Farewell to a good and (mostly) faithful friend

As Krystle wrote below, we have a new addition to our garage.  More on that later.  First, I want to remember our now gone Pontiac Grand Prix, for as younger siblings push their older brethren from their parents' affections, so our newest addition has shoved its predecessor out of our care (and apparently into the waiting arms of Mexico, if one dealer is to be believed).

For reasons unfathomable to my wife, I actually liked that car.  At the end, it was a little bit like driving a truck:  large engine, meaty tires, so many dings and stains that you didn't even notice more as they appeared.   It was also dead reliable, except for all that stuff I had to fix.  Pontiac got the major parts right though, since the engine and transmission still run like they'll never give up the ghost.  It will make great transportation for some thrifty traveler, as long as they don't mind the heat since the a/c quit.

All those imperfections also made it a perfect commuter car.  Rolling down the city streets, if a BMW or Mercedes wants to cut me off, no problem!  This lane's big enough for the both of us!  I probably wouldn't even be able to tell if I got side swiped.  I'm sure the BMW owner couldn't say the same.

In conclusion, the car served us well and was the best hand-me-down I've ever received; it was from Krystle's mom, thanks!  (As a side note to any guys reading this, here's a great way to scare an actual or possible mother in law, potentially enough for them to offer to replace your car:  After driving to the house of the parents of the girlfriend/fiance/new wife, excuse yourself to inspect your car since it was having problems on the drive over.  When they ask what is the matter, tell them it's no big deal, you're just trying to plug the leak in the gas tank.  Worked like a charm for me!)