Family Van, 1993-2008
It saddens me, but after over fourteen years of good service, the family van, a 1993 Pontiac Transport, has finally taken its last drive.

Technically, the vehicle is still drivable, at least for short distances. During the last week of extreme cold, the head gasket gave way, and the engine started losing a lot of coolant. In recent years, little things like ball joints and relays have worn out, but the decision was made that any major engine trouble would not be worth the cost.

And yet, it seems like everything is still alright. I took the van out for one last spin, revving it strongly and enjoying the beautiful, powerful purr of the 6-cylinder 3800cc V90 engine. Amazingly, it still has the original muffler and even one of the factory wiper blades; there is no question in my mind that OEM parts are superior.

I get attached to things, so I'll miss this car. It took us everywhere. The photo is from Utah in 1999. Because the body is plastic, it looks every bit as shiny and perfect now as it did then. Maybe it's just cosmetics, but it really doesn't feel like it's time for this old friend to go.

They just don't build them like they used to...