StarBulletin.com

Pushing Oahu's odometer outer limits


By

POSTED: Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Here are Oahu's top cars as far as pushing the odometer limits go.

We invited you to tell us about your car in the June 1 “;Here's the Deal”; column called “;Odometer Outer Limits,”; and you responded.

We have everything from a Mazda to a Mercedes. Our top car went above 377,000 miles, while our No. 5 car went above 150,000 miles.

What you made clear is that with the right maintenance and care — but nothing out of the ordinary — you can drive a car well beyond 100,000 miles.

The No. 3 top car belongs to Dan Cheu of Mililani.

Cheu's blue Mazda truck has more than 218,930 miles on it and is still going strong.

He says he bought it new in 1996 from Jackson Auto Dealer on Nimitz Highway.

Cheu, who is retired from the U.S. Army and Civil Service, says he keeps it in top running condition at Tommy's Auto Service on Dillingham Boulevard. He takes it in twice a year.

Although his wife has suggested “;cash for clunkers,”; Cheu says the truck is “;still running good,”; and he plans to hang on to it.

“;I love my truck because it's dependable and gives me good mileage,”; he said.

Today Cheu is a volunteer running Island Youth Football, which keeps him busy driving the Mazda all over Oahu.

Before the Mazda, Cheu had a truck that ran up to 400,000 miles, and he hopes to do the same with this one.