Cars

’12 Mini Countryman

Mini Countryman

We retired the Honda Civic, the first car we ever bought new, and replaced it with the surprisingly versatile (and incredibly fun to drive) Mini Countryman. It’s a great little car and, unlike the rest of the Mini product line, has all-wheel drive and enough space for four human beings.

• Model: 2012 Mini Countryman.
• Trim: Cooper S All-4.
• Color: Blue.
• Engine: 1.6L 181 hp turbocharged inline 4-cylinder.
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic.
• Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive.
• Approx. MPG: 23 city, 30 highway (EPA estimates).
• Assembly: Graz, Austria.
• Purchased: January 2006 (new).

’08 Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback

The Outback provides me with a reasonably sporty, car-like ride (quite similar to the Civic, handling wise) but also provides the AWD and hauling benefits that we need for Melissa’s art and other miscellaneous items. It’s a no-frills, practical, solid little car.

• Model: 2008 Subaru Outback.
• Trim: 2.5i Wagon.
• Color: White.
• Engine: 2.5L 170 hp boxer 4-cylinder.
• Transmission: 4-speed Automatic.
• Drivetrain: Symmetric All-Wheel Drive.
• Approx. MPG: 20 city, 26 highway (EPA estimates).
• Assembly: Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
• Purchased: May 2008 (new).

Car Predecessors

• 2006 Honda Civic EX is white (purchased new, 2008-2012) (photo).
• 2002 Mazda Tribute ES in silver (purchased used, 2007-2008) (photo).
• 1998 Chrysler Cirrus LXi in red (purchased used, 2003-2007) (photo).
• 1994 Mercury Sable LS in black (parents purchased used, 2001-2003) (photo).
• 1988 Mercury Sable LS in blue (parents purchased used, 1999-2001).
• 1978 Jeep J-10 ‘Honcho’ in black & ‘ugh’ (gift from uncle, 1998-1999) (photo).