Wow, I don't check over a long weekend, and you guys continue to bring the advice! Thanks for all your feedback! I think the #1 and easiest reco to follow is to keep the gas tank full rather than near empty like I had been.

Fortunately I don't need a cover, since the car lives "indoors" -- on the 4th floor of a parking deck at work, so it never sees rain or (direct) sun. (It is annoying how filthy it gets though, just from wind-borne dust!)

Selling the car is also good advice, but with a 14-yo coming up on driving soon, I'd prefer to hang on to this car we know and trust, rather than face the loathed task of car shopping.

Long trips vs short, I've understood that as well, but can't do much about it. Next weekend will see some longish trips to a debate tournament, I'll use it for that. I'll bring it home from work for Christmas -- get the oil changed, and I've known it needs brake pads as well.