New Ride--Ode to Lexi

Lexi (the 4-Runner) hit 97,000 miles last week. We had originally planned on trading her in after/around Jeff's graduation in May, but b/c we'd hit 100,000 by January, we decided to go ahead and trade her in.

This blog's for her (and yes, I'm aware how odd it is!)! This is my last pic with Lexi:

Lexi was my absolute, most favorite car (SUV). She ran like a champ, took everything we gave her and didn't explode, and loved having Chip's hair all over her (even though we tried in vain to keep it clean!). She was the one who led both my sisters to become Toyota owners as well (one with a 4-Runner and one with a Sequoia). She made us believe in cars that had good mechanical reliability. She was a goddess in her own right!

Lexi got her mileage once I found the man of my dreams. She knew I-10 from Katy to Port Arthur like the back of her hand. She was almost like Kip on the Knight Rider--if she had autopilot she'd be happy!

Lexi is now going to make someone else happy because she is now no longer owned by us. Last week we traded her in for her bigger sister--the Sequoia. So far the Sequoia is un-named, but I'm thinking "Sassy" might work. I wasn't sure if I'd like a Sequoia, but after test-driving it, decided it handled better than Jeff's truck that I'd been driving to school 2-3 days a week (b/c Jeff drove Lexi to/from Sam Houston--better gas mileage). I love it now and am getting used to a bigger car.

Yes--we know a Sequoia is big for just the 3 of us (Chip now has to ride in the cargo area--we're trying to prep him for when kids come and he's back there anyway). We really wanted a 3rd row seat, which didn't come in 4-runners and have lots of leg room. I also knew about a month after I got Lexi in 2005 that the Sequoia is what I wanted for when I had kids (mom's suburban is just too long!).

So...here's to a long life filled with fun and travels in the Sequoia! Cheers! She is the first major Dickens family purchase and we're thrilled to have her! (Please ignore my very "teacher-y" outfit in the pic. Long day of standing deserved sensible shoes!)