BlackCrystal and Everyone -

Okay, I see where ya are comin' from BlackCrystal. No offense intended.

Actually it's kinda ironic what you said about the burden of having another payment! I'm the worrier about finances in our relationship since we decided long ago I'd be in charge of our budget. Don't think that I didn't second guess myself more than a few times on the decision to go through with it but when I found myself being able to sleep at night after negotiating with the dealership some more it all came together for me. She'll be okay with the payment thing since she'll probably decide that "If Jeff isn't loosing sleep over it at night, I know wer'e okay!" This is the second car I have purchased from the same dealership.

It looks like a landslide already on the choice! Even Robert (who handles the purchase contract side of the deal at the dealership) said he wouldn't give it to her at the dealership, he said he'd give it to her on Christmas day.

Yeah, she's been driving that thing around for some 4 years or so now. We live in the desert southwest and riding around with no a/c isn't fun during the summer. Getting the unit replaced didn't warrant it because the car doesn't even book for that now. Then the front end got plowed into twice (once by her and once by the teen daughter who by the way has had her license voluntarily revoked until she is 18 after our insurance tripled) and it leaks power steering fluid like crazy now. Like I said, I wanted to do something really super for her and I feel with all she has put up with over the years she deserves something decent too. She'll probably faint on the sidewalk. Yes, my plan is to park it around the corner out of sight and then slip out during the morning's festivities and bring it around front. Covering it in snow is out as I think we only have had one white Christmas in Tucson. On the other hand the bow thing is a great possibility.

If this thread conitinues I'll post a pic or two of what she's driving now for you guys.

Thanks for all the nice comments! I'll keep checking back here from time to time.

I don't think she'll notice the poll here as she doesn't go onto the forums at all (I think). BTW, we have a RTB, CB and a BP too. And yes, we'll be able to swing the payments for the car and still feed the critters rats too!

Jeff aka mrmertz