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!
Okay, from time to time I recommend films to friends, family members, and strangers. When recommending films, I try to take into account who I'm speaking to about the film and their tastes. So stop throwing tomatoes at me. I didn't take into account all of you who would listen to my film recommendation (April 18th's blog) about 
