Time to let him go?/ I really do love him

[Lola'05]

I have maintained Greenie, a '95 Ford Explorer with manual transmission and 4x4 since the purchase of Lola'05, the Prius. I have needed him to get out of my neighborhood about 4-5 times a year in the winter- just to get onto state cleared roads. And he has served me well on trips to Home Depot.

I haven't used Greenie since early April, due to the gas prices. And I had just had him detailed. He looked fantastic! That 18mpg is so bad, compared to Lola's 53. My question is... do I flatbed Greenie to the dealership for the battery and steering problems or do I upgrade the tires on the Prius for better handling in the winter weather conditions?

[dogfriend]

You actually get 18 mpg? My 97 Sport only gets about 15, but it has an auto trans, so that is probably why you are doing better.

I don't know if its time yet - all I know is that my 97 is now parked in the backyard to make room for my GF's motorhome in the driveway. I drive it about once every 2 months, usually to haul away something. It is part of the Sequestered SUV™ program - keeping it to keep it out of the hands of someone who would drive it more often.

[TJandGENESIS]

I say, let 'em crash.

But we aren't talking about great lines from movies, so that makes no sense here.

Keep the truck. You may need it someday, when you least expect it.

[Godiva]

Have you thought about locking both in the garage and letting them work out a deal amongst themselves?

[hyo silver]

Get the tires.

[Freedom]

If you haven't used Greenie since April, you may have another issue. Seals, gaskets and other items will dry out. The next time you use Greenie to get to the state cleared roads, you may not make it! I believe you have to run the vehicle more often (and especially in nice Cal. warm weather!) to maintain it so it runs when you need it.

I held on to the Jeep for 7 months, and finally realized it was a lost cause. Sold it on craigslist.

I vote get the tires, as well.

[Danny]

I'm going through the same debate myself... except my love affair is with a little roadster. My MR2 has served me well over the years, but it's been parked under a cover, only to be taken out a couple of times a month since I got my Prius back in July of 2006.

I think I'm going to wash it up and take it to CarMax on Saturday to see what I can get for it. Then I'm going to try to get my Dad to buy it from me so I'll still have access to it

[eagle33199]

I'm struggling with a similar problem... I just bought a house and am planning on doing a bunch of work for it - that means many trips to home depot and the lumber yard, and a lot of hauling of stuff... Do i buy an old truck just for that stuff and only drive it a few days a year?

[dogfriend]

When I bought the Prius, the Blue Book value on the 97 Explorer (which originally was MSRP $28k, I bought used in 99 for $19k) was only $2200. I don't even want to know how much it isn't worth now. BTW, it is in excellent mechanical condition, reasonable cosmetic condition for a 12 year old vehicle. But worth less than $2k.

[Lola'05]

Danny,

Is that fair to your Dad?