Big Wheels

I have been telling Steve ever since that horrible winter we had two years ago that Perwinkle Dinkle, my beloved toy-sized car, did not handle the snow well.  I think Steve assumed it was mostly due to poor driving (a safe assumption, really).  But then he drove it once in just a bit of snow and came home ranting all around screaming, "THAT CAR IS A DEATH TRAP!" and "IT'S A TIN CAN!"  So, we knew before this winter that a new car was needed - we got lucky last year with the mild winter, but figured we couldn't get so lucky twice.  

I found a used Subaru Forester online - it was certified, only a couple years old, was tripped out with every available option, and at a pretty good price.  The only problem (for Steve): it was white.  Steve does NOT like white cars and was evil about going to see it.  But, I finally convinced him to take a look.  I was jazzed.  So I did a bunch of internet research about how to negotiate, even what to wear when buying a car.  I plotted a good cop-bad cop routine with Steve (I was good cop, of course). It was on like donkey kong.

We drove out to test drive it this afternoon. Aaaand, then we got there and everything went to hell.  I panicked, did the exact opposite of every negotiation tactic I read about. Meanwhile, the dealer did just about everything the sites said they would - only we responded in the exact opposite way good negotiators should.  Eventually, Wm saved the day.  He was exhausted and cranky, we were tired, and we were all, "we're just going home...good day, sir."  That got them all stirred up and we finally got to where we wanted to be.  So, to be a master negotiator, all you need is a very tired, very crabby 6 year old!  I even talked them into throwing in an extended warranty!  Steve is still a bit bitchy about the white car.  But, Wm has named it "Ghost" and thinks it is the best thing ever.  He has SO MUCH more room to hang out in the back seat! We are going to haul stuff.  I'm not sure what yet.  But, there will be HAULING.  In the SNOW!

"Ghostie" as Wm affectionately calls her.

Wooooo!  So fancy! Heated leather seats!  Whaaaaat?

This is what sold Wm.  The "ceiling window." He couldn't believe it.