraid the engine was going to explode or burst into flames or something.
When nothing happened after a few minutes I called my brother and told him what happened. He told me he thought it sounded like a cracked radiator and/or blown head gasket. He ran it by our Uncle who knows a thing or two about cars, and he agreed.
Some of you know the saga I've had with my car over the time I've blogged here. You know how many times I have resisted the idea of saying goodbye to it and getting something else. I've kept saying - just a little while longer. It's still a good car. But today ... was the final straw. I thought about putting in another $1k worth of work into a car that probably isn't even worth that much. I thought about having my dragged to the nearest Honda dealer (near Albuquerque) and then having to deal with it from far away. I decided enough.
I decided to send my car to car heaven. The junkyard. 
Maybe I could have sold it to some young kid who could have rebuilt the engine and shined it up for a little more than the junkyard gave me ($200) but I really don't have the energy for that. I need to keep my focus on school and finding my "new" car.
The head elder of my church was out on his copier run (he fixes copiers) and did a little leg work to find out a junkyard that would take my car. He also is going to work on finding a car in the area for my price range ($5k or less.) My pastor picked me up from the junkyard and helped me get everything out of it. He and his wife then let me borrow their second car until Sunday so I don't have to rent a car yet. (I've also been asked if I'd be interested in being an assistant treasurer for the church ... I said yes, as long as it wasn't *every* Sabbath.)
I bought this car brand new - less than 50 miles on it in June, 1997 in California. It's final mileage was 146,497. So many memories - especially memories involving my dad.
So now the search is on for a good condition, good gas mileage, small 4-door car in the $5k range or under. Wish me luck.
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In other news ... A few weeks ago I applied to be a reviewer for the American Association of School Librarians 16th program. Today I got an email telling me I'd been accepted! What it involves is looking at proposals for programs / breakout sessions for the 16th program and deciding whether they are a good fit or not. It isn't a paid job, but it sure will look good on my resume - especially if they think I do a good job and reinvite me the next time!
Goodbye Faithful Car Friend :(
November 21st, 2012 at 12:31 am
November 21st, 2012 at 01:18 am 1353460721
November 21st, 2012 at 02:10 am 1353463829
November 21st, 2012 at 02:17 am 1353464234
I made a post in the forum with a number of different cars I'm looking at. I'm not having much luck finding in the under 6K range though, so upped my range to 9k.
November 21st, 2012 at 02:34 am 1353465288
Ask anyone and everyone if they have a car they are selling or know someone. It really is the best way to get a used car - versus a total stranger. & the best way to get a deal.
Your experience totally reminds me when my first car bit the dust. It did blow a head gasket. I was just graduating from college, and though I appreciated it had gotten me through (Very much!!), the timing felt pretty terrible as it would have been nice if it could have lasted another 6-12 months so I could actually have some (any) money to replace it! I know you have been planning to replace your vehicle soon enough... So it reminds me of that. BUT, looking back, it forced me to get a much more modest car than I might have otherwise. So maybe was not all bad. I just got something in the $5k range - it was actually a *really* nice car.
November 21st, 2012 at 02:46 am 1353466018
November 21st, 2012 at 04:00 am 1353470437
So sorry to hear, Laura! A hassle that you didn't need...
November 21st, 2012 at 10:41 am 1353494501
November 21st, 2012 at 03:38 pm 1353512297
It's possible that people just aren't selling low mileage cars like they used to (the economy isn't as conducive to frequent car upgrades). BUT, I still feel like you will see a lot more choices if you go the dealerships, since there does not seem to be a lot online.
Good Luck!!
November 21st, 2012 at 04:10 pm 1353514223
MM,
my brother has talked me into upping my limit to 10 K. Gulp. I really don't want to spend that much, but like you said, There just isn't much out there for less without tons of miles. I am looking at this car now (On a dealership lot) http://www.morningstarmotors.com/inventory/view/6100723/2010-Nissan-versa
It's a 2010 model with about 42,000 miles. I think I should be able to make it last 10 years, especially since I don't drive a lot. I also checked with my car insurance, and full coverage would be $250 for six months with a 1K deductible. So my car insurance would not exponentially rise. I would go from about $14 a month for liability only to about $43 a month for full coverage.
If I take out a $5000 loan I be able to pay a large chunk of it with my tax refund. So I could tackle it pretty quickly. I am thinking of going with a 5000 down payment so that I could still have some cash reserves, but pay the loan aggressively. I had several offers of cash gifts from family members who want to be sure that I have a good newer, reliable car, mostly for their peace of mind. Apparently, my brother had to deal with a lot of concerned phone calls yesterday, making sure that I was okay.
November 21st, 2012 at 06:14 pm 1353521690
November 21st, 2012 at 10:33 pm 1353537204
November 22nd, 2012 at 04:33 pm 1353601997
November 22nd, 2012 at 05:30 pm 1353605434
MM - what is "1 at this price"? Do you mean the no haggle?
I like your strategy of asking for the $5k cars first ... then when they get me to the car I actually want, they'll think they got one over on me.