Car Shopping

Jane and I are car shopping today. The lease is up on her truck at the end of the month, so this is our last weekend to do something. I think I know what we want, which is a Toyota FJ. I've liked them since the first time I saw one, which I believe was the last time we were car shopping. Only then, Jane wanted a pickup truck. The FJ looks, to me, like a Mini Cooper mated with a Hummer. Or at least a baby Land Rover.

The truck was nice to have, but it's just too big for her, and frankly, not practical for 90% of what she uses it for.

I thought we'd get a smaller SUV, something big enough for her to load stuff in, but something she can park. Then I'll look for a used pickup, something under $3k that we can beat around in when needed. Pick up mulch, straw bales, wood.

So, for now, the Toyota.

I hate car shopping. The whole thing skeeves me out. I'll overpay just to not have to spend more time with these people. I don't like haggling. I don't want to pit several dealers against one another to get the best price (which is the best way to get the best price). I just want to know how much the vehicle is, I want the vehicle I want (not necessarily what you have on the lot), and I want to spend as little time as possible doing paperwork. I don't want you to show me how to use the trunk, or explain the nuances of the sound system. I'll figure that out on my own. I've mastered complex computer software programs without ever having opened the manual. I think I can handle an automobile made for the American public.

It will be interesting today. The salesperson is a woman. And she sounds young, though you can never really tell from a voice on the phone. I sent a request in to the dealer and she's the one who called me back. So, I guess she gets the sale.

P.S. I still hate car shopping. The whole thing is a scam. If I had not pushed back I could have way overpaid. We love the car so far, though.