Pandemic Week 31: The Honda

The big news of the week is a new car.  We bid adieu to the Suburu a couple of weeks ago after news that the transmission needed to be replaced (at a cost exceeding the value of the car).  This launched a lot of research, soul searching, and negotiating before settling on the winner:  a Honda Civic.

Purchasing a car during normal times is an ordeal.  Purchasing a car during a pandemic is an added level of stress.  Fortunately we had time to look at options (there was not a pressing need for a car since we really do not have a lot of places to go at the moment).  Theresa established some criteria for consideration.  She needed a commuter car that had good gas mileage.  She also wanted something that would be good for Anna, who will be driving in another 18 months.  After some research and a few test drives, the Civic quickly rose to the top of the list.

It should be noted that Theresa often consults with her brothers (aka the car guys) when repairs or new car purchases are involved.  While they are helpful when discussing repairs, that are not helpful when purchasing a car - mainly because they have different priorities.  Their priorities revolve around power and looks.  Theresa takes a more practical approach around reliability and gas mileage.  They quickly panned the civic as "boring" and following the herd.  This meant it was the perfect car for Theresa.

After narrowing the choice, Joe took over as chief negotiator.  Anyone that knows Joe is fully aware that he LOVES to negotiate a good deal.  He called 10 Honda dealers and proceeded to start a bidding war.  Theresa had to unplug the phone during the week because so many people were calling with offers and counter-offers.  By Saturday, he had the winning offer, which thankfully was 15 minutes away (the second runner-up was 90 minutes away).  This meant a couple of hours on Saturday afternoon at the dealer.  Joe also served as mask and social distance police -not an easy feat in a bustling dealership.  By the end of the time, the salesman was carrying Clorox wipes with him just for Joe.

We arrived home to find our neighbors also had a new Honda Fit in their driveway (apparently they were at the dealership earlier than we were).  Joe and Theresa were both exhausted by the entire ordeal, but happy to have a replacement vehicle in the garage.....just in case we have someplace to go.  Hopefully the Civic will last 10 years like the Suburu so we don't have to shop again anytime soon.





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