Punxsutawney Phil,

Still can't figure out how to pronounce that name? :-)

Anyway, what you describe as problems after 120,000 miles to me are simply maintenance issues any car can and will have after that kind of mileage. The way I figure it is that once the car racks up 60,000 miles on the clock, then the nickle and dime phase starts to happen, even with the assumption that the owner takes excellent care of the vehicle.

My 97 850-R has 75,000 miles on it. I have replaced the front pads, rotors, battery, timing belt, all four tires twice, thermostat, accessory belt, a headlamp lens, air filter, oil/filter, transmission fluid, and a motor mount, all of which I consider regular maintenance items--things that wear out or break. Granted I agree with the fact that it is expensive in some cases to have someone else fix the car--which is why we have this board, to save ourselves money by doing it ourselves, but any car nowadays is not cheap to fix. My brother worked for a Porsche dealership 20 some years ago and told me at that time it cost $800 to do a tune on a 911. Nowadays he tells me that Volkswagen Jettas are seen in the dealer garage frequently for repairs.

Toyotas, while reliable and very nice cars and trucks, aren't built solid enough in my opinion. Shut the door and they sound tinny.

Tell me that your engine smokes after 15,000 miles or needs a new transmission after 25,000 miles and then I will tell you it is a lemon. I had a Ford truck that consumed 1 quart of oil every 300 miles. I had a Pontiac that cost me $300 a month just to keep it roadworthy. These are examples of junk. The R above is a fine car.

I think it all comes down to a little luck and a lot of tlc.

How do you pronounce that name?