Decided we'd drive it into the dirt. Our indy has a Honda certified mechanic working for him, good guy. It's in the shop today for:

4 new BFG Long Terrain T/A Touring tires
front and rear brakes
trans flush
F and R differential service
cooling system flush
valve adjustment
tune-up
new high end Interstate battery and cables
and misc. other stuff to the tune of about 1600 dollars. I told the tech "list everything it needs and call me with a price. In addition to being certified and dealer experienced, he drives an Element. Says this is all it needs.

I told SWMBO she has to be quiet about cars for another 75K miles, minimum.

Seems like a chunk of change but this car has required nothing but oil changes and one set of Michelins in 10 years. Tech says the motor is spec in all regards, transaxle and suspension too. The only thing I may have them do in addition is the water pump, although the tech says he'd not fool with it since it's working 100%.

__________________
You're a daisy if you do.
__________________________________
84 Euro 240D 4spd. 220.5k sold
04 Honda Element AWD
1985 F150 XLT 4x4, 351W with 270k miles, hay hauler
1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4
1993 Toyota 4wd Pickup 226K and counting