Recently in Automotive Category

Most vacations, I like to start off with a day off from work so I can get some last minute shopping and laundry done. Today was no different, as Daniel and I headed out to get some quick breakfast and to stop at the bank. I noticed that my TPMS monitor had come on in the CR-V yesterday, and today when I got into it, I noticed there was a slight list to the car. I figured I would stop and get some air before I ran my errands today and then get whatever the problem was fixed when I returned. On the way to the bank, I heard the distinct 'click-click-click' of a foreign object lodged in my wheel. When I arrived, I was hoping to see just a small rock in the wheel, but lo and behold there was a huge bolt!

Not wanting to risk being stranded on the day before the trip, I headed back home where we then got into Daniel's Prius to do some errands. For this trip, I decided to retire my old red backpack that has traveled with me everywhere since the early 90s. It was tough to retire, but the fact that most of the zippers were stuck on one side, I decided it was time to upgrade. We ventured to REI where I picked out a nice Jansport blue backpack.

We finished up the errands and enabled our iPhones for MMS, and then as Daniel went to work, I got my tires fixed. Turns out my two front tires were over-worn from lack of tire rotation (I know, I know I have totally slacked on this CR-V!) so not only did I pony up the cash for a tire fix, but also for two new tires. The experts at America's Tire had my repair job done in about 25 minutes. I was glad there were no other customers.

Heading home, I was thinking about the Michael Palin series "New Europe" which I have not seen all the way through. I bought the DVD in London in 2007 and have never converted it. It seemed like a good time to try, so tonight I have been attempting to get it converted to my iPhone to watch on the plane.

My Mac seems to not like converting foreign region DVDs, but thankfully my PC does not have such an issue. I am currently using a combo method which seems to be working. I might not have enough time to do the whole series before I depart, but I will try.

The rest of tonight will be spent packing and cleaning the apartment so that when I return it will be nice and inviting and not a mess.

Tomorrow starts another Trip Diary! I will try and do an update a day, but since we are still waiting final hotel and itinerary arrangements, I am not sure I will have wifi to do so. At any rate, the whole thing should be posted by Sunday Oct. 11.

My hand was forced, and after much deliberation, I finally decided to part ways with my much-loved 2002 CR-V and upgrade to a new 2008 CR-V. As much as I wanted to upgrade to the EX, I stuck with the LX since I decided I didn't need the extra fluff. (They do have an outside temperature guage on the EX - probably the only thing I really missed out on getting) It still feels like my old CR-V, but definitely quieter on the road and I really like the new instrument cluster.

Some of the styling cues are a bit questionable, but overall I am happy. Some minuses? Less storage space than my 2002 - fewer nooks under the center stack, and no netting on the driver and passenger seat backs. The relocation of the parking break and the transmission lever will take a bit getting used to, but overall I prefer the new design. I was worried that the new transmission location would interfere with my leg, but after driving home and running some errands, I can report all is well.

I no longer have to rely on a tape player for my iPod, but I will now have to go out and get a direct cable since it has an auxiliary plug as well as a iPod nook next to it. I also lost my change drawer and come to think of it, I left the change in my old CR-V!! Oh well. I already want to get a new dash cover - I really liked my old one. The debate still rages on whether or not to get a cargo cover.

Just some first night impressions. I am also glad I didn't get Glacier Blue. I went for the Royal Blue Pearl which is a dark blue, but I think it looks classier on the road.

A New Car!
Originally uploaded by Club Josh.

After six years of reliable service, I upgraded my CR-V to a 2008 model. Here is to six more fun years. I just hope this one is as much fun and I enjoy it as much as my beloved 2002.

More later...