Car Shopping: The Hated Journey Continues

Second day of car shopping. Although even that statement is a little misleading.

Years ago when you looked for a car, you watched the commercials on TV...and that was about it. When you thought you knew what type of car you wanted, you went to a dealer armed with nothing but steel toed shoes to kick the tires with. There was no internet to give you comparisons, reviews, specs or the carfax. You had nothing.

Now, buying a car is like cramming for finals. You need to research the car, compare internet offerings... blah, blah, blah. By the time you get to the dealer, you're exhausted and have a bit of an attitude problem. Well, at least I do. But I digress.

Yesterday we took a look at the Subaru Outback. A decidedly different vehicle from my 4Runner, but very nice. It handled well on the test drive and the quality of the car was impressive. There are a few interior issues to think about, but probably not deal breakers. Is it the choice...well, we have not made any commitment yet.

 Stay tuned for the next agonizing event...making the deal.

Advils and alcohol please.

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Car Shopping: The Hated Journey Begins

In a previous post, "It's Not The Normal Noise In Here," I spoke of the need for a new car. Well, the search began yesterday. ugh.

Is there anything in this world, other than having a root canal, that is dreaded more than car shopping? Possibly, but at the moment, it escapes me. Which brings me to the first dealership. ugh.

After doing some research, we decided to first look at the Ford Escape. It's smaller than the 4Runner we now have, but after doing the internal cargo area measuring, thought we would take a look-see. We have a few requirements for the back of the car. It needs to fit a large cooler, a large dog and the usual supplies for the trek to the lake house each weekend. The dog, by the way, does not like to feel cramped...apparently it is in her contract. And as you may also remember about me...jersey prepared means I don't travel light.

Arrive at the dealership for an appointment with salesman "A"...a really young guy with an attitude that he was doing us a favor. Strike one. He only has the two Escape models and not the Explorer we wanted to see...but there is another Explorer he will show us. Ok, why not. He then proceeds to pawn us off on salesman "B" who walks us up to the Escapes. Very nice from the outside, can we get inside? "Oh, I gotta get the keys." Huh? Did ya not think I might want to actually get inside the car? Strike two.

Inside now, not impressive but it's ok. Measuring the cargo area, we lose 6" in length and 4" in width. Tight, but workable. Let's go for a ride. Some things I liked, some I didn't. The jury is still out on the Escape, but not out of the running yet. Can we see the Explorer salesman "A" spoke of....no. Was it a BS line he threw at us because the original Explorer was not on the lot? Don't know and don't care. Strike three...you are out baby.

Time to go home, enough stress and aggravation for one night.
And it's only begun...ugh

I need a drink and a new car.
Can someone just bring both of them to me?
Didn't think so.

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