New Car, Post #20

For the past year and a half, I have been contemplating the purchase of a new car. My old Kia (which I bought in December 2010) was definitely showing its age in terms of performance, and, well, I have been thinking about my age too. The next car, I told myself, would be the first and only opportunity to get my dream car.

I saved the equivalent of a car payment every month and had extra money in savings as well. The dream car seemed to be in my reach, and I told my friends I was going to pick a color and get exactly what I wanted, damn the expense.

And then I did a priority-setting exercise for myself this spring. What is most important to me? A savings cushion, retirement savings, and money to GO SEE TOM HIDDLESTON AND ZAWE ASHTON IN BETRAYAL ON BROADWAY, WHAT! YES I AM GOING! in addition to my transatlantic trips. The "dream car" with bells and whistles actually came lower down on my priority list. I had a firm ceiling of what I would spend, and it didn't look my dream car would happen.

But I remembered the wise words of my father, who told me to shop for a car at the end of a model year because the dealer would be more amenable to discounting, and I haunted the local dealership's website looking for deals, and lo! A delightful new car suitable for my use (90% of which is driving around my Small Town), several thousand dollars cheaper than usual, became available. I liked its buttercream color, and I didn't need the extras (ie. satellite radio, which I'm too cheap to purchase anyway), and it was still my dream car.

And that is how I bought my new Mini Cooper. :)

Cheers and a good week ahead to all.