Pilot: Amelia

So, Phase 3 was a success! They called early Saturday morning to let us know that we got our asking price for the Touareg, but something didn't sit just right with me. I went on the web and searched. I was hoping for a sign, a message, or at least some deal that I hadn't heard of. The sign did come to me in the form of a car website that had 5 Honda Pilots and 3 Muranos. I felt compelled to go and visit this car lot. I told Kris that we would needed to go there so we could have some peace about our decision, one way or the other.

Phase 3 B: So with a little reluctance, he said okay and we were on our way in his GMC Blazer. We got to Cool Springs early and ate lunch. We were relaxed and in a good mood, but still weighing the pros and cons in our heads about the Touareg. We finished eating and made our way to Driver’s Way of Franklin.

We drove on the lot and prepared ourselves for another car buying showdown. We were met with smiling faces from the entire staff and then one descended upon us. His name was appropriately an 80’s reference, Don Johnson (not pictured.) He explained their “way of doing” business. I was slightly impressed, but knew all bets were off in the sales field. We told him that we were interested in looking at the Muranos and the Pilots. He led us through the huge showroom and out a side door. When we looked around and saw cars for as far as our eyes could see.

He told us that he would lead us to the cars that we requested and stick around for as long as we wanted him to. All the cars were unlocked and we could play with them all. It was like a candy store for grown-ups. There were black squatty cars, white roomy cars, and silver sporty cars. Some cars had prices that were sweet and others whose prices left a sour taste. We set our gazes on 3 CUV’s. We asked for a test drive. From our previous experience with Car Dealership A, we thought that he had to be in the car with us.

Yet, at this car lot, he said, “Meet me in the front and I will pull the car around. Drive wherever you want for as long as you want.” Of course, I suggested an easy route of up and down the street. He said, “No, take it for a spin on the interstate and around town.”

We test drove it and feel in love with this Honda Pilot. (Kassie we made you proud) We came back ready to wheel and deal. Kris had his game face on and I was armed with facts. However, none was needed. We were on a “No Haggle” lot. Bottom prices were already set and there was no negotiation which was fine with me considering the 3 hour episode at Car Dealership A.

Then, the all important question of a trade-in. We quickly offered up that I had a buyer for my car, but we weren't too sure about the price. He pulled the Blue Book. If my car was in "Excellent" condition it would get like $1800. Ha! My car was in “I-would-pay-someone-to-shoot-my-eyes-out-so-I-would-never-have-to-look-at-it-again” condition. We quickly decided to go back to Murfreesboro and get the Black Stallion, aka the ’98 Altima with 144,444 miles on the odometer.

We got home and had a mad dash of “cleaning” my car out. I hadn’t opened my trunk in about a year or two so there was great fun with the “Guess what’s back here” game. I started scrubbing the roof hoping for a little shine. It was hopeless. We said we would be happy for $1200 or at least $1000 for a trade in.

We went back to Cool Springs in the middle of heavy rain storm. For those keeping score at home, you know I hate the rain but I will confess that the rain saved us that day. Did I mention that when it rains my car looks like a new car? Its black exterior gleams elegance. Did I mention that when it rains the brakes don’t squeak at all? It was a beauty and sounded like a car half its age. We rolled up and it looked like a well-oiled machine worthy of the “Excellent” condition title. The appraiser went out there as we held our breaths. Meanwhile, Don asked us for a number for the car. I said, “$2500 or $2100 for my birthday number.” Kris said, “No, we will say $2000.”

And Don came back with the amount. We got was $2500! We almost fell out of our chairs. We both pushed the keys and title towards Don and in our heads we were saying, “No take backs!”

So in the end, we got an amazing deal, a more than generous trade in value, a great financing rate, and the best suited vehicle for us. We were ecstatic! We both wanted to drive all day around Murfreesboro. We had the perfect no haggle, no hassle experience. We got what we wanted and they got a dud of a car and Hairspray Broadway Cast Recording CD (see previous posts.) See below our new baby that we call Amelia – the Honda Pilot.

At Driver's Way



Her first night home



Sun Roof and some kind of Anti Theft thing (not sure about yet)



All the room a girl could ask for and plugs for everything



Luxurious leather seats



A beautiful face!

and of course, a great booty!

Mission: Touareg

So we are now in Phase 2 of our plan. Phase 1 went well. We were there for 3 hours. Memories of Designing Women danced in my head while we were there. Phase 1 turned quickly into Phase 1 B plan, when Kris started wheelin' and dealin', which if you recall was not a part of the original plan. Did I mention that we were there for 3 hours!! However, we did get them down a bit, but we are still about $1500 away from our goal.

It's beautiful, right? I'm trying really hard not to fall in love too quickly. So we are waiting them out. They have way too much inventory and we really want it. Well, stay tuned...Phase 3 is starting tomorrow.

My Touareg, I mean the one we hope to have (wink, wink), has the cutest butt!

We are ALIVE!

Yes, we are alive...just not posting. Our days have been filled with school projects, my sister's school projects, soccer, work, and yes... car shopping. We have found the one. We found a Shadow Blue 2005 Touareg! So, we are enacting phase 1 of our car-buying strategy tomorrow after work. We are going to go test drive our DREAM CAR and then a few contenders to throw them off our scent. We will keep you posted on how it goes. I will also take pictures of our outing. So, stay tuned. I will post tomorrow and more often. Hope all had a great Easter! Cross your fingers and toes for the Touareg, or at least that we get through Round 1 of our car buying experience. Kris has researched and studies everything. It is quite comical the way he can spout out facts and figures.

Molly Ringworm

Hmm, where to begin with my going-ons. Work has kicked into high gear, which is a blessing with the recent job reports. My car stopped in the middle of Memorial Blvd. After $220, it is believed that my car was just out of gas. Seriously! Classes have started back. I hate to admit it, but I really could use another week away from my classes to tell the truth. So last week, I noticed a red spot on my neck. First thoughts...dry skin? carpet burn? curling iron mark? They didn't make sense to me either, but those were my initial reactions to this strange, quarter size mark on the base of my neck.

Wake up this morning, there is a perfect red circle. So, I cover up with a turtleneck and head to work. When I get to work, I show and tell. It's unanimous. I have ringworm! Freaking out on the inside, I casually laugh it off. I can't have ringworm. I haven't been in contact with any pets that I could remember. So, I sat down at my desk. Imagining worms crawling around under my skin, which if you know me at all, starts making me woozy. I decided that I needed to see a doctor, quick.

So, I was preparing to go. I moved ever so careful in my office chair and then POW! My chair flung me forward and my chair broke in half. This all happened before 11am. Needless to say, I wanted to call it day. I dashed out the door to my lovely car that awaited me in the parking lot. Sidenote: My car hates me again for taking it into the shop that it is retaliating against me through the radio..again! It open and closes, back and forth. Unless, I physically hold it for more than 5 minutes.

Anyway, I get to the doctor. I waited for her for about an hour. Finally, she comes in and looks at the growing circle located where a trachea would go. She started asking a series of questions.

"Do I own any pets?" No.
"Have I come into contact with any pets?" No.

"Do I have any children?" No.
"Have I come into contact with any children?" No.

"Have I been playing in the dirt?" No.
"Have I come into contact with anyone who has played in the dirt?" Seriously, No.

"Are you a swimmer?" No. "A wrestler?" No, No, No!

Photo: Not my actual ring, my camera can't take the picture correctly. This picture is close to what it looks like though.

Really, there was not a question she asked that I said yes to. So... after a short deliberation. I have ring worm! She said if that isn't it, then I have eczema. So, I have the worm cream and hoping for the best! My dad thinks I got it from the nasty Corolla (that Kris made me rent while the car was in the shop). So, my new name is Molly Ringworm dubbed by Kris.