The adventure begins...

Tonight, Barb finally acknowledged that she needs to replace her 1995 Volvo station wagon. It's lasted a long time and seen over 185,000 miles of service. But, it committed the unpardonable sin: it leaked water today and apparently spilled onto her suit jacket.

Here's a photo of a similar vehicle:



She announced it by telling me she was giving me a valuable anniversary present: helping her buy a new car. I'll confess: I've been suggesting she replace the Volvo for at least two years as I figured she wanted to retire and not have to make car payments.

So, here's the challenge:

• must be a wagon and no SUVs/mini-SUVs etc may apply;

• must have leather or vinyl seats

• must have manual transmission

• not cost an arm and a leg

hmmm, this ought to be interesting!