STRAYCAT’S DOGGONE BLOG

Car Shopping

January 23, 2005 on 10:50 pm | In Miscellany |

I approach car shopping just like shopping for anything else. I call it “power shopping”. This means that I have a pretty good idea of what i’m looking for and where to find it. I go there, find it and get out (after paying, of course). The only difference with car shopping is that I have to cruise around different car lots. If I see something that meets my criteria, i’ll stop and check it out. The same was true of my latest car shopping excursion yesterday. I had about $4000.00 to spend and about 4 models that I could live with: 1. Jeep Cherokee (not Grand Cherokee) 2. Volvo Station Wagon 3. Chevy Astrovan and 4. Ford Thunderbird or Mercury Cougar (early 90’s body style). I found a nice Chevy Astrovan at a dealer on Las Vegas Blvd. The price was within limits, but it was blue. I decided to keep looking figuring I could always come back. I cruised around some more and saw a Volvo, but it was a little too expensive, but it was white. I could always come back later if I didn’t find anything better. I cruised again and on Nellis Blvd, I passed a lot with a Jeep Cherokee. It was on the left side of the street, so I had to turn around and go back. I almost missed it. It was just what I was looking for; white, clean and the right price. I looked it over and went in and asked for a test drive to check it out mechanically. After the test drive, I was sold. It idled smoothly, accelerated without hesitation, and rode smoothly. The 4-wheel drive engaged and dis-engaged in both high and low range with no hang-ups and made no unusual noises. I put a deposit down on it and will pick it up tomorow about noon after I get the $$$$ out of the bank. I HAVE WHEELS AGAIN!!
1/26/5: I spent the last few days getting the car Insured, Registered, etc. Here are some pictures of it that I took this AM at the Wild, Wild, West where i’ll park it when i’m away.

Note the license plate number. It sounds like one of those 1-900 numbers you see on those late night info-mercials: “Call 1-900-599-NUDE. Call Now!! Call Now!! (must be 18 or over).” :>} I wanted one that was easy to remember and this certainly is.