Ok, before you get too excited this has NOTHING to do with that guy who hosts that 360 show on CNN? (I realize this is likely a first for a gay blogger).
Nope, remember that "big splurge" (or impending/imminent mid-life crisis) I was talking to you about earlier this week... it is time to fess up...
I am thinking of getting a new car.
Todd has been shopping around for a new car for awhile now. I, for reasons that I will describe below, have NOT... but last Saturday as he was looking online at cars, on a whim I asked him to look up a particular car that I MIGHT consider IF I was looking. I always this particular car would be totally out of my price range... but much to my surprise it was not (though certainly not "economical" by any stretch). So that afternoon, we were up at North Scottsdale at a dealership looking at new cars for ME! How the heck that happened, I don' t know... but I went from 0-60 mph faster than any car out there?!?
Waking up last Saturday morning, pretty much the last thing you could have convinced me of was that I would be contemplating a car purchase. Here are the arguments:
Reasons NOT to get a new car:
(a) I don't drive all that much - my car sits in the garage most of the time, to give you an idea my last oil change was in June and I have driven it approximately 1,000 since.
(b) Money, money, money - On top of the lack of real "need," why spend the cash and get saddled down with a monthly car payment and down payment (to get a reasonable monthly payment!)? My checkbook has increased very, very nicely thanks to NOT having a car payment for the past 5 years or so. Also, there is the increase in insurance and yearly registration (based on the value of the car) fees.
(c) The car I am considering is not very practical - the back seat is pretty non-existent as is trunk space... certainly not all the convenient for taking a dog to the vet or driving around visitors.
Reasons to GET a new car:
(a) My current car is 8 years old and just not running as smoothly. I don't think there are any serious problems, but something just doesn't seem "right" with it... and I am starting to have reservations about taking it on longer road trips. And why not trade it in while it still has some value left?!
(b) Business has been good and I am financially sound... so why not reward myself for the hard work of the past couple of years?! Last time around when I got a car, I didn't even have the money in my checking/savings accounts to cover the price of the car... that would not be the case this time (though I am certainly not going to wipe out my bank accounts and pay cash).
(c) So who need to be practical?!! Isn't it time for a "cool" car... and I would estimate only 1-2% of the time do I have a human/animal that would need to use the back seats.
Okay, ready for the unveil...
Though I already blew it in the title...
The car I am thinking about getting is...
Mini Cooper Convertible
And this is what I hope it will exactly look like... on the MINI website you can "build" your own vehicle and even have it spit out a price after you select all of your add-ons... they do have a very cool hard-top model, but I figured if you can't do a convertible in AZ where else can you?!?!
So I will keep you posted on my progress and when (if!!) I finally decide to take the plunge and plunk down some money. I have a feeling this is going to be a very looooong story! MINI Cooper production is fairly limited. I have read one of the MINI's "rites of passage" (yes, I think I am joining a cult if I get this car) is the "wait times"... I have read it can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 15 months (yes, that is not a typo... 15 months!) to get one built to specification... but it is not like I am in any rush... so why the heck not!
So I ask the blog-world if you (or anyone you know) has any MINI Cooper experiences (JD? Bill? Don't you have one?) please please please let me know... and the sooner the bettter... though I am not sure how soon I will get back to the dealership (the good news/bad news scenario is that the dealership is about 30 miles away from our house).
From all I read the car has a very high customer satisfaction rating and it certainly has a attention-factor out on the road... heck, I haven't seen one since I got this crazy idea into my head!
Nice splurge or mid-life crisis? Foolish decision or "go for it"? Discuss.
Go for it! Nice splurge. Todd can have/get the "practical" car. I think the furrkids would like a ride once in a while in the Mini. Just that none of them decide to yak in it.
Posted by: Beth | Friday, October 21, 2005 at 10:47 AM
I say GO FOR IT!! While living the the Midwest, I don't think the RagTop Cooper would be a good choice for me, I would definately consider the Hard Top Version. I don't have direct ownership experience, but my VP's wife has one, the Hard Top S model. They have to teenage people kids, and neither complain about getting in the back seat. Also, one of my good freinds is going to buy one for his wife. Awwesome Ride!!!!
Posted by: Scott C | Friday, October 21, 2005 at 11:38 AM
Ahem. I was all for this idea until I saw (in Beth's comment) that I'll be stuck then with having the "practical" car. Sorry. I gotta veto that idea. I want me a fast, sporty, highly-luxurious ride!
But just to make you happy, if I ever do get my dream car, I'll keep the current "practical" car around for the kids (and the parents). :)
Posted by: Todd | Friday, October 21, 2005 at 01:17 PM
My 2003 Cooper S had some niggling problems (the power windows tend to stop working on a lot of Minis), but I still loved it, and so I bought a 2005. It's even better.
I'm not the convertible type (don't want my hair messed up, and I'd miss the trunk space, tiny as it is), but the convertibles sure are cute.
The big run-flat tires tend to be bumpy in city driving. I still like the idea, though, and I didn't switch. The *real* enthusiasts spend billions on replacement tires.
Posted by: Bill | Friday, October 21, 2005 at 03:29 PM
hi there,
we have a cool mini blog that you might like to add?
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O4 Mini Blog
http://www.o4phoenix.com/blog/
This is the blog of a convertible mini cooper and its owner. They have just recently purchased a new condo in Phoenix Arizona and will set about finding new and exciting things to do in the area.
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like your chronicles.
Posted by: Andrew | Monday, October 30, 2006 at 01:56 PM