mileage [mahy-lij]
the aggregate number of miles traveled over in a given time
Synonyms: wear, use

It finally happened!

I bought my beloved 2002 Toyota Rav4 on December 2, 2001 (I remember because I got home that night and Britney Spears’ birthday was being mentioned on every entertainment show! And hey Joemama, I got my car on your birthday too! haha!). It was my first major purchase; the first big thing I ever bought with my own money, earned from my first full-time, post-undergrad job. Holy shit, I thought to myself, I'm a grown up.

And that's just what Raven (yes, Raven the Silver Rav4) and I have done together - grow up. You create a real relationship when you're responsible for something as necessary, and yet as needy as a car. It's like a child who requires constant care and service; a mobile refuge when you need a quick getaway; a convenient location for conversations between friends and family; and in my case, the only space for at least 10 hours a week that I have just to myself.

Yes, we've gone through a lot together, my car and I - trips to Vegas, San Francisco, San Diego - everywhere; a dead battery right before work, a defective transmission that decided to show face in the middle of rush hour traffic, followed by a replacement transmission that made it run like I just drove out of the lot for the first time; a couple of accidents, endless trips to the Toyota dealership and the gas station, etc. I hope to blog about the next 100,000 miles.

Check out what 100,000 mile service requires:

2002 RAV 4: 100,000 Miles - 60 Months
Air Conditioning Filter
Automatic Transmission Fluid or Manual Transmission Oil
Ball Joints and Dust Covers
Brake Lines and Hoses
Brake Linings/Drums and Brake Pads/Discs
Differential Oil
Drive Belts
Drive Shaft Boots
Engine Air Filter
Engine Coolant
Engine Oil and Filter
Engine Valve Clearance
Exhaust Pipes and Mountings
Fuel Lines and Connections, Fuel Tank Band and Fuel Tank Vapor Vent System Hoses
Fuel Tank Cap Gasket
Nuts and Bolts on Chassis and body
Radiator Core and Condenser
Steering Gear Box
Steering Linkage and Boots
Tire Rotation
Transfer Case Oil

I don't even know what half of this stuff is...which brings me to an honorable mention for this milestone - my dad. I refer to him on everything that has to do with my car. I emailed him this morning to tell him that I reached 100k and he emailed back:

Hi Leng,
Your car still going to last for years as long as you maintain it regularly.
Congrats on it's 100,000 miles.
Dad

That's the plan, father!