Don't pay for bling you don't want, It's your dime

A lesson at hand… buy what you need, pay for what you want but never just take what you can get.

Perfect example, let’s go car shopping.

After weeks of mulling over, I finally went to a dealership yesterday to check out some of my choices.. Talk about pre-owned options, etc.

I am now in the process of choosing between buying a small ranch in the middle of nowhere, or a new vehicle.

We test drove an expedition and a suburban.. Sat in a tahoe… Checked our hair in the shine of a mustang (not a limited) and smelled the upholstery of a shelby ac cobra (authetic… Could be).

The Expedition being my absolute first choice as far as the handling and drive goes… My 6’4″ husband fit nicely in the 3rd row seats.. None of the other vehicles had that kind of leg room. But I hear the gas mileage is so ugly they don’t even post it on the window sticker 🙁

However, I’m thinking I’d get more mileage out of a ranch with a cow, a couple chickens and a tomato garden on the side.

Ford’s manufacture incentive right now is 1000.00 off MSRP. That cuts a monthly payment by about 20 bucks. Now I realize over 5 years, 20 bucks a month can add up. But when you’re talking about getting a 3rd job to afford buying a car, does 20 bucks matter anymore? — and joyfully fun, the sales guy and finance guy were tag teaming us. Sales guy said incentive ends feb 28th (it’s displayed clearly on the websites -wink-). Then the finance guy comes by a few minutes later “remember, that incentive won’t last long”… Dooood, the tires on this car cost more than that sad little incentive. Maybe if you throw in a babysitter for a weekend and a day at the spa… just maybe that 1000.00 will look more useful. sigh

Yo! get this… I was looking at the bling and things that some of the available ready-to-buy models were equipped with, and I was going through the list tryin’ to figure out how to cut the costs. (not to mention, the fancier it is, the less the kids are allowed to breath while seated inside.) … I made the comment “who needs a 2000.00 nav. system to drive around town?” — the guys answer, “everyone who’s had one ‘has to have one’ when they get a new car… If you get lost, you can quickly figure out where you are, they’re great.”

Um… K… I’m sure they’re just doodly dandy. Yet, I haven’t had one yet. So, I don’t “have to have one” now. I’m so deprived, I’ve been driving for years without one… Yet, I have no problem stopping at a gas station, asking where I am OR even spending 3.00 on a neat tangible paper map (those map guys need jobs too) — PLUS (ding ding, bonus!) stopping gives me an excuse to buy a slurpee.

What about this option.. For about 500.00, you can add a remote car starter, “So when its really hot or really cold you can stay inside and heat up or cool down your car without going outside.”.

Am I really that lazy that I can’t walk 10 yards, start my car and walk back inside? — or better yet, young children like to play with the buttons on the keys and accidentally turn on the alarm… Can you imagine, they push the wrong button and your car alarm goes off while it starts up and drives away. Neat new game of auto tag… all for only 500.00

Dvd systems… I realize they’re fun and keep kids entertained(kid quiet = mom sane, I do know this). For 1500.00 you can add an entertainment DVD something or other system to your next new vehicle too. Then your family can sit in silence, completely entertained and not communicating with anyone for miles. – forget the alphabet game or singing out of key together. Yet another genius idea — not to mention, drivers behind you can enjoy the show every time you stop at a red light.

I can’t recall how many time’s I’ve seen Shrek snippets between here and the grocery store — where’s the built-in side compartment popcorn machine?

Don’t get me wrong, this is all truly facinating…

I’m just amazed at the conveniences we can enjoy now. Don’t talk about family vacations or camping trips…no no, they’re much too cost effective compared to a new car. We’re camping in the driveway with the 50k vehicle this summer… Weenies roasting on the roof, a cup holder for every passanger AND their imaginary friend. — sorry, no stars, it’s moon-roofs now and we’re not getting one.
Do go ahead and hold your breath, give me a month, I’ll send you a picture of my new investment.. Then you too can join in our luxury bun warmer expense sharing program.

Back to the lesson… If you’re going to pay the prices of today’s market, you better darn well get what you want. You better be treated like you have a brain when you are shopping. Don’t let them sucker you into things you want to live without.

So, Don’t let them show you those high ticket models with more bling than you need or want… and all in the wrong color.

It’s Your dime!