as I have finally purchased a vehicle before the snow flies, my insurance expires next month and room for the dogs!

It has been an interesting process and one I probably do not want to repeat for a while.

Did I learn some new things?

• Yes, the internet in an invaluable tool for checking out different models, years such as AMA info on liens and history check e.g. reports from Car Fax, to Google images of each ( I am very visual and discovered hatch back and wagon are very different ) and Auto Trader and Kijiji ads in my area. However it was humorous as one ad got misplaced and discovered it was a lady from NFLD who was willing to pay shipping if I bought her late 90s used vehicle!
• Also learned the wholesale and retail prices are important to know when dealing privately....what the seller would get on a trade in vs. the price a dealer would sell the car for.....
• That as a single middle aged woman I can hold my own in asking intelligent questions on used cars
• What ABS stands for and the repeated flashing light on the dash is likely a computer or fuse glitch.
• That as much as I did alright test driving 5 speed manual such as a 2008 Hyundai and 1995 honda civic hatch back or 1998 VW Passat, not the best choice in the long run....consideration stopped on a hill in the middle of winter with 2 active dogs in the back would I be distracted???? YES...choose an automatic!

Is this a stressful emotional process?

• Yes if pressed for time and with too many choices

• Yes I have met a number of private sellers and usually get  their own personal stories and history of the vehicles...sometimes I can trust my intuition and sometimes I may be gullible.

• I really loved the Volvo 850 T 1995 ( see last blog ) and all the features, especially heated seats and well maintained but pushing my upper limits on the budget, a higher mileage and in the long run may have cost me more in repairs.

• As I wrote in facebook: looking for a good used vehicle is somewhat like pregnancy as it generates everyone else's stories and advice but the end result is still uniquely your own.

So here is the new addition 2000 Ford Taurus SE wagon with about 181, 000 kms.

Yesterday I was pretty wound up as I dashed about with the rental car getting insurance renewal and plates, did not get an inspection before purchase  and driving very slowly home from the north end of the city in the dark worried about breaks and power steering. It  has sat in a garage for about 6 months  and needed complete winterizing and coolant flushing from Lubex done this morning and after the insurance inspection and new battery, will need new rear tires and some front break work scheduled for Monday afternoon. 

But the guys at A-1 tire and battery reassured me it is in good shape and I made a good decision.

So not a love affair or any pet names or heated seats but practical and basic with room for the dogs and fit into the garage.