judecorp: (if i ruled the world)
judecorp ([personal profile] judecorp) wrote2006-09-27 07:27 pm
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Adios, Versa

So we've given up the hunt for the elusive Versa. It was just too crazy to think that there was not a single dealer in this area that expected to have one any time in the near future (read: when we need a car) that wasn't bright white or fire engine red. We got tired of calling dealers and getting the "we expect a truck in the next 10 days maybe" runaround. And, admittedly, I started to just get really stressed out about Jen not having a car for her new job. She also is taking next week off between jobs and we were going to use some of that time to get some stuff fixed on the Focus (breaks check, oil change, finally fix the trunk damage from the vodka bottle, general maintenance check) since I'd actually have a car to use for work. So the idea of cutting it to the wire was not going to work.

We went to Plan B, which is the Scion xA. It was one of the first cars we test drove (the same day as the Matrix) and we liked it quite a bit. It was a little higher on emissions than I liked but it has decent gas mileage and handled pretty well (more like an economy car than the Versa but good). And it is certainly well within our price range - actually on the lower end. It's cute, it has a hatch back, and reviews all list it as quite dependable with little maintenance required. I think Edmunds said it had the Lowest True Cost To Own in its class, so that's nice, too. Jen found a dealer locally that is supposed to get one, yes one, on Saturday or Monday and she put a little deposit on it so we get first dibs. It's a nice maroon color (Scion calls it "salsa red" which does not look like a fire engine) and it is a little pricier because it happens to have the optional extra airbag package (side and curtain air bags), which is cool because I kind of wanted that anyway.

The sucky parts are that it doesn't have as much haul space as the Versa or the Matrix or the other cars we looked at, and that it doesn't have much pick-up. But I guess that's what happens when you get into Car Desparation Crunch Time. Besides, it's cheap and cute, and heck, I don't require much more than that.

[identity profile] prettyvacantone.livejournal.com 2006-09-28 01:12 am (UTC)(link)
By the way, I know it's probably a bit late for recommendations but I've been SUPER happy with my Mazda 3 and I think the base models are right in your range. Plus, they have hatchback and really cute colors (including PURPLE!). I know you're probably set on your decision, but I'd at least check them out. They've also go a great warranty.

[identity profile] judecorp.livejournal.com 2006-09-28 01:14 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, we looked into Mazda 3s but they were pricier than we could realistically afford, unless we stripped every single thing out of it. Which is what the Focus is like. Which kind of takes the fun out of a car payment.

But yes, they are cute. And the blue one is really pretty!

[identity profile] prettyvacantone.livejournal.com 2006-09-28 01:19 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah when I looked at the price ranges I figured only the base base base models would be an option, but I gotta give props to them whenever I get a chance. *hugs* Good luck with the Scion, I bet it'll be fun!

When is Jen leaving?

[identity profile] judecorp.livejournal.com 2006-09-28 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
Jen leaves Oct. 10th. :(

I wish we made real money.

[identity profile] prettyvacantone.livejournal.com 2006-09-28 01:40 am (UTC)(link)
I can send you some chocolate coins. It's not real money, but it's more delicious. Would that help?

Wait..isn't that before your birthdays!??! :(

[identity profile] judecorp.livejournal.com 2006-09-28 02:01 am (UTC)(link)
Mmm, chocolate money!!

And yes, it is before our birthdays (but after yours!). She is leaving work early that day to come back here because I bought us theatre tickets for our birthday a bazillion years ago. But then she will leave again. :( :(

[identity profile] prettyvacantone.livejournal.com 2006-09-28 02:03 am (UTC)(link)
suckage. at least you guys get to be together on the birthday, even if it's not a wake up together fall asleep together affair.

[identity profile] judecorp.livejournal.com 2006-09-28 11:05 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, it's better than having to go to the theatre alone on my birthday!

You should come visit!