Not Cleverly Named

…just my random thoughts.

Archive for September, 2008

Sep
18

24 hours later….

Posted by Hollyann

I guess the experiment is a success.  The whole ‘I don’t do sedans’ bit didn’t work out, but I knew if I was going to get something that one or more of my requirements would have to go.  I don’t like sedans because I feel too close to the road, but this one puts me higher than I was expecting, which was a pleasant surprise.  And I have a sunroof now, always a bonus.  Camera card is still full, but if you’re quick like a bunny you might still catch the listing on the dealer website – here.  It is a 2006 Hyundai Sonata, black, buttons for the stereo on the steering wheel, and did I mention the sunroof?  It has a sunroof.  I’ve never had a sunroof.  In case you can’t tell.  33mpg.  Woot.  That almost triples my Montero’s mpg.  

The story behind it is thus:  I sent out the bitchy email with all my demands, got a few replies, one, from John F. over at Woodmen Nissan began “Well, you set the tone, so here’s what I want from you.  Give it to me and I will devote all my time and energy to getting you into another car.”  So I knew John was my guy.  I went out to get some cigarettes and a Full Throttle, called John on my way to 7-11, and discussed some options.  At this time, I have not showered, nor even brushed my hair, and I am in my pajamas.  (hidden Kerri shout out!)  I decide screw it, I am out already, let’s go look at this thing.  So I run down the street to Woodmen Nissan and take a look.  I don’t know what to think, then I sat in it and it was good, then I drove it and it got better.  Then negotiations started.  Let me spare you the painful details of wait, discuss, wait, repeat, and just say that John is a great dude, Colin in finance went to work for me, and I spent all afternoon at a car dealership in my jammies with messy hair.  After all that, I came on home with my new baby.   Naming contest is now in session, you win a random bag of crap from the back of the Montero if I pick your submission.   

If you are in Colorado Springs and need a car, go on down to Woodmen Nissan.  Ask for John.  Tell him I sent you.  Yes, they have a referral deal and I will get some money if you buy a car, but I still wouldn’t tell you to go if I didn’t think it was by far the most pleasant car buying experience I have had at a dealership.

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Sep
17

The great vehicle experiment of 2008…

Posted by Hollyann

My car is averaging 12 miles per gallon of gas.  A gallon of gas is averaging $3.50.  This is bad.  My solution? Get a different car, of course.  I’m completely upside down on my car, but I’m giving it a shot anyways.  I don’t expect much, but that is why it’s an EXPERIMENT, people.  After much research, most of it actually occuring months ago the first time I put a pencil to paper and figured out that 12 number, I’ve come up with a list of a few used AND new vehicles that fit what I want.  Since I don’t really do bori.. I mean sedans, and cars with less than 6 cylinders give me the heebies, yet I want better gas mileage, that was most of the challenge right there.  Since I have reverse equity but would like a payment not too much higher than what I have, my list narrows considerably.  Front runners on the used front include PT Cruiser, Caliber, and VUE.  On the new front, the Scion ‘box’ as I call it, and anything offering stunning cash rebates.  If you have never had the exquisite pleasure of trading in a car that is worth less than you owe on it, I can tell you that the best place to hide that difference is in a pretty cash rebate incentive.  Also the H2, Corvette, Charger…. oh, wait, I am poor and need good gas mileage.  I am poor and need good gas mileage.  I am poor and need good gas mileage.  There.  I think I am back on track now.

So, on to the point of the experiment.  Tonight I sent 14 emails to 14 dealerships detailing what I drive now, what I want out of a different vehicle, what is unacceptable in a car, and what is unacceptable in a salesperson.  I also described the numbers involved and told them (sort of nicely) that I didn’t want to waste any time, mine or theirs, and I didn’t want to be at their dealership for hours doing anything.  I ended it by saying ‘so, if you read this and I don’t sound like a total bitch and you think you can help, send me an email.’  We’ll see what happens, and I will keep you updated.

Speaking of updates, my feet look better but my camera card is full, so I can’t post today.  I’m another quarter of an inch down on my waist and my hips, my only excercise is the wii fit and walking around the neighborhood delivering Avon books.  Avon rocks.  And there ya go.

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    About Me

    I'm Holly, mommy, photographer, digital scrapbooker, poker player, Disney lover, and world domination seeker (I've been working on it way longer than Ellen) currently residing in Colorado Springs with my 2 kids Charlie (11) and Kayla (8), my 2 dogs Chewie (lhasa apso) and Skye (siberian husky, aka BEST DOG EVER), my cat Jasmine, and the baby hamsters Bubba 1 and Bubba 2. I attend the local communtity college seeking my associates degree in multimedia graphic design, am the Colorado Springs regional manager for Denver Poker Tour, and am addicted to TV, my iPad, and my Nikon D5000.