Monday, September 1, 2008

Needs and wants

This past weekend was filled with ups and downs for me - emotionally speaking that is.

I'm considering buying a new car. I'm not really "into" the car thing and usually it's rather low on my priority list. BUT my car is getting old and I needed to start looking out for a new / newer one. The only cars that I really like are 4x4 SUV's. Needless to say, they are all expensive and heavy on fuel so I never really considered actually buying one. So, on Saturday, Leon and I started our hunt for a new car for me. We specifically looked at the smaller SUV's but couldn't find something I really liked.

Then, as I was there wondering about all the cars in this rather up-market second hand car dealer, I saw it! The car of my dreams! I never really cared much either way for Nissan and would somebody have told me that I would fall head over heels in love with a Nissan I would have laughed. But - there I was - heart racing, eyes gaping and mouth drooling over this beautiful, beautiful car. It was a Nissan Pathfinder (don't you think it's a great name for a car!)
I can honestly say that I have NEVER in my life felt anything like this over a car! I loved every bit of detail on the car and could already imagine myself driving it. It had an automatic transmission and I've never really like that either, but for some bizarre reason it didn't bother me in the slightest on this car - I even said I think it "suits" this car! Then I took it for a test drive! It felt like heaven! Everything was just so smooth and perfect!

Leon also liked the car and were pointing out all the features. We also discussed the irritating but I suppose important" matter of FUEL CONSUMPTION. He mentioned that it was a rather thirsty vehicle but the entire time I tried to convince myself that "it couldn't be THAT bad!" I loved this car and wanted it with all my heart - and I didn't want to listen to that little voice in my head trying to tell me that it didn't make sense.

Leon is an excellent negotiator and I asked him to handle the negotiation for me. He told the salesman that we are seriously interested in the car but that we will contact him on Monday to confirm if we'll take it or not. When we left I was still a bundle of excitement but with almost every minute that passed reason started returning to my over-emotional self and I started realising that it would probably be the most foolish thing I have ever done if I buy that car. With the fuel price at a record high and interest rates sky high as well as the fact that I have to travel more and longer distances - it just didn't make any sense at all! My heart still tried to argue for a while but I had to accept all the arguments against it. (We confirmed that this was unfortunately one of the vehicles with the highest fuel consumption on the market.)

And so my day ended on a bit of a disappointing note. I promised myself that I will never again allow myself to get emotionally involved with a car. Can you imagine that! Me - little old Michelle who's only interested in pretty scrapbooking stuff and never really cared for more earthly possessions than a safe and comfortable home!. I then started - like I usually do when I'm down in the dumps - to count my blessings. I still have a reliable car that's not so "thirsty". I love my car and I really enjoy driving it. I can still get a couple more miles out of my car and in the meantime I can still afford to buy little luxuries for myself, my home and my kids - which would not have been the case if I bought my Pathfinder.

I guess one have to always distinguish between wants and needs - take care of your needs first, then if there is something left over - spoil yourself a little bit and be satisfied to do without the rest.

However - nobody ever said a girl can't dream - right?! ;o)

10 comments:

Stefanie said...

I got my dream car 2 years ago now... a white toyota corolla verso. Still one of my daily blessings I tell you.

caro said...

happy to hear it's "only" a car you're worried about. Good luck for your next step/path ....

Tracy said...

I feel your pain, girl - blessings and all, it would have been real nice to get your dream car.

My hubby and son surprised me with a new Fortuner towards the end of last year (I am truly blessed) but I am so frustrated with having to fill up with fuel so regularly - this car is probably THE THIRTIEST car on the planet - gorgeous and amazing to drive and I have only ONE complaint - it's drinking my scrapbooking money by the gallon ... grrrr ...

I reckon we'll all survive this economic crisis and you will have your car by this time next year ... I am ever the optimist that interest rates etc. will calm down to a mild panic ...

Love, Tracy G

Tracy said...

Hey, it'me again - I noticed you're down another kilo - well done and keep at it!! Us curvy girls (I am way-curvy ...) need to stick together - don't get too thin now - you don't want to be one of those sad skinny people ... tee hee ...

Love, Tracy G

The ScrapFan said...

I am a 4x4 lover too....I totally get this post. Totally. Due to tiny parking spots and rising fuel costs I became the proud owner of a Mazda 5 in January. Full leather interior nogal. For the spilt juice and ice-cream .... gotta have it. Got sliding doors both sides.... huge plus in the freaking windy weather and small kids.

Hang in there. And well done for not stifling that still small voice of reason!

Kim Watson said...

Um! I can't say I have ever been in the place you (& Mel for that matter) have been, regarding cars.

As long as the dratted thing has 4 wheels, electric windows, aircon & a boot that opens from inside...I'm happy as Larry.
I feel your pain tho'....& hope it passes soon...preferably when you hear the unfamiliar bleep-bleep from your drive way.
XX

Sophia said...

I so understand Michelle, I have always wanted a new car of my own...but my little callped out VW Jumbo Golf, that got handed down from my dad to me, gets me from A - B safely. So, until the day I can get a new car...I will keep dreaming!!!

eilandkind/islandchild said...

snaaks genoeg het ek nog nooit gefuss oor karre nie.
Solank dit my net bring van punt A na B is ek gelukkig.
Hier raak die Amerikaners nou natuurlik een na die ander ontslae van hulle reuse SUV's, want brandstof is te duur.
Ek weet nie hoekom hulle i.e.g. sulke grénd karre moet ry op 'n eiland nie.
Ek hou van jou nuwe banner..

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately my dream car is on the back burner as well. Have to be practical especially with the kids getting bigger (needing the leg room) and price of fuel (it is dropping here now). I can dream too - so long as its red! LOL

SABEE said...

Ah, i am sorry, maybe oneday Mich, when petrol is a little cheeper.. but you did do the right thing in the end...