Behind Door #2

So, on 12/31, PJ and I decided on the right Beater Car for Sam. She was eligible to get her permit on 1/3 and we knew we needed to have our ducks in a row. So, we did a little negotiating and found this puppy. Isn't she a beauty? Yeah, I know, she's older and a little banged up, but she is still running and at 17 years, that's pretty good. 1990 Nissan Stanza here.

Her "issues," if you will:

• clutch is a little loose, but works
• a bit of cosmetic damage inside and outside (but not bad for 220k miles!)
• speedometer doesn't work
• A/C doesn't work
• Gas tank, hood and trunk releases don't work (new cables necessary?)
• a very little rust on one panel
• reverse lights don't work
• passenger side front door handle doesn't work
• door seal needs to be replaced (but it doesn't leak)
• the stereo doesn't work and it's missing rear speakers, but don't you know we have an extra set in the attic? And an extra stereo too....cuz we're geeks like that. We're not in any hurry to fix the radio though (that's just a distraction for new drivers).
• one directional tire was misinstalled
• few extraneous electrical/engine tweaks needed...

Anyway, PJ can fix almost all the problems himself...granted he needs a little time to do that all, but the car runs and with the exception of the reverse lights not working, it's legal. We have inspection next month, so we'll have to get those lights working by then. In the meantime, Samantha can practice shifting in the driveway.

Samantha DID get her permit on Friday, 1/4. Look out Virginia, Sam's gonna start driving. :)

In other news:

Happy Birthday to our January birthdays...I think it's only Aaron, Sam's cousin. Since he's in West VA and they allow kids to get their permit when they're 15, Sam was REALLY glad she passed the permit test on her first try so she could get her permit before Aaron. Aaron will be 15 on Jan 19! We'll be snow tubing in PA to celebrate (I promise to have pictures!).