I guess for a while the 4Runner had been burning oil because between oil changes, I noticed a drop in oil pressure and had to add some oil. But, I never saw the telltale smoke coming out of the tailpipe. Then something happened, I don't know what, and the engine was gone. Blown. $4,800 for a new one, installed. Nope, I don't think so. I've had that thing since 1993. It's been time for a new vehicle.

I've been looking for a new car for what seems like eons now, as some of you know. The search had been getting more intense in the past couple of months. I wonder if I somehow knew the 4Runner was on its last legs. Anyway, I decided that I liked the Mitsubishi Eclipse, and for comparison, the Ford Mustang, and the Chevy Camaro even though the Camaro is going to be phased out of production in 2003 - pity. So, I looked and compared on-line, then looked and compared some more. Then the 4Runner died. And because I borrowed my Dad's big truck for a week, I had very little time to continue looking and comparing. I had to make a decision on what I wanted. And, soon! So, I sent out a few inquiries over the Internet to various dealers - new and used. Asked some, what I thought, were pertinent questions? A couple of the dealerships sent out form letters in response and did not answer my questions. But, they did tell me to call them because for sure, their Internet sales department wanted to do business with me. Uh-huh.

One dealership, however, did call me the next day after replying to me via e- mail. I was completely surprised! The woman called and said she still had my inquiry vehicle on the lot, quoted me a price, and did I want to make an appointment to see salesman S and see the car. Well, I thought, I don't have too much to lose and I do NEED a car, so sure! I went out the next afternoon, and met salesman S. He said, "G will bring around the car for you to test drive." I said, "Okay, cool, but umm… which color car did I pick?" S and G looked at me like I was an idiot and I said, "Hey look! I was online at SEVERAL dealerships the other day and I can't remember which color car I picked over here!" They both said, "OH!" S told me the color, I said, cool and G said, let's go! So, off we went for the test drive. Just before I left, I said, "S, look. I have limited time here today. I have to be out of here in just under an hour. If I decide I want this car, I'm paying cash. I have between $15,500 and $16,000 I'm willing to spend on a new car, and that includes TTL!" S says, "We can work that. Don't worry, we can work the numbers." Well, of course I worried!!!!

The test drive went well. I didn't drive - actually, I refused to drive - and that was okay by me. I just wanted to see how it handled with someone else at the controls. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

When we returned from the drive, I asked G if my dead 4Runner had any trade- in value. He asked someone who said no. I wasn't surprised. A little while later, S comes by and gives me a quote, I look at it and say, "Yeah, I can do this." And, I sign the quote. And, I leave a $100 deposit on the car and say, see ya later.

In the ensuing week, I had to get my license renewed, which entailed taking both the written and driving tests AGAIN! Last time I did that, I was 16 years old, and had somewhat prepared for the tests! This time I just winged it. Fortunately, I passed. Don't ever let your license expire. It took me two trips, the use of two different vehicles, and a grand total of 6 hours at the Department of Public Safety to get my license back. Woo… what an experience I'd not like to have again. I also had to sell some stock to cover the purchase of the car, pick that check up and deposit it BEFORE I wrote the BIG check to make that car ALL mine!

I was somewhat stressed out. My Dad wanted his truck back kinda quick because his Navigator got scratched for the second time - only 10 days after he had gotten the "Gator" out of the shop from the first time someone intentionally scratched it. Work was going nutso… First, I had to spend ALL of Tuesday morning at a workers' comp. Contested Case Hearing, which we probably lost. I don't know how the Judge figures that headaches manifested themselves into Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Second, there was a blackout in the building and no one knew what to do. I wasn't there at the time, so I heard about it later. I'm all about evacuating the building. If it's so dark you can't see inside, GET OUT! Ugh.. Third, someone fell in the parking lot… and the list goes on…

But, FINALLY, on Saturday morning my Mom dropped me off at the dealership, where I showed her my car cuz it was sitting right in front, and she said, "Oooohhhh!!! CUTE!" I went through some sort of new vehicle orientation, drank some coffee, and waited for the finance guy to get ready for me. When my name was called, I went in, shook hands, looked over the paperwork and was told that the dealership had made a rather sizeable error. I was given a $2,500 rebate, but the car was only eligible for a $1,500 rebate. The dealership had to eat about $700 on my car since the error was in MY favor. Umm.. and maybe that quote agreement had something to do with it? I think SO! Well, anyway, I wrote the BIG check and drove off into the cool, but sunny day! I've put nearly 200 miles on it in 3 days time! Easy to do since I lub my car!

It's a 2002 Ford Mustang. Torch Red. 5-speed manual. Yes, folks, I think I'm in Heaven!

YAY me! That's the first time I've ever paid for a car with cash. Wow! Only one payment to make and now it's ALL MINE! =D

I've put nearly 200 miles on it in 3 days time! Easy to do since I lub my car!

Next up, The Wedding.

-Kim