Old shoes...

Ever felt bad throwing away an old pair of shoes?  Ever felt bad throwing out a shoe you only seemed to have one of?  *sighs*  After 6 years driving the "2001 big sneaker on wheels" (not including the two years I spent driving it's predecesor, the 1999 model!) it is finally time to part ways.  While it's still running strong at 176,000 miles, the current gas crunch coupled with the fact that my house JUST ISN'T SELLING DARNIT forces my hand into getting something with improved gas mileage.  While 27mpg doesn't sound like a lot to most folks, compared to the 17.5 I get now it's a heck of an improvement.  And just what has won me over you ask?  Well, seeing as how I'm still a cheap-assed penny-pincher, and knowing that I insist on either an AWD or 4WD configuration... I have settled on the Jeep Patriot.  Sure it's not as luxurious as the CR-V or RAV-4, but it's quite a bit cheaper than either, and comes with an unlimited powertrain warranty.