In Motown there once lived a chick,

who thought car shopping was rather ‘ick’.

“But they all look the same,

the only change is the name,

and the salesman can be such a prick.”

I have to find a new car. My lease is up next month. I have a 2005 Dodge Magnum. It’s a station wagon. I’m a Hotfessional. I didn’t want the station wagon - but Mr. Hot and Shortman? They wanted the Magnum. Thought it was cool.

When Mr. Hot and I met, he sang the praises of station wagons. My reaction? “Over my dead body.” His family always had station wagons. Well, yea….they had 6 kids. Where else do you put them? It was the 1960s. There weren’t minivans or SUVs. There were station wagons. When the Magnum came out, he tried to sell it to me as a “cool” station wagon.

Mr. Hot: “But it’s so cool looking. “
The Hotfessional: “But it’s a station wagon.”
Mr. Hot: “But it’s like an SUV without being an SUV.”
The Hotfessional: “But it’s a station wagon.”
Mr. Hot: “But Chrysler is giving everyone employee financing. Your payment will be less than that little car you want.”
The Hotfessional: “But it’s a stat….”

You get the point.

The hard part about this is that I don’t like cars. I hate them. I grew up in Michigan. Near Detroit. Motor City? No mass transit. Hating cars? You might as well kick me out of the state. My uncles worked for the auto industry. They pretend they don’t know me. I just want to get into the dealer, pick something out, write that check, and move on.

Unfortunately, I need a car. And Mr. Hot and Shortman need a vehicle. We went to a single car about 5 years ago, and it’s been fine. But now Shortman can drive. And we live out in the country. So we’re shopping for a used pick-up truck for them, and a car for me.

I’ve been a loyal Dodge lease holder since 1996. Four different cars. This year? I’m looking at something other than Chrysler products - I heard that the Saturn Aura (which is a nice looking car) is great. Then I find out that I have a turn-in fee of $300 if I don’t get another Dodge.

Hate.

Now I have to decide if it’s worth 300 more bucks to get away from Chrysler. I am looking for a mid-sized sedan. Good gas mileage. Decent room (I’m 5′9″, Mr. Hot is 6′, and Shortman is 6′2″ and growing). I don’t want an SUV. I’d prefer front-wheel drive. Whatever suggestions you all have, please let me know.

—- Okay, there is ONE car that I love. I lust after it. I would marry it. I want to kiss it and lick it. It’s the Jaguar XJ. If you have an extra one laying around in your garage? Call me. Kisses and licks. —-