Ok, so it needs some work...

It's almost 25 years old, so you have to expect some repairs are necessary, right?

Part of the reason I got an older model diesel was because they are way cheaper than a newer model diesel. Take a newer model VW Golf as a comparison...a 2003 VW Golf Diesel will cost between $15k and $18k! That's not the kind of money I can experiment with. But at what point am I spending more on maintenance and repairs?

I drove home from the airport yesterday and after about 5 minutes in the driveway, I had a fairly large oil stain that had dripped from under the engine compartment. I just finished a laundry list of repairs and replacing the front seal was one of the high-cost items. I thought that was supposed to correct the leaking. I expect there to be some drip, but not that much!

I was already planning on taking the Merzola back by the shop since a part for the driver's side door lock just came in. I will have them re-check the seal, I suppose. I hope this is not foreshadowing. I am now sitting at my desk asking the question: "At what point do I stop putting money into a 25 year old car?"

I'm not at that point yet...not even close. I am still madly in love with the Merzola. It is the perfect car...if it works. I don't expect it to be perfect, but I think, in hindsight, I have sort of put her up on this pedestal as a marvel of semi-modern auto-engineering. I will chalk this up to standard fare for a car of this age. Heck, with a little kitty-litter, I won't even know the stain in the driveway is there.

I have already started planning my first road-trip in the Merzola. I am thinking a long weekend in the Shenandoah National Park. It's almost like the Merzola was made for this sort of trip. Plenty of space for passengers...plenty of space for camping gear in the back...plenty of space on top for bikes (pending my Thule rack).

I can almost feel the crisp autumn morning in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the smell of mother nature and...what's that other smell? Tempura? No, it's the Merzola! When it's time to make breakfast or dinner over the campfire, who will have a larger supply of cooking oil than moi? Anyone up for some camping? I'll cook!