JD: we have family in the Denver area, and I guess rock chips are a big deal on Wrangler windshields, since they're more vertical or something. You dodged a bullet (or, at least, a rock) there.
I luckily learned in my 20s on a weekend vehicle trade with a friend that the clutch on a Wrangler is a deal breaker. Worst angle ever. Cured me right then and there. I would have bought a Subaru years ago, but they still wanted nearly full price on the lot of them after a massive hail storm. My very old Toyota minivan and I are happy, garbage and all.
A year after I got the outback we had a third child, and this outback dad would rather have had his cool Jeep Pickup anyway, since he’s also an old minivan owner now
Yes, the secret of cash payment! My husband when buying a vehicle kept that bit of info till the end. Brokered himself a great deal and pulled out the money only to have the salesman say they could only do that on a payment plan and not if he paid up-front. So he left and came home carless. A week plus later the dealer called asking if he was still interested. My sweet husband said look Bob, it is like you stood me up for the prom the night of the dance...if you dont want my money I'll look elsewhere. Only to have the salesman say we'll sell it to you under your terms!
Great advice JD and don't just hold your cash but be ready to walk away if they don't want to take it.
My kid self definitely empathizes with your children on the "getting rid of old car" emotions. We had driven around (as a family of 6) for years in an old, wood-paneled Country Squire station wagon we had named "B.J." (short for Big John - as it was a massive car like the name of the miner hero in Jimmy Dean's old country song). My parents finally traded it in for a smaller mid-size station wagon. When we all went to go make that trade, my youngest sister and I burst into tears! It felt like we were getting rid of a member of the family.
I read the loveliest thing about him today. He was buried in the shoes he wore during his ministry—orthopedic shoes made by a cobbler from his hometown.
I grew up in Alaska, where the Subaru is the state car, and hope to someday graduate from my Honda Odyssey back to a lovely Subaru, likely after our older children are off to college and a smaller vehicle will do the trick.
We’ve been driving all kind of Subarus since 2007 and we have loved each of them. Great for road trips (off or not) and drive amazingly in the snow. Two of the have been handed down to our son.
Also, Davie is right about the garbage.
Best telling of the car-buying experience I have ever read or heard fpr that matter. Thanks for sharing!
My household was obliged to get a new vehicle in January, and wound up with our first Subaru, a used Outback like yours (though 11 years old, but pretty low mileage considering).
We're loving it...which I suppose I don't mind Ed finding out, though I'm pushing my luck now since I do also own one KD Lang album (but only the one), and kinda liked the idea of Ross Perot back in the day (but never voted for him much less Clinton).
Given religious freedom's track record at the court in recent years, my money's on your kid sister.
JD: we have family in the Denver area, and I guess rock chips are a big deal on Wrangler windshields, since they're more vertical or something. You dodged a bullet (or, at least, a rock) there.
Welcome to the club,
a fellow Outback Dad
I luckily learned in my 20s on a weekend vehicle trade with a friend that the clutch on a Wrangler is a deal breaker. Worst angle ever. Cured me right then and there. I would have bought a Subaru years ago, but they still wanted nearly full price on the lot of them after a massive hail storm. My very old Toyota minivan and I are happy, garbage and all.
A year after I got the outback we had a third child, and this outback dad would rather have had his cool Jeep Pickup anyway, since he’s also an old minivan owner now
Out of the mouth of babes - gotta love Davey!
Yes, the secret of cash payment! My husband when buying a vehicle kept that bit of info till the end. Brokered himself a great deal and pulled out the money only to have the salesman say they could only do that on a payment plan and not if he paid up-front. So he left and came home carless. A week plus later the dealer called asking if he was still interested. My sweet husband said look Bob, it is like you stood me up for the prom the night of the dance...if you dont want my money I'll look elsewhere. Only to have the salesman say we'll sell it to you under your terms!
Great advice JD and don't just hold your cash but be ready to walk away if they don't want to take it.
My kid self definitely empathizes with your children on the "getting rid of old car" emotions. We had driven around (as a family of 6) for years in an old, wood-paneled Country Squire station wagon we had named "B.J." (short for Big John - as it was a massive car like the name of the miner hero in Jimmy Dean's old country song). My parents finally traded it in for a smaller mid-size station wagon. When we all went to go make that trade, my youngest sister and I burst into tears! It felt like we were getting rid of a member of the family.
I thought this couldn’t get any better, for many reasons, and then I got to the part about the garbage. Amazing. I feel seen.
What a wonderful remembrance of Pope Francois. he is in our prayers.
I read the loveliest thing about him today. He was buried in the shoes he wore during his ministry—orthopedic shoes made by a cobbler from his hometown.
I grew up in Alaska, where the Subaru is the state car, and hope to someday graduate from my Honda Odyssey back to a lovely Subaru, likely after our older children are off to college and a smaller vehicle will do the trick.
We’ve been driving all kind of Subarus since 2007 and we have loved each of them. Great for road trips (off or not) and drive amazingly in the snow. Two of the have been handed down to our son.
Also, Davie is right about the garbage.
Best telling of the car-buying experience I have ever read or heard fpr that matter. Thanks for sharing!
My household was obliged to get a new vehicle in January, and wound up with our first Subaru, a used Outback like yours (though 11 years old, but pretty low mileage considering).
We're loving it...which I suppose I don't mind Ed finding out, though I'm pushing my luck now since I do also own one KD Lang album (but only the one), and kinda liked the idea of Ross Perot back in the day (but never voted for him much less Clinton).