As you know, my poor 88 Toyota Celica was totaled on 11/10. I talked with family and friends about what kind of car to buy, and was persuaded that a new car, if it was in my price range, was a better deal because of the warranties. I was skeptical, but came to realize that any used car that I wanted to buy was going to be $6,000.

So, today, I bought a Hyundai Accent, stripped down - airbags, air conditioning, rear wiper blade, radio/cassette, cloth seats and regular steering wheel (not leather wrapped as it is on the GT) and no fog lights. As we talked, the guy said his bottom line was $11,500. I blinked. BUT, I had done my homework and my son Greg and I had walked the lot and lo and behold, there was exactly the model car I wanted, advertised for $9,988. So, in the end, that's what I paid.

And to my great joy (being only 5'2") it has adjustable seats!! I have to turn adjustment wheels, it isn't electric, but for the first time I will be driving a car where I don't need a seat cushion and back cushion to be in a comfortable driving position and able to reach the pedals comfortably. I get a 10 year/100,000 mile major systems warranty, bumper to bumper 5 year/50,000 mile warranty, and they pay for roadside service (which means I don't have to pay AAA every year) for five years. And, I can take it to my own mechanic without voiding the warranties, as long as I keep the receipts. My mechanic is reliable and I know I can trust him, and I am sure he is cheaper.

The only thing I don't like is the donut spare wheel, but that is pretty standard in these small economy cars and there isn't room in the spare wheel space for a regular spare. Oh well.

I am excited, feeling a bit amazed that I actually did this - and all by signing pieces of paper.

So - here I am. It's black and I would have preferred red, but by getting the black one I saved $1,500 over the dealer's price, so I am happy enough.

By Colette on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 02:14 pm:

Congratulations! Sounds like you got a great deal.

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 02:29 pm:

Sounds like a good deal! It must be nice to have a car again!

By Sue3 on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 02:38 pm:

Cool Ginny. My Mom has a Hyundai also.
The first thing she said when she drove it was,
I won`t need to sit on a pillow with this car! She`s 5`1. I hope you enjoy it.

By Kim on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 03:23 pm:

YAY ginny!! I am glad you got a good car!

By Andi on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 04:26 pm:

Great news, enjoy your new car.

By Palmbchprincess on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 04:46 pm:

Great news Ginny. Hyundais are good cars, reliable and a great warranty! Enjoy!

By Rayanne on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 07:49 pm:

Awesome news.

By Conni on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 10:27 pm:

Thats great!!! Enjoy!!

By Bobbie~moderatr on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 11:35 pm:

Ginny, New job, New car... whats next??? Sounds like you are on a roll. Safe driving to you, Ginny. And yeah, that the car is just your size... LOL

By Dana on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 10:24 am:

Have fun Ginny.

By Jelygu on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 03:03 pm:

Woo-Hoo! A new car is always exciting!

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 04:00 pm:

CONGRATS! Enjoy your new wheels!

By Annie2 on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 04:08 pm:

Congratulations!!!! Yeah! Nothing is better than a NEW car! I'm thrilled for you!

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 06:20 pm:

It's exciting, and scary. I am just waiting, holding my breath, for the first ding. I think I will be really, really anxious until that happens and then I can relax.

By Deek on Monday, November 29, 2004 - 08:30 am:

i bought a Hyundai almost two years ago and love it..it was the first car I ever bought all on my own ( my salary, etc.)..It was and still is a great car...and yes the first ding was awful but i survived ..good luck!

By Pamt on Monday, November 29, 2004 - 09:04 am:

Congrats!

By Eve on Monday, November 29, 2004 - 10:01 am:

Congratulations! That's so exciting! Oh, the first ding....yes, I got mine 2 days after getting our new car. LOL! I was actually relieved to have it over with. Deep breaths!

By My2cuties on Monday, November 29, 2004 - 10:06 am:

We had our first ding and within a week DH had it in the shop fixed then it was back to square one ..except now it was, better not ruin the bumper again..lol Congrats on your car though. Enjoy!