So much for good intentions...

[calic0cat]

Didn't get *anything* fandom-related accomplished last night; RL kind of took over and ate up all my time. And it's probably going to repeat the trick tonight, too.

My current vehicle is just about paid off (only a couple more months left) and I'd always planned to trade it in once it was paid for (I sometimes have to drive between locations for work so I have to have a 100% reliable vehicle and while mine's still fine it's also at the most equitable point for a trade). But there's a bunch of incentives on right now, so I decided to look into doing the new-car thing early. Spent one evening last week at one dealer and spent yesterday evening at another one and still hadn't made up my mind. Dealer B called back this morning and offered another $1500 on top of what they'd appraised my trade-in at last night. Since that now puts them $3000 higher than Dealer A and brings the new vehicle's cost down accordingly - well, I guess it's pretty obvious which one I'm going to buy from. So tonight I have to go back and do the paperwork...

I'll still try to get a site update or *something* done tonight but no guarantees...

Comments

[sunhawk16.livejournal.com]

So? *pokes* What'cha gettin'? ^^;

[calic0cat.livejournal.com]

A Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 (since there's $2000 cashback on the V8 engines which makes it virtually the same price as a 4x2 but of course it'll have a higher trade-in value in future). The colour's called "Granite" - basically a rather nice dark grey (not as bad as black for showing dust and fly specks won't show up at all). It's quite a step up from my current Dakota Club Cab. Higher price and literally higher too! Might have to get running boards added because it's a bit of a step up to get in. Just have to wait and see.

I'd wanted a factory tow package but they didn't have a Quad Cab with one at Dealer B; however they're having an equivalent hitch and wiring harness installed for me (gotta be able to pull the horse trailer!). I'm also having a spray-in bedliner added; the insert-type move and wreck the paint under them as well as letting moisture build up beneath them, potentially causing rust, so I'm glad that this particular vehicle didn't have one included.

Guess I'd better see if I can get anymore LJ entries done during afternoon break since I probably won't have much time tonight...

[sunhawk16.livejournal.com]

Whoa. One of the big boys! You must be able to parallel park better than I can! ^o^

[calic0cat.livejournal.com]

Nah, it's no bigger than my current Dakota - the quad cabs have a shorter bed length. The only size difference is that it's higher off the ground.

And as for parallel parking - who the heck bothers? Most of the time, there's someplace with a parking lot around and if not I just find a spot I can pull straight into (like two consecutive parallel spots) and forget about it. I'd rather walk a few extra blocks than be bothered with the hassle...

[sunhawk16.livejournal.com]

Last time I parallel parked, I think was when I got my license. *snicker*
I've been known to drive around the block a half a dozen times, waiting for somebody to pull out and leave me two spaces to pull into.

[bloodywingz.livejournal.com]

Best to do it at the this time. Interest rates are at an all time low as you know, plus you have the benefit of end of months sales rush. Gotta make those books look good for the big boss ya know.

[calic0cat.livejournal.com]

Yep, 0% financing over 60 months is about as low as interest rates can go! LOL

Plus there's a total of $2750 in assorted bonuses - and I get the employee discount since my dad's a Chrysler retiree. Also, since the 2005 Dakotas are a major model change, it'll probably be at least a year before there's any good incentives on them.

[bloodywingz.livejournal.com]

How is the gas mileage on those?

[calic0cat.livejournal.com]

City is supposed to be 16.8 L/100 km (17 mi/gal) and highway is supposed to be 11.8 L/100 km (24 mi/gal). The 2 wheel drive club cab is supposed to get 14.8 L/100 km city and 9.8 L/100 km highway (not sure what that works out to in mi/gal). So while the 4WD with the V8 engine doesn't get quite as good of mileage, it isn't awful either.