Saved some money

I am not an auto repair guy but I figured replacing a broken side mirror couldn't be too bad. The Ford dealer was going to charge $310.00 just for the part plus I don't know how much for the labor. But the worst part was I couldn't get it fixed for almost a month.

I backed into a column in the parking ramp at work. Tore off the driver side mirror unit. It is heated and motorized.

Thanks to the internet I found an auto parts shop in St. Paul and multiple YouTube videos on the steps to replace the unit.

The used part was $110.00 and it took less than 1/2 hour to complete!

It isn't perfect. There are some scratches on the black cover and turns out the motor doesn't adjust up and down. But it adjusts in and out and the mirror moves manually up and down. Best of all it isn't going to fall off or flop around.

Before - mirror cracked up

Before - bungees holding it in place

After - it isn't in primo condition with some scratches

After - nice mirror

Black Lightning - back to bright and shiny

After several weeks of grunginess, finally got Black Lightning washed. I really like my truck.

Got it!

I finally got a new 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid.

This has been quite the process.  When I found out that the new 2013 Escape model coming out in 2012 would not have a hybrid version, I really wanted to get the current model which does come in a hybrid.

The problem was there were no hybrids available in the upper midwest.  So I searched around the country thinking I could fly out and drive one back.  There were just not very many and it was made more difficult because I want an all wheel drive version.

I did find three in Virginia where I am going for Christmas.  I called the dealer and was told a salesperson would call me.  Never happened.

The salesman at the dealership here in Minnesota called me Tuesday to tell me he found one.  And it was at their sister dealership in Buffalo, Minnesota.  That is the dealership where my current Escape came from!

I picked up this black beauty yesterday.  I am so happy.