Update: car

January 31, 2011 |
blog

Since the Honda died 4 weeks ago, here is what I have been doing:

1) Checking Craigslist incessantly for cars. I am on the hunt for something that is Colorado-worthy, will do well in snow, and has high enough clearance to get into the mountains in the summer – however, I also want something with decent gas mileage that will cruise like a champion on long road trips. It needs to have low enough miles that I will be able to drive it for a lot of years, but high enough miles that I can afford it. And I definitely want a manual transmission and keyless entry. Is that too much to ask?

2) Test driving cars on lots. I don’t plan on buying from a lot, but it’s kind of fun to explore my options. I’m finding that car shopping can be a lot like dating, if you take your cues from, you know, the Spice Girls: “I won’t be hasty, I’ll give you a try / If you really bug me then I’ll say goodbye.”

3) Feeling generally cantankerous about having a car payment. The last time I had a car payment was… basically never. This is both a life shift and a major budget shift, and in the meantime, I’m figuring out some ways to cut costs and cut corners. It’s all going to be fine, but still – who wants another bill?

4) Driving my sister Sarah’s ’94* Corolla. While she’s in Haiti, her little ruby red sedan has been parked in front of my parent’s house. This is lucky for me, because if she hadn’t offered, I’d be hoofing it. And in case you were doubting the cool factor of the Corolla, I should tell you that it’s name is Gene Parmesan. If you know the reference, you win the day.

*UPDATE: Sarah tells me that Gene is, in fact, a ’97.  My entire life has been a lie.

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12 Comments

  1. erin (who's hair is invariably "back") on January 31, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Sounds like you will be joining the rest of the great Northwest/Rocky Mountain Region and getting a Subaru. But, it’s totally okay, because i secretly want one too.

    Reply
  2. katherine aka JIAF on January 31, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    I knew Gene was ‘the best’, but he’s clearly improved if he’s now masquerading as a car.

    Reply
  3. katherine aka JIAF on January 31, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    ahem. *disguised.

    Reply
  4. Val on January 31, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    GENE PARMESAN!!! My favorite car name of all time. :)

    Speaking of car lots, you should check out Buddy Garrity Motors. I hear that have some good deals down there.

    Reply
  5. jasonmichael on January 31, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    Interested in a 2007 Mazda3? It is a 5-speed.

    Reply
  6. kendall on January 31, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    heck I bought Subaru on ebay for $10K under blue book and it was in near mint… I was hesitant to buy on ebay until a few friends told me they bought theirs there and I gave it a go. and yes, they bought minivans to cart their family so they had more on the line, so to speak…

    Reply
  7. Sarah on January 31, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    AHEM, Gene would be offended that you aged him three years. He is totes a member of 1997. Those tiny rust stains barely show too!

    Reply
  8. hootenannie on January 31, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    A ’97? Really? I guess he’s just really mature for his age.

    Consider the blog post AMENDED.

    Reply
  9. Jenn on January 31, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    ha ha I Love Arrested Development!

    Reply
  10. kimberly on January 31, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    gene parmesan? aaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!

    and, you took me back to the days in high school when me and my friend david would listen to the spice girls in the lunchroom before school to “get our day started right.” I had the biggest crush on david. it broke my heart to find out he was gay. how could I have known? sniff.

    Reply
  11. Giancarlo on February 1, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    Annie,
    Watch this YouTube clip (specifically from 1:17 to 5:55). It will change your approach to buying a car

    Reply
  12. Giancarlo on February 1, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ctrrvz2rc-Y

    Reply

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