Transmission or Retirement?

So bar exam prep classes are well underway. Pretty miserable.

Also, the Explorer diagnosis is: all forward gears are burnt up. So unless I learn to go everywhere in reverse, a decision must be made. Either fix it, for a pretty penny, and hope the beast holds out for a few more years, or accept that the end is here for our glorious 12 1/2 year run. Normally, I would be all for repair, but considering the future, I'm not sure if it isn't time to let him go and downsize for my move to DC. That makes some sense, but then again, I don't know if I can bear letting the Explorer go until it really dies, no coming back. You know...if all we need is a transmission...hey, keep the good times rolling.

And if we did retire it, what would I do with it? Try to get something for it, either whole or in parts? Found the John Haffner Explorer Museum?

Also, I can't get by for two months in Alabama without a car, and looking for a new car during BarBri is not a good idea.

Hmmmm...