Today is car shopping day #1. The objective is to sample the universe of autos and refine my ideas of what I want, "need", and can expect at various price points. I haven't even decided what I'm willing to spend (not much -- $10K maybe. The banks want to throw way too much credit my way and it is amazing how tempting it is to spend to the top of my range -- a colossally stupid idea.). From my perusal of the circulars and private listings I have observed some things about my vulnerabilities. I am tremendously attracted to the VWs even though everyone advises me to stay away from them, and even though it seems like all the yuppies around Portland drive them and I resist that. But the Passats are so lovely to look at.... I have also noticed that my "wish list" items -- partularly the heated seats and the CD player -- are dominating my thoughts. When I see what might be an appealing sensible car I immediately scan to see if there's any mention of heated seats. And if there's not I am disappointed and feel begrudging when I circle the ad. Am not sure what to make of this greedy desire. Am afraid it will cause me to do something stupid.
[I have started a new category, with this post: "Material things: gadgets and gizmos" in recognition of the frequency with which I talk about my quandries involving things. I'll go through and add past posts (e.g. my search for a TV or my stereo solution) to the category at some later time.]
let me recommend the Subaru Outback... what a nifty little car. It has all-wheel drive.
Need anything more be said?
(Oh, and they have great re-sale value.)
Posted by: Katherine | February 22, 2004 at 12:51 PM
Get the heated seats. You will never regret it.
Posted by: Bryan Sims | February 23, 2004 at 03:07 AM
Keep in mind that those things that you really want to have in a car (heated seats, CD player) can all be added to the car after the fact. For less than $300 and a few hours of labor my trusty little 92 civic has heated seats and a CD player. Amenitities that cost me in excess of $3000 in my BMW when I bought it...
You can always add the things you want as nice little gifts to yourself after the fact if the car you find doesn't have them to begin with, and in reality its much cheaper to do so.
Posted by: Chris | February 23, 2004 at 09:52 AM