200,000 Miles
From 13 to 200,000 Miles with the GMC Truck (Ignore the ABS warning light)
8/8/22
I remember the first day I took the wheel of my GMC. It was in the fall of 2005, and I was in need of a vehicle that would last me for the long run.
About a year prior, I had purchased a used 92’ Nissan Pathfinder that was bought for $2800 from a random family across town. When it became my first truck, it already had 189,000 miles on it, which is why it was dirt cheap, but it seemed to still have a lot of life left in it. Despite being a worn out starter vehicle, I loved that thing. It had 4-wheel drive, off-road tires, and a slight lift that said “I am ready to tackle any terrain”. Back when I was in high school, and because of the area we lived, having a big suped-up truck was an almost must for any guy wanting to be noticed in the social setting of HHS (Harpeth High School). I recall rolling up to school my first day of driving it with hopes of the masses all turning their heads to watch as I took my place among the elite. It wasn’t to be, however, as in a sea of newer and bigger vehicle my midsized SUV was easily lost. Despite that I was around to finally be driving my own truck… if not for very long.
That red pathfinder lasted me about 6-8 months before the engine blew up and I was once again without a ride. I was working 2 jobs at this point, and though I didn’t have a lot of money my folks were willing to pitch in a bit and help me get something that would be a bit more reliable this time around. We went to used car dealerships, perused the for sale sections of newspapers, and came to the conclusion that getting a new vehicle and making payments would guarantee that I would not be in this same situation until the warranty ran out.
So with a little help from the folks I went out and found what would become my truck for the long haul. It was a pristine 2006 GMC Canyon with a whopping 13 miles on it. This truck has seen both the east and west coast, many parts of the south and midwest, and fortunately enough never been in an accident (knock on wood). Though there have been many hiccups along the way, this truck has been solid for me since day one. 2 trips across the country, about a dozen trips to Starkville, MS and back, and then of course the everyday driving on the pothole riddled roads of middle Tennessee, and still it runs . . . albeit not too strong anymore. About a half-dozen trips to the shop and most of those proving to be unsatisfactory, it doesn’t quite run the way it used to.
Still, the ole girl still runs, and that’s what’s important! After a few tune ups to come, i’m looking forward to many more years behind the wheel of this beast. And with a little luck, maybe i’ll get to keep her until I no longer need to drive. A day which I hope is a looooooooong way off.
BHM
