oh no the dreaded auto (buying ordeal)

My current set of wheels is precariously close to losing it's transmission on one of the lovely residential streets that reside between work, home and theatre. That being said, I have begun to think about my next automobile purchase. Such thoughts make me want to vomit hence the queasy feeling I've been having all week long. At least it's not the middle of July in a vicious heat wave, that was the last time I needed a car. And it came rather unexpectedly, this time I'm much more prepared.

5 years ago my old car lost it's transmission exiting the 10 Freeway, literally steps from my then mechanic. What timing!!! After renting a wreck for almost 2 weeks and variously going through my first "car buying" process alone I settled for the first car that was in my price range and halfway tolerable. Plus it had air conditioning! A novelty for me, I would have bought an air-conditioned potato if it got me where I needed to be and kept me from glistening in the process. Remember, it was an especially hot July.

So now I know my car is dying a slow death, all week long I have been a good girl perusing autotrader.com and consumerreports.com so I know what to look for and when to say "No, I won't pay that much for a car that is worth $3000 less than what you're asking."

My problem lies in the fact that the car I have my sights set on (2002 or 2003 Mazda Protege5) had low production so there's not many around to choose from. Granted I could get a bright RED, bright YELLOW or boring WHITE auto very easily but that coveted SILVER baby is extremely difficult to come by. My recently decided second choice is a 2003 VW New Beetle, although I haven't driven one yet so it's not set in stone, is a bit more attainable in a decent color and price range but I'm not sure if I'm a Beetle girl. Anyone have thoughts on the subject that knows my personality??? Third choice is a combination of various cars and whatever else I see/drive this weekend that is in said price range.

I know all of you are so jealous of the fun times that I'm about to embark on this weekend. Please keep me in your thoughts.

x

Comments

[jim]

good luck.

not wanting to deal with buying a car is easily one of the top three reasons i don't have one.

i'm not sure i see the bug being your car. unless it is pink.

[Mindy]

Beetle = Blech!! IMHO

[shannon]

i found an older pink volvo!! but i think i want something a bit more reliable...and thanks for the feedback on the beetle...really on the fence about that one.

[Mindy]

To me, a beetle just doesn't fit you!! There is too mcuh faked nostalgic in them !!! I like the sporty number you put up here.

[George]

Beetle? Yeah right!

You don't need a car for Thursday nights, I'll drive.

[Q]

You may want to look into a Scion...not used but new. They are quite affordable if you don't get a bunch of extras. The bare bones model has enough great stuff. I got one and I love it.

[Shannon]

i test drove a scion tc earlier this year and really liked it. the other shapes i'm not as into as much (the xa and xb). by the way Q is my name when i go bowling.

[Pauly D]

Here's a tip from my past experiences with ailing cars.

You give your car a name. I named my old '69 Volkswagen bug, "Abe." And as soon as I did, the car out performed itself for weeks and weeks and months and months and years... That car, which had once been ailing, was totally better.

I can't explain it with real world physics, but I think giving it a name totally helped.