We are still in Tucson (our next blog post will highlight our time here), about a week longer than expected, because we experienced continuing problems with our tow-behind auto, a 2013 Honda Fit we had christened "The Fittata."
Two days after arriving in Tucson, we were driving up through a mountain range, when suddenly the car started losing acceleration and driving very rough. We managed to turn around and, assisted by gravity, made it to the bottom of the mountain and then limped about another seven miles to the local Honda dealer in Tucson.
We rented a Ford Fiesta from Enterprise so we could continue our Tucson sightseeing. After a couple days of diagnosis, Honda told us that the car's computer was faulty and needed to be replaced, and it appeared that the Virginia used car place where we'd bought the Fit had also done some things that had gunked up the engine. It would cost us over $2,000 to get everything fixed.
If you recall one of our earlier blog posts, we had a Fit brake issue on the second day of our trip that cost us over $1,000 to fix. And all this on a vehicle that we'd paid less than $5,000 for.
Given that we have at least another 11 months of travel ahead of us, we decided to acknowledge that we'd purchased a lemon and move on.
We did like the Honda Fit handling and storage capability, so we decided to purchase a used 2011 Fit from the Honda dealer that seemed in much better shape and had a 100,000 less miles on it to boot. Negotiating and arranging all that, getting items (e.g., tow equipment, upgraded radio) removed from the 2013 so they could be reinstalled on the 2011, and having our title for the 2013 FedEx'd from Virginia forced an unexpected extension to our time in Tucson.
We will say that Tucson is not a bad place to be stuck in, all things considered. We will leave here in a couple of days and head north toward Utah.
So, dear readers, we would like to introduce you to... The Fittata 2.
Keep an eye out in the next few days for a report on our time in Tucson.
That is unfortunate that the first car was a lemon. Glad wheels are up and you are back on your way to more exciting adventures!
I might have mentioned that circumnavigating sailors call what they do, "Fixing boats in exotic places." Looks like your trip around the country is, "Fixing vehicles in exotic places!"
Good thing you don’t have any real structured plans. You could write a book- wait, you are!
Hi guys, Sorry to hear you are having so much vehicles troubles. Hope this new solution works! If you haven't had a chance ...you should go visit the hummingbird farm outside of Tucson. It is so cool. We love the area, it has so man interesting things to see. Here's hoping you have turned the corner and have smooth sailing! Take care. Kathie and Bill