It looks like we’re getting a new car, so long as the driver for Friday Motors doesn’t hit an elk going over La Veta Pass (the Vibe’s in Boulder).
From all indications, taking on new debt (albeit at zero percent) in these times is nuts. There are ominous signs of a possible systemic financial breakdown just around the corner, with completely unforeseen consequences for all. If we had any sense, we’d pay off my debts and hunker down. No matter, though, that’s not how it’s unfolding.
Instead, we’re going to pay down Mr. Visa and his buddies AND buy a new car. Buying the Vibe at zero percent interest and no money down will replace the credit card debt, but we’ll at least have a car instead of nothing, and in five years we could be debt-free. It’s still scary, but what the hell: we have to have a horse, and above all, I want MOBILITY!
Any time I feel like taking a drive now, I calculate the fuel cost in my head, and then we usually stay home! For someone living in the great Southwest, that’s just crushing. At least a few people get 40 mpg with these things, and that’ll make a huge difference. I’m so sick and tired of feeling trapped. The last time I took a trip to Albuquerque in the truck, it cost me almost $50 for the gas. That’s disgusting. The same trip in the Pontiac Vibe might cost less than $20 (lunch for two + tip at the Taos Diner). I’m grinning already.
We used to take such glorious road trips, too. My wife and I grew up taking cross-country excursions with our respective families, and it’s in the blood. We do GREAT road trips. In fact, they’re almost better than sex — it’s all in the way we get along and talk about the things we see along the way. We were made to travel, and we just haven’t been doing any of that in the last few years. What better way to declare our independence and the END OF THE HORRIBLE, DEPRESSING BUSH YEARS than to hit the road again this spring with camera, laptop, and the windows all rolled down? After all, New Mexico is the fifth largest state. I’d like to see some more of it before the maggots claim my butt.
The car is big medicine. I see that now.
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I have had a similar experience, where a new vehicle has freed me from the moat-like prison (NYC). It works. It’s freedom.
Looking forward to the pics.
Well, we’re really looking forward to a positive change, I’ll tell you that. The last time we had a new car was 1984! Zero percent and no money down makes this a no-brainer. I can hardly believe we get to walk in and drive out in a new car without giving the dealer a single penny.
There will be pics…