Replacing our own cars

 Blog post 6: Replacing our own cars

We have two cars, my wife's 2010 Kia Rondo with 142,000 on the odo, and my 2011 Nissan Versa with 133,000. Myself, I also have the 250cc gasoline motorcycle, and the electric scooter, as well as the bicycle and a bus pass. All get regular use. I might employ two or even three of the above in a single day, while my wife uses exclusively her car. Both cars are at the age where replacement is within reason, but since both are in good shape, we have some time to decide what to do. This essay is about that thought process.

It does help that we've used the same mechanic for over 25 years, and he knows both of our cars, and the several which preceded them. If there's any serious problem developing, he would let us know. At this point, there are no major issues for either one. On mine, as noted elsewhere, it gets little use, so if need be we could scuttle that one without major inconvenience. Our family had only one car for 18 years, living in this same house, and then with a growing family, so returning to one-car operation would not be a big deal. Replacing hers might be a bit more trouble. She needs to transport a dog on a regular basis (not ours, we don't have one, she volunteers at a no-kill shelter), so she needs something at least the size of the Rondo, a model that Kia doesn't manufacture anymore. We do not need to tow our trailer. Should that be necessary, we can rent a truck or just hire someone to transport it. 

As to how to power a Rondo replacement, my son has been angling for an EV. I'm ambivalent; this car does get used for a fair amount of interstate travel. It's traveled to SC, TN, MA, OH and NY in separate trips over the last two years. I suppose we could replace it with an EV for local travel and just rent a petroleum car for trips, but that may not be taken well by her. Far easier on everyone to load and go when the need arises. All this is pointing to Plan A being to hold onto status quo as long as possible, not to replace mine if it goes first, and to replace hers with a similar but gas-powered car if that need arises.

Update, November 2024: The Rondo met its end a few months ago and we replaced it with a hybrid. This did not require an electrical outlet in the carport but we got one (two, actually) installed anyway in the expectation that we would get one for an EV to replace the Versa, when the time comes. It has come in handy for recharging the scooter. Separately, we also got rid of Gabe's trailer, the main reason we had an extension cord stretched across the yard for four years. Sarah is also no longer moving dogs, nor expects to, so that need is no longer a factor.

Gabe is also now driving, and usually drives the Versa, probably more than I do myself. He has his e-bike for short trips, but anything beyond a five-mile radius, or needing to move anything of size, he needs the Versa. But he really wants the Versa replacement to be an EV. As before, I really don't care, as I have many alternatives.

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