From the Nissan Pathfinder letdown, we jumped on a short-lived Mazda CX-9 kick. We set up an appointment with the Ramsey Mazda dealer to test-drive the certified pre-owned model advertised on their lot.
Lo and behold, once we got there we found that the car we came for was sold, and literally driven off the lot in front of us as we were speaking to a salesman. To ease the separation, they pulled up a newer version for a quick test drive, and we loved it. The model as a cross-over is great with sufficient 7-passenger space and fuel efficiency plus luxury amenities - heated seats / steering wheel, built in navigation system, back up mirror, moon roof, etc. Unfortunately, we could not agree on price.
It seems to be common consumer knowledge that the best time to buy a car is at the end of the year when dealerships are in dire need to get newer models moving. But from our experience at Ramsey Mazda, they teetered along the line of begging to do so. Had there been further negotiation into the pre-owned vehicle we test drove, our adventure would have ended here. Instead, we felt pressured into leasing a new model. We finally left a refundable deposit down just to be able to leave. Mazda CX-9: a great car, but not worth the hassle, or should I say, hustle.
Lo and behold, once we got there we found that the car we came for was sold, and literally driven off the lot in front of us as we were speaking to a salesman. To ease the separation, they pulled up a newer version for a quick test drive, and we loved it. The model as a cross-over is great with sufficient 7-passenger space and fuel efficiency plus luxury amenities - heated seats / steering wheel, built in navigation system, back up mirror, moon roof, etc. Unfortunately, we could not agree on price.
It seems to be common consumer knowledge that the best time to buy a car is at the end of the year when dealerships are in dire need to get newer models moving. But from our experience at Ramsey Mazda, they teetered along the line of begging to do so. Had there been further negotiation into the pre-owned vehicle we test drove, our adventure would have ended here. Instead, we felt pressured into leasing a new model. We finally left a refundable deposit down just to be able to leave. Mazda CX-9: a great car, but not worth the hassle, or should I say, hustle.
Finally we were referred to New York's Rockland Chrysler Jeep Dodge just a short drive away in Nanuet. At this point in our search, the last gleaming prospect of any SUV-type purchase was the Dodge Durango. If history is any predictor of the future, I should have known that much like the Pathfinder, this similar model was not what we were really looking for.
As I stood dwelling at the foot of the Durango feeling like all seemed lost, I saw my husband walking towards a Chrysler Town & Country. My heart stopped. In a flash, I recalled the early days of our courtship clearly laying out that any consideration of a mini-van in our future would be seen as a deal-breaker. And there we were. With everything I held dear, I began to walk toward him prepared to remind him about our earlier conversation and the possible consequences of his actions. But I was too late. He was sitting in the van, and he was sold.
Do you love your mini-van? Was it love at first sight or did you have to go through your own soul-searching? Tell us your experiences below.
About The Author
Jennifer is the mother of two amazing little boys and loves to know what is going on around them so they can get involved. Originally from the Midwest, Jennifer moved East 8 years ago to pursue a career in New York City's fast-paced apparel industry. After her first son was born, Jennifer and her husband decided it was time to get out of NYC and get some real space to raise a family. They found their niche right in Bergen County. Since stepping foot here, they haven't turned back! Jennifer claims to have the heart of a Midwesterner but the sprit of an East-coaster which, so far, hasn't failed her yet. She always look forward to what is to come. After her second son was born, Jennifer decided to give the apparel industry a break to focus on her two children.
Part 3 of "I Never Wanted to Drive a Mini-Van"
