Say 'Hello' to the New Van

On Monday, we bought a minivan. After months of serious consideration and years of daydreaming, it become clear that the most logical next vehicle for us would be a minivan. As recently as February, I was still hung up on the idea that we would be getting an SUV. But as the end of our lease approached, I was able to hear the arguments for a minivan with clarity. In the end, I just resigned to the fact that in this season I will be a minivan mom. It should be known, that after driving the Fit, my beloved little hamster-looking car, I have very little shame about what I drive.

To be honest, it took about 4 hours and I fell in love the van. And Cole loves the van. It was designed to make parents' lives easier and it already has! Cole can climb in and get in her car seat independently. I know once baby comes I'll be all the more grateful for doors that open with the touch of a button.

Once we decided to go the minivan route, Peter and I settled on the Honda Odyssey rather quickly. The car shopping experience was relatively painless.  With all the resources available online, I was able to determine a fair price before even beginning a dialogue with dealerships.  We started by going to the dealership partnered with Costco and getting the Costco price. Once knew the Costco price, I didn't need to visit another dealership until we were ready to purchase. I emailed six dealerships in the area and asked for their best price for the year, color, and model I wanted, I also included all of our desired add-ons. As prices came back, I handled all negotiations through email. The process became very cut and dry. In a matter of days, I had a price below my target so we were ready to purchase.

As much as I wanted to fight the move to a minivan, I didn't. It's just too practical. For what it's worth, she's in the shop right now getting a roof rack. My one stipulation for the minivan was that if  I'm going to drive one, it needs to be as sporty as possible. I suppose a roof rack will help that. 

New Wheels

After the car drowned, we recognized that there were a few options:

Option 1: Buy a used car with the cash we get from insurance then cross our fingers for 2 years.
Dilemma 1: Too risky. We aren't getting that much cash.

Option 2: Buy a new-ish SUV because after I finish school we'd like one.
Dilemma 2: We don't need it or want it yet.

Option 3: Lease something reasonable.
Dilemma 3: We've never leased before.

After some research, we decided that leasing was the best option for our current situation (one paycheck, two grad students, etc.) After a week of perusing cars, we have a new vehicle. The 2010 Honda Fit. It's ugly- not that ugly, maybe goofy is a better word. Looking beyond the aesthetics, the car is fantastic. The gas mileage, safety features, and dependability are quite a bit ahead of the late Acura. Also, the storage beat out any comparable car for the price. Most lease deals last 3 years, as does the one we signed on Saturday. It looks like the Fit is mine until 2013, sort of. Although it is my new car, Peter will be the primary driver. Since I will be spending loads of time on I-40 in the next couple of years, we'll be putting the mileage on the Mazda 3. But Peter isn't complaining- he gets a new car.

See You In My Dreams

To: All Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60s

Dearest dream car, while I am in the process of car shopping, I'd appreciate if I didn't have to see you so often. You, in a beautiful restored condition, have been my favorite car for as long as I remember. Presently I have no skills or time to restore my own car, putting you a bit out of reach. There are also certain safety, financial, and environmental factors which make other cars much more practical right now. But, fear not. We will be together someday.

Now, if you will please go back into the happy garage from which you came, I will make a calm and rational choice for my next vehicle without the tempting distraction created by a "For Sale" sign in your rear window.

Image from http://coolcruisers.com/

Survey Says: Totaled

Correction: the insurance adjuster says, "Totaled." The meaning is the same: my car is done. I'm sad. But moving on none the less.

Image from http://www.motortrend.com

Woe is me.

Accomplished today:

1- Drove to Nashville
2- Saw new apartment
3- Visited various Vanderbilt offices
4- Made the most of a trip to Trader Joe's
5- Drove back to Memphis
6- Met with Stand for Children staff member
7- Flooded the Acura*

*7 was not on my original To-Do list for today. It just happened. During a flash flood. At 6:45am. I am now waiting to hear the fate of my car. My loyal, loyal vehicle that got me through high school, college, and beyond and owes me absolutely nothing may have drown today. 5 blocks from our house. Woe is me.

I left the house during a downpour at 6:40am for Nashville. As I rounded the corner onto the main street {RIGHT BEHIND ANOTHER SEDAN!} my car started to float. I called Peter. Peter, being the awesome husband and all around stellar man that he is, rescued me. He hopped into his car, drove as far as he could, then ran through the rain storm straight for the 3.5ft of water in which my car was drowning. By the time he got there, I was collecting all of the important things in the car and contemplating my exit strategy since the right side of my car was letting in water which was then up to the seats. He, along with two good Samaritans, pushed my car out of the deep as I steered it to the curb. Peter then handed me the keys to his car sending me on my way to Nashville- like I said he is an awesome husband and all around stellar man.

While I drove East, Peter was in touch with our car guy and insurance company. He bailed out the car to the best of his ability and hosed off the floor mats. When the tow truck arrived, he watched as the last bit of water pour out of the tail pipe. The insurance adjuster is going to take a look at the damage and let us know if it is totaled or repairable.

So for now, we wait.