So Long Old Friend

[Windfan]

Looks like my 2000 SEL is headed for scrap yard under Cash for Clunkers and I am starting to come to grips with how much I'll miss her - it's been affectionately called 'Ole Bessie' for the last several years by my kids.

Some stats from memory, receipts and files in glove box:
- 212,783 Miles in almost 10 years to the day
- Check engine light has been on since ~95,000 miles
- 14 Tires
- 42 oil changes (that I could find info on)
- 3 Sets of brake pads, 1 set of rotors and cylinders front; 2 sets of pads, 1 set of drums rear
- EGR (174 Engine code) ports cleaned at 98,000 without replacing bolts or front valve cover
- EGR ports cleaned again at 178,000 with new bolts and cover
- Four wiper blades and one complete wiper arm (drivers side)
- Replaced passenger side mirror from strong wind propelled garbage can incident
- Two transmission fluid changes

Things currently wrong:
- Needs four new tires
- Needs new struts (original)
- Cruise control out
- AC out
- Front headlight cracked from deer collision but not enough damage for insurance claim
- Paint is flaking off in large areas on the hood and roof

Even though the engine still runs like a champ there are just too many things to fix and the $4500 is too tempting. If Ford had something similar (don't tell me Flex ) I would get it but it looks like we are set on a Vue, Escape or Equinox - if we can find one in time.

The next time your sipping a cold one after performing some repair task on your Winnie raise your glass to Ole Bessie - if any one is the same situation, share your stories and I'll do the same.

[12Ounce]

... Sounds like Bessie served you well. Good luck with the new one.