Jerry's Evolving Thoughts on "new-to-me" Prime Premium

Yeah, that's my main concern in getting a new one. The job was actually entertaining to me, but I would be UPSET if I spent several hundred dollars and then something broke the new one a week later.

It looked like it would come off and I considered trying it, but I didn't because the black part was right against the crack. I couldn't see a way to reinforce the repair.

 

Mine's still young, too, and that was a factor in my deciding to mess with it. (I just turned over 40k miles yesterday.) But I do plan to keep this one for a long time unless a typical Florida driver intervenes.

 

Update on the driver's door "armrest" project. Not sure if I've mentioned it in this thread, but if Idid, it was a long time ago. So here's a short history.

The armrest on the door is insanely low. It's nowhere near my elbow even when I'm not trying to hold the wheel with that hand. I made a felt covered platform and tried various ways to secure it without defacing the car. None seemed to work that well and the felt cloth was a little scratchy. So here's what I hope is the "permanent" arrangement.

Inside is a stack of those shiny foam pads like what they pack computers in. Not spongy, but firm. On top of that is one of the very firm wrist rests like some people put in front of their keyboards, cut to length. And then, for padding, I used a couple Mr. Clean Magic Eraser cleaning sponges cut to fit. They were just the right width, but it took 1-1/2 of them to cover from end to end.

Then, with some coaching from my amazingly skilled wife (made her own WEDDING DRESS!!) I stitched some black cloth over it and secured it to the arm rest with some black elastic. It's not a work of art, but I think it should work long term. It's nice and stable, and feels way better than the felt cloth.

 

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!!
It's hard to believe that I bought this car a year ago today. It's still the best car I've ever owned. Still comfortable and rattle free -- except for when my wife doesn't get the seatbelt buckle quite right when she gets out. Then, next time I drive, I have to reach over and untwist it. And there was an occasional rattle in the dash that I was able to track down and stifle.

The steering wheel and upholstery still look new. On the outside, it has some added character thanks to hitting a road runner at about 65 mph and cracking the grill. Those are pretty solid birds!! And there are a few minor dings and chips from rocks, flying pieces of exploding tire, and other airborne FOD. There's a bit of a rub mark on the back bumper that sprouted one day while my wife and I were in the grocery store. Not very prominent, but it's there. Otherwise, the car still looks great for one that's been on the road for 4 years and spent about 2-1/2 winters in the north with all the salt and ice chunks.

So, now for the one year stats.

• Miles: 19,138 as of when I got gas just before arriving home yesterday.
• Total cost of gas and electricity: $619.77
• Total fuel cost per mile including a 6,013 mile road trip: 3.24 cents/mile
• Cost per mile of my last tank of gas including electricity (2,757 miles): 2.04 cents/mile (I spent almost twice as much on electricity as on gas. LOL! At $2.179/gallon, this was the cheapest gas since Feb. of last year.

Fuels savings compared to a typical 28 mpg car over the first year are $1,124.32.

Other operating costs, not including unnecessary do-dads: $911.59
This includes:

• new tires with alignment
• 2 oil changes
• replace ATF-WS
• another 4-wheel alignment
• brake fluid flush and replace

The tires were obviously the big ouch. So, with those out of the way along with brakes and ATF, I should be set for a while.