We Didn't Plan On Buying A New Vehicle Yesterday, But...

Yesterday we purchased a new vehicle. It wasn't planned. We've been in the market for a new vehicle for about a year. I know that sounds like an excessive amount of time however, it wasn't at the top of our list-of-things-to-do. If the time was right, the universe would do a lil' shimmy shake and the window of opportunity would present itself. That's exactly what happened. Yesterday.

Previously, we had a Nissan Altima that was purchased about 6-7 years ago. It was a great car. We put on quite a few miles. Aside from new brakes, a battery change and new tires, we didn't have any issues with our Altima.

Except...

Over the past few years, the Altima became increasingly less efficient. Our family has grown from one kid to three. The amount of events were participate in to represent our Bodacious Biscuit Love mission has increased. The occasional emergency rescue transport proved to be challenging with a large pup. Packing the car with pet food and other needed supplies for our local animal shelters was overwhelming. The list goes on.

Bottom line, we needed a bigger vehicle.

Last week, Lisa mentioned seeing a vehicle that caught her attention at the car dealership across from one of the grocery stores we shop at. She wanted to check it out. I replied with my usual, "Go for it." It's not that I wasn't genuinely interested. I was. To an extent. The situation wasn't desperate. We had a reliable vehicle. Event season is coming to an end. And, it had been a while since a vehicle had caught Lisa's interest.

Yesterday, after work, Lisa went directly to the dealership. After the formalities, she was shown the vehicle that had caught her eye. Got into the drivers seat. Meh. It wasn't what she had expected. Even the representative said, "I'm not selling you this car. I can tell you don't like it. It's not what you're looking for." Lisa agreed.

Lisa described in detail who we are, what we do and, aside from work and errands, what our vehicle is used for. The representative took Lisa over to another vehicle. Lisa said she knew which vehicle it was even before the representative pointed it out.

Long story short, it was love at first ride. For the both of us. Lisa took a test drive directly to our driveway. Char was outside and came over to inspect. I hopped into the passenger seat. Char sat in the back. Lisa went over the details. Aside from the features, extra room and everything between, the most important thing was the price. We didn't want a higher payment.

"The payment will only be $11 more than what we're paying now. But, get this. Our insurance payment will be $10 less than what we're paying." 

I was ecstatic. After a trip around the block and one further down the road, we were back in our driveway. We sat there in silence.

"I want this vehicle. This is it. I know we didn't plan on buying a vehicle today, but it was meant to be."

"Let's go for it. I'll make it happen."

Lisa kept me posted throughout the entire process after she returned to the car dealership. I paced the house with a roller coaster of emotions. Excitement. Anxiety. Anticipation. The what-ifs. I kept people updated on Facebook. They shared my little roller coaster ride and paced with me in our virtual world.

Then, I got the text. She was signing papers.

I have no shame in admitting I ran through the house hootin' and hollering. The kids woke up from their naps and ran with me throughout the house barking. From the outside looking in, I'm sure we looked and sounded like maniacs. None of that mattered. We had a new vehicle.

A family sized Mini-Van SUV combo. Total. Dog. Mom. Vehicle. 

Two hours later, Lisa drove home in our new vehicle. The gentlemen working at the dealership went above and beyond. As animal lovers themselves, they were familiar with "big hearts, empty wallets." Putting down a hefty payment was not an option. And that was okay.

Lisa filled me in on the details. I let her know that on Friday I would have some baked goods for her to deliver to the car dealership. A small token of our gratitude.

Yesterday was the day. The universe did a little shimmy shake. We went with it. After a year of keeping our eyes peeled, it happened.

Happy dance.