Bessie's Replacement

After 15,000 miles this summer and 190,000 miles overall (yes, that's correct), we've decided to retire "Bessie"--or at least replace her. It's funny how we anthropomorphize cars--I'm picturing a sad, sad moment from Cars right now. However, I love the fact that we won't be in the shop every 2 weeks now. For me, it was the experience of DJ and the kids driving from Seattle home with the heater on so it wouldn't overheat that was the kicker to get a new car.

This is "Jim" (at least that's the temporary name--DJ's leaning toward "Ralph"--however, I did remind him that that's a euphimism for something we DON'T want happening in the car). Help us with the name--DJ wants something manly and impressive -- no, Jeff, Jared, Martin, Steve, Charles, Todd, and Courteney are NOT on the list of names. I saw the online ad, couldn't believe the deal (it only has 20,000 miles and was listed at over $10,000 below Kelley Blue Book), drove 150 miles to look at him, and decided he's a keeper. Since he's a Lincoln and not a Cadillac and has been sitting on the lot for a while, the Cadillace dealer was thinking he was a keeper as well (thus, the low price). DJ has trips planned to use the 4x4 feature--and I remind him that 4x4 trips are really designed for pickups and not SUVs; however, knowing where he's gone in the past, it will probably happen again. I'm sure I'll mutter under my breath each time we fill up, but it will be SO nice to drive without worrying if we need to make a repair stop along the way.