Most of you may be aware that I'm a car guy. I subscribe to automobile magazines and follow the efforts and innovations of car makers all over the world. So it should come as no surprise that I don't often keep a car for very long, I want the better mousetrap and the latest features. I've had 6 new cars in the last 14 years.
My wife would still be driving her 1989 Pontiac Grand Am if we hadn't met. For Lea Ann, the automobile is a thing that gets her to where she is going. Transportation, something to be driven until you have to replace it because it won't move any more. On the topic of automobiles, we couldn't be more opposite.
I've always wanted to be sure that LA had a good, safe car that would not nickel and dime us to death. Unfortunately we have had our share of those nickel dime models.
LA's 89 Pontiac needed engine work at 81,000 miles, so we purchased a 1999 Chevy Malibu. It was comfortable and quiet and, it got her to where she was going. The front end was replaced twice, and the head gasket needed to be replace, all in the first 30,000 miles.
Deciding that the 99 would be a money pit, we searched for a replacement. Assured by the dealer that Chevrolet had fixed those issues, and knowing that otherwise LA was happy with her Malibu....We bought a 2001 Chevy Malibu as a replacement. It was even the same color as her old Malibu.
On a trip to Florida to see her Dad, in Early 2005 we rented a car at the Orlando airport for our run to Ocala. The rental we chose was the newly re-designed Chevy Malibu. I liked the car and convinced LA that it was time for a change. This new design got better gas mileage, had more power, and the 2001 Malibu was making clunking noises just like the last one did before we had to replace the front end. Shortly after we arrived home, we made the decision was made, and bought a 2005 Chevy Malibu.
Fast forward to late 2009. LA had gotten a nice bonus from work. I asked her what she planned to do with it and believe it or not, she said that perhaps she'd put it down on a new car. Really? I asked. She gave me the task of finding a few good cars for her to choose from. LA wanted to consider a small SUV. She pretty much said that she didn't want another Malibu. "I've have 3 Malibu's in a row". LA chose to consider the Chevy Equinox, newly re-designed for Twenty Ten. (See previous blog post 'Are you ready for Twenty?')
The Equinox is a popular car, and they fly off the dealers lot soon after they arrive. It's hard to get one without ordering it. Finding one to test drive is hampered by their availability as well. We had recently received two different promotions from Chevrolet. One would give us $3000 (the GM card rewards) off an Equinox or any GM car, and the other promised $1.000 off a Malibu, which LA through away. With coupon (s) in hand, we were off to Bonner Chevrolet to see if we could test drive something. (Did I mention that I rescued the $1000 coupon LA threw away
As I expected, there wasn't an Equinox to be had, or test driven, but right there in the showroom, a beautiful dark blue Malibu. LA took off her coat and handed me her purse, then sat in the front seat. She motioned for me to join her on the passenger side. I asked what she thought about it, and with two arms outstretched, palm facing each other she said, "It's a car!" The 12 year old salesman told us that this car was the model (LT) in the middle of the line. There were two other models, one cheaper (LS), and one more expensive (LTZ). One of each was in the garage portion of the dealership. We had questions regarding 4 vs 6 cylinder, 4 vs 6 speed transmissions, and all were answered. LA said she'd like to drive a 4cylinder model. The salesman pointed to the LS and LTZ models, and headed outside to find a car for Lea Ann to drive. Dismissing the LS as "looking really cheap", LA turned her sights to the metallic black LTZ model.. It was loaded. V-6. 6 speed, power everything, XM radio with Bose speakers, cruise, 18" wheels and it's most unusual feature a two tone leather interior. It was the color of Ebony and Brick. Lea Ann sat in the car, looking at everything adjusted the seat and held the wheel. She called me over and said, "I like this car." I don't even remember if I had time to respond when she said slowly, "I 'really' like this car." I clearly saw in my wife's eyes that she was excited about a car, and probably for the first time. She actually wanted a car for more than its transportation value. "Great, I said, then we'll buy it!" Alas, this one was being prepped for its new owner.
The salesman found an identical car in MD which had a 4 cylinder engine, and no sun roof. Just the way that LA wanted it equipped. We used our two coupons, took advantage of the fact that the Malibu also came with a 2 grand rebate. The dealer subtracted a full Six Thousand Dollars from the sticker price and another 7400 for her trade. The deal was done and Lea Ann's 4th Malibu arrived three days later.
Now you may think I'm silly, but I've had a custom of naming my cars. My Volks Diesel Jetta is no exception, it's name....Otto. (Get it?) I asked LA what name she'd call her new Chevrolet.
"Barbie", she said, "Malibu Barbie".
