“There is nothing one can do to delay the inevitable, and so it's best just to stand tall.” ― Jennie Fields, The Age of Desire
Quoting historical romantic fiction may seem like an odd call when talking about the retirement of a vehicle, but it fits.
This vehicle (until recently) was stable beyond belief. For many years, it was used for the 90-mile daily commute from OC to Marina del Rey on I-405, and it did so reliably. Historically, the car's issues with tires and brakes were a direct result of deferred maintenance. And it kept going, with over 280,000 miles logged.
Then it started having some serious issues. First, the power steering went, then the A/C compressor and condenser failed, a rear brake caliper froze, then a leaky head gasket and oil pan leak was found. But today was judgement day, with an oil-related failure causing an oil light and the clacky-clack of an engine starving for oil after having having its own oil leak all over the road.
There was a brief (2 second) belief that this too could be fixed, but it's time to stand tall and not delay the inevitable. Goodbye friend, so long, and thanks for all the fish.
I'm completely on board with Toyota products, and I hope to have a replacement vehicle by tomorrow.