Blog du Wren

The Joys of Owning an Old Car

Stock photo: When Marilyn hit the big 300,000 back in fall of 2004

I own an old car. I'm proud of that fact. Marilyn has 309,811 miles on her and I would love to see her go further. But along with the pride of owning an old car comes the, well, let's call it adventure.

Let me share with you the adventure Marilyn has taken me on the past week or so. Firstly, I had to reawaken her from her 4 month slumber, which took some doing: two trips to the gas station on bike to bring back some fresh fuel, reinflating a flat time, and 3 jump starts. (Oh and the rear passenger door has now decided it doesn't want to open, so I am down to just the one functioning door.) Anyhoo, I get her up and running and take her out to stretch her legs. While approaching a friend's house, I down shift in preparation for the big hill. This, for some reason, triggers the radio, which normally just fades on and off from time to time, to kick into seach mode. Hmm...

In anticipation of the car not starting, I park headed down a hill. (Any old-car owner knows this trick.) While climbing across the front seat to get out of the car, my foot must have knocked the gear level out of park, because I suddenly find myself rolling (at a steadily increasing rate) down the hill towards a garden with my body half out of the passenger door. I quickly dive back across the seat and slam my hand on the break pedal. I guess that proves the e-brake doesn't work.

All it took was rocking my way out of the mud and just one more jump start to get us both home in one piece. I foresee some quality time under the hood in my future.

Monday January 8 2007

File under: transportation

Toggle Comments (5)

comment?

on Mon 08th Jan, 2007 06:38 am UTC Wren said:
And yes, mother, we all know how you feel about this one. As you always taught me, if you can't say anything nice...
************************
on Mon 08th Jan, 2007 02:34 pm UTC grm said:
just so you know i still have a ten year old car that is looking to have some more miles put on her. she's a beaut and i have had no problems with her. the price is hard to beat. say the word and margy will bring her on over. of course i understand your attachment to old marilyn, so no pressure.
************************
on Mon 08th Jan, 2007 05:25 pm UTC Saxtor said:
I'm pretty sure I used this exact phrase in a previous post about Marilyn, but...IT'S A DEATHTRAP!
************************
on Tue 09th Jan, 2007 06:33 am UTC trista said:
Are you talking about my mud? I saw where you've been.
************************
on Tue 09th Jan, 2007 04:22 pm UTC Chris said:
Power to the POS! My old Honda had 378,000 on her before my jerk friend crashed her on the freeway, and my 1962 Ford is still talked about around campfires in legends of the Shaggin' Wagon. If it wasn't for having to provide for the safety of my family I'd still be there with you man.
************************

<<Snowboarding (a.k.a Shralping the Gnar)

Mac and Cheese Off>>

Name:
URL: (optional)
Comment:
speak yer peace