So whatever we buy, I have to LOVE it. I feel like the proverbial kid in a candy store, because there are several that I love. However, today I found one that might be a LOVE.
I have had a secret love affair with Jeep Wrangler ever since I was a teen. We test drove Jeeps when we were in the market for a car 12 years ago, and I was disappointed at how rattle-bang they felt. I test drove this 2009 and LOVED it! There was nothing vibrating and the stick shift handled beautifully! I had a LOT of fun with it and spent the entire test drive with perma-grin, fantasizing about all the fun sportiness of it. I just felt young and HEALTHY driving it. Crazy, huh?
On the more practical side, however, is the fact that Wranglers come with NO bells and whistles. Not even the ones that we have come to take for granted. No power windows or seat adjusters. No power 'roof', either. To put on/take off the soft top takes two people and a lot of effort, so it isn't something you'd do lightly. Also, the 'trunk' space is small. Too small for hauling a lot groceries, perhaps? Non-existant when you take off the top and shove it in the trunk. So groceries would end up in the back seat, which doesn't have a door for easy access. Another down side to this vehicle is, where would I put the bike &/or kayak? Okay, so I don't currently have a kayak... but I want to plan for it, since I sense one in my future. The car is sporty, but can I carry my sports around in/on it?
Still, it is a sexy and sporty car that holds its value better than almost any other car out there. So, after a year of driving it, I could easily trade it in if I decide I'm tired of ruggedness and want some luxury.
Another car we test drove today was a GMC Terrain. I think it was a 2010. It was a bit more expensive than the Wrangler, but MAN! it has a lot of bells and whistles!
It has a front panel just full of buttons! I'm not sure how much I'd use the navigation system, but it looks like fun to play with.
It is an automatic. I am okay with that. I think sticks are only fun in sexy, sporty cars. If it's luxury you're after, automatic is the way to go. Although, this car had a funky automatic/manual transmission that might be fun to mess around with. Extra buttons!
I do like it when the car makes it so easy for me to see how fast I'm going with a digital display.
Not as fun looking, but sleek and modern and grown up feeling. And, of course, places to attach my bike/kayak to the car. So, not as sporty, but I could take my sports with me. Oh, and lots of room for groceries.
Did I mention it has a sunroof? I have decided that a sunroof is the minimum I'm going for this time around. If I can't have a convertible, I'm at least going to have a sunroof!
Earlier today, I went and looked at several cars at the Ford dealership. Once again, I was looking at Mustangs. I have to stop looking at those, however, because I simply live in the wrong climate for them. If I was buying an 'extra' car, one that could spend the snowy months dreaming of balmy summer sun while sheltering in the garage, it would be a different story. But I am looking for my primary mode of transportation. It has to be good in all weather, and all terrain. That means 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive. You can see why I keep gravitating to SUV types.
So, do I go for a sporty-and-sexy-wind-in-my-hair Wrangler? Or do I go for luxury bells and whistles? Not necessarily the GMC Terrain, of course. I can find those bells and whistles in lots of different cars.
I'll be making a decision fairly soon. I'll let you know.
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