I'm Chevy Chase, and You're Not*

* aka "Weekend Update"

Usually we go up to New Hampshire for a few days over July 4, but we didn't this year. Then usually we go up again for a few days in August when Andy takes a week off, but we didn't this year. But we always go up for Labor Day weekend, and this year was no exception.

Friday the girls and I packed up and headed out. Pete was invited to a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, and Andy had to work, so they planned to come up a day late. About an hour or so into the ride, my Odyssey's "check engine" and "traction control system" lights came on. I had Steph look in the manual, but it didn't give a definitive answer. When we arrived in Tilton (for our planned back-to-school shopping spree at the outlet mall), I got gas. When I started back up again, the TCS light went out, the engine light stayed on, and then the "maintenance required" light came on too. At that point Steph pointed out that it was funny how my inspection sticker had expired. Back in April. (Go read this and then you can all laugh your asses off, it's OK.) We were already out of state, so I knew I couldn't get inspected—but I also knew I couldn't get pulled over.

There was nothing to do but go shopping.

Afterward, the temperature gauge was OK and the handling seemed fine, so onward we pressed. By the time we got up to Franconia, Barbara and Jerry were already there–and it was already cocktail hour! After a nervous ride and too much shopping, I was ready.

Saturday morning Jerry checked my oil and said I had none. Which is weird because I never go through oil between changes and because my oil light hadn't come on. He put in 3 quarts. Afterward we visited Chutters, and I'm sorry to report that we bought all the candy, so there isn't any left for you (yes, we picked up bags for Pete and Andy too). We also stopped in to the lovely Village Book Store, which I like to support whenever I'm up there. 

Later on the guys showed up, and the next day we had to cram a lot of fun in. First, a friend had given us free passes to Whale's Tale, so off we went. Every year I tell you how skeevy I feel at a water park, and this year was no different, so I'll spare you the details. For the first time ever, though, this time I just refused to budge from my lounge chair, where I was happy to read while the kids frollicked. It's nice when your kids are old enough to do stuff on their own, huh? Then we sped home and changed, because it was time to pick up Barbara and Jerry and head off to the main attraction, the Lancaster Fair! Again, because the kids are getting older, we have more flexibility, so we went in the late afternoon and stayed into the evening. We ate all manner of fried food, from fried dough to French fries to deep-fried Twinkies, and then of course devoured our beloved Robillard's apple crisp.

Maybe I was feeling bad that I hadn't gone on any of the rides at the water park, I don't know, but the next thing I knew I agreed to go on an icky spinning flying ride with the girls. I had to keep my eyes shut and still felt nauseated the whole time, and then I was miserable for a long time afterward. That'll learn me. I revived as soon as I spied the quarters machines, though. Honestly, if I had one in my basement you would never see me again. In go the quarters, back and forth slides the little platform, out fall a few quarters (sometimes, anyhow). I play Coin Dozer on my iPhone sometimes, but there's nothing like the real thing. The kids, meanwhile, got their respective fixes playing games and getting robbed by carnies. And then we admired the draft horses and patted the lambs and explored the RVs and people-watched.

And then the final event of the weekend was, you guessed it, a major pig-out this morning at Polly's Pancake Parlor, which is always the same and always perfect. Then back into the car to head home. The dashboard lights still glared at me, as did the expired inspection sticker—particularly as soon as we crossed back into Massachusetts. When we got home Andy took it to the station, and the jerk there took our $29 and then said, "You know it's going to fail, right? Because of the check engine light?" Um, no, we in fact didn't know, or else we wouldn't have gone. Grrr. 

Meanwhile, about a week or so ago, purely by coincidence, Andy had suggested that maybe it's time to replace the Odyssey, since it is 11 years old and expensive stuff is likely to start going wrong with it. So tomorrow I will call the dealer and see if I can bring it over so they can diagnose the problem(s), but I might not get it fixed, depending on the cost. Now I'm busy researching new cars. Should I get another Odyssey? Or go the SUV route and look at a Honda Pilot? Maybe the hybrid Toyota Highlander? The Mazda CX-9? Any thoughts? I still want to be able to seat 6 fairly comfortably for carpooling and such, and I don't want a gas guzzler and I don't want to feel like I'm driving a truck. (And what I really want is a Mini Cooper.)

Comments

[Elena]

Our Honda Odyssey was a lemon from the git-go--had to have the engine replaced and the total electrical system too. But since then it has been fine. Now after 160,000 miles, the air conditioning no longer works--in fact, we can't touch or change the "vent" dial at all or the whole thing breaks down. Still, we soldier on, since it does come in handy as an extra car when our kids are home from college. Last August, we bought a previously owned (i.e., "used") Toyota Highlander, and it is awesome! I would be reluctant to buy another Honda after this last experience (although our other Hondas have been great). I can recommend the Highlander without reservation!

[Tonya]

So weird, the exact same thing (engine light, past-due tabs, failed emissions test) happened to me last week with my 12yo Bug. I love that car, but it's been having ALL KINDS of issues lately, so I'm in the market, too. Prolly a Honda CRV -- smallish crossover. But ugh, not looking forward to car payments which I haven't had to deal with for many years!

[Kirsty]

I can speak from experience - MINIs are awesome. I had one (was a wrench to sell it when we went down to one car) and Husband has one. Really love 'em. More space inside than you'd think.

[Janice Molloy]

After reading your rave reviews over the years, we went to Polly's Pancake Parlor this summer. I'm not usually much of a pancake person, but these were TO DIE FOR! I love that your server makes the pancakes for you, and brings them three at a time rather than six all at once (the pancakes are fairly small, people, and yes, I did eat all six!). We're already planning a return visit next summer.

[Sheila McIntosh]

We just got a Mazda 5 and LOVE it. Repeat, LOVE it. It's a mini-mini van, popular en Europe. It seats six and while the third row is not spacious, the under-six-foot members of the family have all used it and it's OK. This thing is so much fun to drive! It handles like a much smaller vehicle. I am NOT a car person and I can't believe I am babbling on this way. They should put me in a commercial.

[Karen]

Elena: Our Odyssey has been a dream. 11 years with very little beyond normal maintenance. I will definitely look at the Highlander (regular and hybrid).

Tonya: Ugh. I'm bringing mine in tomorrow for a look-see....

Kristy: Unfortunately, with 3 school-age kids, a Mini is not even in my near future ... wah!

Janice: Yay! I really don't know what makes these pancakes better than all others, but they are! What kind did you get? I usually get oatmeal-buttermilk with blueberries. And yes, I eat 6 of them too -- plus a side of bacon! I know you don't eat meat, but I will just say that I dream about this bacon all winter.... :) Barbara and I always walk the 3 miles back to the house after a meal at Polly's.

Sheila: Wow, you are positively gushing -- thanks, I will check it out! :) We might need to bump up to the CX-9 because of 3 kids and that much more carpooling, but I will look at both. I used to have Mazda sedans (pre-kids) and was always happy with them.

[Katy]

We have two friends with Highlanders who LOVE them, and that's probably what we will get too when our Outback dies. Glad you had a nice long weekend, especially because today is so fall-like!

[scott]

I'd get the Toyota FJ Cruiser, but I like my SUVs a wee bit more rugged and a tad less civilized than the average commuter. Get the Highlander over the Mazda, though. It even comes in a hybrid model if you're so inclined.

[scott]

All of which presumes you're not going to drop $50k on a Range Rover Evoque. :)

[Karen]

Presumption correct. :)

[steve]

Mercedes GLK350 Compact SUV. I'm a huge fan of buying very low-mile, late model vehicles at Carmax (there's one about 35 miles from you). You can search their entire national inventory on line. You can even trade your old vehicle in.

We've executed a total of 10 transactions over the years with Carmax.

[Jonathan Arnold]

I still say nothing fits a family with kids like a minivan. And the Odyssey is still the cream of the crop.

Oddly enough, out Odyssey sounds just like yours - 11 years old with the check engine / TC light coming on. Of course, it never seems to happen when we bring it to the shop. And we have all sorts of weird squeaking noises coming from the front end.

But my wife is adamant about driving it some more, so despite a lovely test drive of the latest Odyssey (wow, are they sure nice!), we'll keep plugging along.

[Sandy]

Echoing Sheila, I love our 2-year-old Mazda 5. (Our 2 children and most of their friends are still under 5'.) But I love our neighbor's Mazda CX-9 even more.

[kate]

Polly's was mentioned in this month's Runner's World managzine...

[Nancy]

Speaking of water parks, and tying into your later post about the Democratic National Convention, Tom Junod has a wonderful essay in the Esquire politics blog in which he juxtaposes a visit to Whitewater, outside Atlanta, with his experience at the DNC. It's only partly about the rides and the fleshy, tattooed, multi-pierced throngs. It's really a meditation on waiting in line and "market-based solutions."

Quotable throughout, but here's a gem:

"[T]he people I saw on Tuesday night at the DNC were my tribe — they looked like the people you see on line at Whitewater, with clothes on. And the people I saw at the RNC looked like the people cutting in front, by dint of the gold plastic bracelets on their wrists."

http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/whitewater-flash-pass-12403562#ixzz25tQPuQhb

[Chris Hughes]

Look at the new Odyssey. They are very, very nice. Then again, I'm a Honda guy. Except on two wheels, where I prefer BMW.