Chapter 17 — Arrivederci, Fiero (Breakdowns, Flashbacks & Big Brother Moves)
Ted Mosby believed every car had a story.
Barney Stinson believed every car was just a place to hook up.
And Ivar Scherbatsky? He believed cars were disposable — unless they carried someone else's heart.
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The Breakdown
The Fiero coughed, sputtered, and died right in front of MacLaren's.
Marshall climbed out, devastated. "No. No, no, no! She can't be gone!"
Robin raised an eyebrow. "It's a rust bucket on wheels. It's been gone for years."
Marshall clutched the steering wheel like it was life support. "Take it back!"
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Flashbacks
Over pitchers at the booth, the gang reminisced:
Ted learning to drive stick, stalling so badly he almost broke Marshall's clutch.
Lily painting a mural on the dashboard in their early days.
Barney trying to use the Fiero as a love nest, only to be caught mid-act by mall security.
Robin refusing to get in unless Ivar was also in the car — "safety insurance," she quipped.
Megan laughed. "Wow. It's not a car. It's a scrapbook."
Yvonne smirked. "Correction: it's a time machine held together by duct tape."
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Marshall's Grief
At the mechanics, Marshall stared at the estimate:
"Five grand to fix her. I… I can't afford that."
Ted patted his shoulder. "Maybe it's time to say goodbye."
Marshall's eyes welled. "It's like losing a family member."
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Ivar's Quiet Move
Later that night, Ivar called in a favor.
"Full restoration," he told the shop. "Custom retro work. Leather seats, chrome finish. Make it beautiful again."
The mechanic whistled. "That'll cost—"
Ivar slid his card across the counter. "I didn't ask the price."
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The Reveal
Weeks later, Marshall walked outside to see the Fiero gleaming in the sunlight.
Fresh paint, polished chrome, roaring engine. The same car, but reborn.
He froze. "No way."
Ivar leaned against the hood, smirking. "Correction. Yes way."
Marshall hugged him so hard Ivar actually staggered. "You… you saved her!"
Ivar shrugged. "Didn't save a car. Saved your memories."
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Closing Beat
By the end of the night:
Marshall drove the gang around, grinning ear to ear.
Ted muttered, "Still smells like old fries."
Lily cried in the passenger seat.
Barney tried (and failed) to christen it again.
Megan and Yvonne sang along with the radio, laughing.
And Ivar? He sat in the back, calm and content.
Because sometimes it wasn't about the machine.
It was about giving someone back a piece of their story.
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End of Chapter 17.
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👉 Next is Chapter 18 ("Moving Day") — canon has Ted moving in with Robin, which turns into a mess. Do you want Ivar to play mediator here (calling out Ted and Robin's lack of compatibility), or stay hands-off and let them crash and burn?