I’ve been a proud owner of a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport since St. Patrick’s Day 2000. I was 4 months into my new TV web gig and needed to replace my 1993 Ranger which had 150,000 miles.   I purchased the SUV online for a steal using AutoByTel.  Very few dealerships had online presence at that time, and it was unusual to walk into a dealership with a deal already completed.

I take pride in knowing I’ve survived several major recalls:

• Gas pedal could stick.
• Hood latch could randomly open over 60 mph.
• Rear window wiper could stop working.
• Firestone tires could separate, causing a rollover (all 4 were replaced at 30,000 miles)
• Cruise control switch could cause underhood fire (they ran out of recall parts, so instead they disconnected it)
• and the last one (which I never fixed), vehicle could spontaneously combust–even when key is not in ignition (and they asked me to park vehicle away from structures to prevent the fire from spreading).

The SUV spent most its wear and tear in St. Louis but drove through 11 states with trips to Dallas, Lake of the Ozarks, New Orleans, Chicago, Bardstown KY, Santa Claus IN, Washington DC and southern Illinois many times.  It has hauled live animals, concrete blocks, DJ equipment, Christmas trees, and an entire college dorm’s worth of furniture.

Best memory: Driving across the 23-mile Lake Pontchartrain bridge in New Orleans.

Worst memory: Picking up the phone only to hear my (now ex) wife talking to her mom about how she’s been cheating on me.  The most riveting butt dial ever.

When I moved to Washington, DC in July 2008, I figured I would buy a new vehicle in 6 months after I adjusted to the cost of living changes and had finally settled in.  But the economy tanked, and no one was buying cars.  Bailouts were being given at the first of the year, and no one knew for sure what car firms were going to survive.  Plus, the car kept on going without any major problems. It never failed me, even at 143,900 miles. The 4×4 was quirky when I needed it the most, but overall the only nuisance was adjusting the fast clock every couple months.

Thanks to the Cash for Clunkers program (Car Allowance Rebate System – CARS), I finally turned it in.  I took great care of it, and I hope they use it for parts, instead of outright crushing it.  Owned it for 9 years, 5 months.  Kelley Blue Book valued the car at $3,050. Cash For Clunkers was giving me $3,500 towards a new vehicle.  And with 0% financing and employee discount pricing, now there’s a 2009 Saturn Vue sitting in the garage.