IT’S TIME FOR ME TO BUY

It’s time for me to buy. The auto collapse has begun to stabilize, there is the “Cash for Clunkers” incentive of $3500 or $4500, and the stars have aligned properly, so it’s time for me to make my move. But what should I buy? There are hundreds of choices of all shapes and sizes. It has to be the right decision, since we will live with our choice for the next ten years. We need a mid-sized vehicle. We need something that enjoys fuel economy, but can still tote hockey and soccer bags, along with a few players, or family members. But on the other hand, we take long road trips, and we need something that is comfortable and fuel efficient on the highway. Does this mean an SUV, crossover, or a sedan?

We are coming from years of quality service from our 2002 Ford Windstar van. Nothing matches the versatility and flexibility offered by the mini-van
(http://maineautomall.blogspot.com/2008/07/minivan-dead-or-alive.html), but we are ready for something new and little more exciting on the road. On the other hand, we don’t want to step backwards, or lose the utility that we have relied on for years. What to buy?

Since it’s best to start at the top, and then work down, I did just that on a recent vacation. It was a “guy thing”. Five guys in our family of all ages, shapes and sizes, paid a visit to a New York Bentley/Lamborghini/Aston Martin dealership. It was a car guy’s Disney World. Model names like Arnage, Gallardo and Vanquish seemed exotic, but oh so comfortable. When the salesman asked, “Can I help you with anything today, sir?” I responded, “I guess I am just dreaming.” He knew what to say, “Is there anyway that I can turn your dream into reality?” I paused for a second, as I tried to imagine in every conceivable way how I might fit a hockey bag into a nice, new Lamborghini. A nice fantasy, but my search to replace our mini-van was not in this showroom. Besides, nothing on the lot would qualify for the “Cash for Clunkers” program.

So, what should I buy? I am curious of the hype associated with the launch of the new, redesigned Ford Taurus. It’s to be a large, near luxury sedan with decent mileage numbers. Most importantly, it’s to be affordable. The Taurus would be perfect for our long road trips, but cumbersome around town. Yet to be released and site unseen, it too is a fantasy. Also in the Ford stable is the crossover Edge, interesting but probably too expensive. One of the mini-SUVs is a possibility. The Nissan Rogue has an interesting design, but is it too small? A test drive will answer that question. Same with the Ford Escape, the Honda CRV and the Toyota RAV4.

It’s time for me to buy. The incentives will disappear, once the recovery really takes hold. The “Cash for Clunkers” program expires in the fall, or when the allocated funds are used up. The time to move is now, or I will regret the lost savings for years to come. The search goes on…what do you recommend??? It’s time for me to buy.