Brand new f$cking trucks with TONS of problems

[WhiteWolf McBride]

*laughs his (*tush*) off*

I was tempted years back to try for a truckers license (think its AZ/DZ in Ontario, hm Kenny & Mario?) but then though " I got my Disability, and companies will want me to futz with the cargo. Stuff that with bad back and gut, I'm O-U-T. " (qualified in '92, and I'm ~permanent~ status now)

So instead, I ran my sneakers (and other parts) off a few days a week delivering pizza for a friend to make ends meet. I picked up a '89 Ford Escort w/ 1.9 litre 5 spd. std. & 93 thou kms. I ran her six more years... for over 800 THOU kms on her meter before she HAD to go to the wreckers due to rust at the doors (frame-side) but that engine ~still~ could pass an eco-test, and ~purred~

I used to do errands for the boss too, which often included running across town ASAP for something critical. I'd watching guys come ~screaming~ past me in everything from SUV's to sports cars, and then laugh myself into a coughing fit when I pulled up behind them on an off-ramp. They'd burned how much extra fuel for absolutely NO gain, and a net loss in fuel, engine wear, and accident risk (not to mention tickets?)

I also ~coasted~ lots to save fuel (why I ~still~ insist on a stick!) and one way back into the 'za shop lot, I could ~almost~ turn the car off (not fully, power steering) and coast a full km to the door. Needed the steerin' for the last nasty zig-zag into the lot, and at a decent clip, you dinna want to be dry-haulin' that wheel

Now I drive a Ford Focus now, as Ford killed the Escort lineup (beat the heck out of the Tempo/Taurus!) and its still only a 2 litre, but ~still~ a 5 spd. std! I maintain her well, and she'll probably outlast me... (I'm ~NOT~ in good shape) if I'm careful and don't prang her up!

Oh, when I inherited my Dad's 2000 Olds Intrigue in 2010, it suddenly developed what we were told was a tranny prob, 1800+. Car ain't worth that much. In the end, it was some electronic fuel item, $200 & $100 labor (I love my mechanic!) and the car went to Idjit nephew in 2012. Fall 2012 he melted the engine block down by leaving the block heater on FOR A WEEK

Guys, think of all the ways ya can ~LAUGH~ about it, and you'll last longer.

And as always, Keep the Rubber Side Down, Eh?

WhiteWolf McBride, 100% retired now
(been silent and AWOL too long)