Good-Bye Carmichael

In December 2002, Mike and I purchased Carmichael, a 2003 Saturn Ion 2. She replaced Reggie, my 1997 Mercury Tracer Wagon (stick shift). After 210,000 miles, Carmichael started struggling and showing signs that she could no longer perform the way that we needed her to from day-to-day.

She was diagnosed almost a year ago with Stage 2 engine failure. Our mechanic said she had maybe a year and a half of life in her and that she would start stalling when the time was near. Even though she hasn't stalled yet, she overheats frequently when the temperature is above 85 degrees and we're sitting in traffic. Mike and I had to have the running on several 90 degree days just to keep her from reaching her boiling point. On Memorial Day, Carmichael let out a plume of white smoke. She's been a great car and I'm very sad that her days with us are winding down.

 Carmichael's first winter - Blizzard of 2003.

I

I wasn't joking. The odometer rolled over to 210K last week.

Mike and I found a 2008 Subaru Legacy and decided to "adopt" it. We brought him home on Thursday. So far so good.

**If anyone wants/needs a Saturn Ion for parts, we have one for sale!