#24: Memorials accepted in the form of cash, check, or shiny new cars
My car has finally kicked the bucket. Well not really. But it has enough wrong with it that the labor and parts are going to cost me more than the car is worth. The mechanics also advised me that if I continued to drive it without the repairs, within a month I can expect to a) explode the battery, b) shred the fan belt, or c) explode my lower intake manifold (whatever the hell that is), whichever decides to go first. So the Grand Am I was given on my 16 birthday is now laying in state in my garage (in lieu of flowers please send checks to the "Heather needs a new car" fund. Cash is also acceptable). Sir has the Mustang out, so I'm driving his winter car to and from work while trying to shop for a new car.
Getting a new car is EXPENSIVE but sort of fun. I didn't get to pick the Grand Am. Not sure I would have, but at 16, I was just grateful to have a car let alone have it be newer than just about all of my friends' cars. Now I want something sporty. I also want a sunroof. And it must be an automatic because I have tried 3 separate times to learn to drive a manual and now just the sight of a clutch makes my eyes well up with tears of failure. I'd also like low mileage, as I would like the sporty car to last until I have to buy a family car.
Unfortunately low-mileage, automatic, sporty cars with sunroofs are EXPENSIVE. I'll say it again in case all the "$$$$$$$$" didn't register in your mind's eye, EXPENSIVE. And the ones that do occasionally pop up in my price range make me nervous. What happened to this car to make it $5,000 cheaper than the rest? Was the entire engine rebuilt? Are there rusty, Swiss cheese-like holes all over the body? Does it not have any brakes?
I also have a severe mis-trust of anyone trying to sell me a used car. My family and friends have not had good experiences and have, more often than not, been screwed over. This is the first car I'm buying with my own money (and a loan... yes, another one on top of the multitude of outstanding educational loans), I want it to be a keeper!
Right now I'm looking at 2001-2003 Mistubishi Eclipse, Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Celica... and that's about it. I would adore suggestions of other sporty mid-priced vehicles. Only don't tell me to buy another Pontiac. I won't do it.
I think the whole experience would be easier if I could afford a brand-new car with all the bells and whistles I want. Oh what a car it would be... a convertible (snow be damned!), automatic, v6 (zooooooooooom), keyless entry, anti-lock brakes (for when the zooooooom-ing must end), REDREDREDRED body with a tan top and leather interior (for the smell if for nothing else), with a killer sound system that I wouldn't have to bribe Sir to install for me. Sigh. Maybe that will be my mid-life crises car. You know, after Sir and I are rich and famous.
I'm going on my first test drive today after work (I think, if I can get a hold of the car dealership). Sir doesn't know it yet, but he is being dragged with me because I don't want to go alone. I'm not even sure what questions to ask. Mom advised me to leave the dealership if I feel pressured and never buy anything on the first visit. Ok, I can do that. I can do this.
That is going to be one HELL of a big check I'm going to have to cut.
*whimpers*
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Getting a new car is EXPENSIVE but sort of fun. I didn't get to pick the Grand Am. Not sure I would have, but at 16, I was just grateful to have a car let alone have it be newer than just about all of my friends' cars. Now I want something sporty. I also want a sunroof. And it must be an automatic because I have tried 3 separate times to learn to drive a manual and now just the sight of a clutch makes my eyes well up with tears of failure. I'd also like low mileage, as I would like the sporty car to last until I have to buy a family car.
Unfortunately low-mileage, automatic, sporty cars with sunroofs are EXPENSIVE. I'll say it again in case all the "$$$$$$$$" didn't register in your mind's eye, EXPENSIVE. And the ones that do occasionally pop up in my price range make me nervous. What happened to this car to make it $5,000 cheaper than the rest? Was the entire engine rebuilt? Are there rusty, Swiss cheese-like holes all over the body? Does it not have any brakes?
I also have a severe mis-trust of anyone trying to sell me a used car. My family and friends have not had good experiences and have, more often than not, been screwed over. This is the first car I'm buying with my own money (and a loan... yes, another one on top of the multitude of outstanding educational loans), I want it to be a keeper!
Right now I'm looking at 2001-2003 Mistubishi Eclipse, Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Celica... and that's about it. I would adore suggestions of other sporty mid-priced vehicles. Only don't tell me to buy another Pontiac. I won't do it.
I think the whole experience would be easier if I could afford a brand-new car with all the bells and whistles I want. Oh what a car it would be... a convertible (snow be damned!), automatic, v6 (zooooooooooom), keyless entry, anti-lock brakes (for when the zooooooom-ing must end), REDREDREDRED body with a tan top and leather interior (for the smell if for nothing else), with a killer sound system that I wouldn't have to bribe Sir to install for me. Sigh. Maybe that will be my mid-life crises car. You know, after Sir and I are rich and famous.
I'm going on my first test drive today after work (I think, if I can get a hold of the car dealership). Sir doesn't know it yet, but he is being dragged with me because I don't want to go alone. I'm not even sure what questions to ask. Mom advised me to leave the dealership if I feel pressured and never buy anything on the first visit. Ok, I can do that. I can do this.
That is going to be one HELL of a big check I'm going to have to cut.
*whimpers*
|
posted by Sun at 9:29 AM
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