Dave's New Car

I'm getting a new car. Now, it's not until March of 06', but I just put in the order. What am I getting? Well, not another Audi, that's for sure. Don't get me wrong, I loved the four-wheel drive, and comfort of heated seats, mirrors, and a good stereo system. However, I didn't love taking the damn thing to the shop twice a month for four years for various problems - ranging from big annoying engine problems to having turn signals, breaklights, and other minor things happen on a regular basis. In fact, as I write this, I have a break light that's out AND a front turn signal. This, after JUST having the car in for it's 60,000 mile service. As a result, while I still love the IDEA of the Audi - particularly a lot of functionality in a car for around $32,000, Julie will never let me get another one. Ever.

That being said, I also drive about 70 miles a day. No, not 70 miles and hour - which is something I frequently do too - but per day. That's going back and forth between Greece and Canandaigua. As a result, I seriously considered a hybrid car - the Prius. I priced it out, and in general thought it was a good idea. However, it took Toyota WAY too long to (a) add the 2006 model information online and (b) have even a 2005 model sitting at any Toyota dealership for me to look at. As such, I came to the conclusion to screw it and instead check out the new Honda Civic Hybrid.

Very cool! I actually got to test drive one at Holtz, and I like what I saw. The one I'm getting includes the navigation system which will be great - especially given the occasional trips we take and don't know where the heck we're going. Here's a picture of the car in the color I'm getting (more or less - just add fog lights for the full effect):



Throw in every feature known to man and the thing comes in just under $25000. Not bad for a car that also gets me about 50mpg on the highway. That's nearly double what I'm doing now, and on regular gas - not the 93 octane the Audi demands! So, in the long run, I'm bumping down the cost of my fillups, and doing it only once a week - not twice! Yeah, it's not all wheel drive, but how often do I take advantage of that? I'd guess 95 percent of my driving these days is highway driving, and the roads are usually fine.

Anyway, I'll post more on here once I know more - and maybe when i can post some more photos and order status update. But right now, the timing is perfect and should have it at the end of February, beginning of March.