From Helga

Let's just say you were adamantly opposed to the purchase of a new car. Let's just say you had never owned a new car in all your born days and you kinda - a little - scorned the pretentious people who did -- not me of course. I don't go to judgin. So it would not be me. I am speaking hypothetically of course. I just have a FRIEND that thinks this way. And I am askin for her. Dear sweet Helga.

But for argument's sake, let's just say that you were opposed to new car buyin cause you felt like as soon as you drove it off the lot, it's value diminished and you would be MUCH better off buyin a slightly used car and driving it till it literally fell apart.

For example, let's say that 10 years ago, when you got your first teaching job...you went and wheeled and dealed and got yourself a gently used SUV with less than 15,000 miles. Like this was BC -- BEFORE CHILDREN. And you bought this car with the dream of filling in with lots of fruit from your loin. And then it got crazy and you kept it cause it was PAID for and suited your needs and your forth eleven spawn.

Then let's continue this hypothetically saga and say it now is almost 12 years old and it now has 198,500 miles on it. And it has been a WONDERFUL vehicle, but she needs a rest.

And now that this fictional character, Helga, will be commuting over 2 hours a day and the check engine light is on in her current gas guzzlin SUV...she is ready to spread forth her wings and open her line of credit (uhm....hello? Dad???) and purchase a NEW car.

Now don't go judgin. I have done my homework...I mean this HYPOTHETICAL PERSON has done their homework and this person can get the employee discount on these cars with her new job and with the GREAT warranties that are in place with her gettin a new job and her husband being out of town so much, are VERY appealing.

And although they are BOTH still SUVs, they still get way better gas mileage than her current gas-aholic. It is in the 12-step program. Don't go to judgin.

So it is narrowed down to these two -- and PUH-LEAZ do not bring up the minivan to this pretentious fictitious being. Cause she has narrowly escaped the judgement of her husband and and pleaded and begged and promised her womanly wiles in order to not drive a minivan - not yet.

And she has also promised she will drive this vehicle until it sheds it skin and the doors fall off and it dies from glitter and puffy paint and lipstick fumes. Or if she gets a six figure job -- whichever comes first. So I will be driving it for QUITE awhile. -- I mean the HYPOTHETICAL person will be driving it for QUITE some time.

So which would you choose....

The Buick Enclave... The Mazda CX 9

Both get the same gas mileage, have the same amenities, the same interior size blah blah blah. The Mazda is about 3k cheaper....but had only a 3 year warranty as opposed to the Buick who has a 4 year.

Check it our and let me I mean the fictitious character your opinion.

Amen.

She and I are very close and I will pass on your suggestions to her. She will appreciate it so much and will give you a big pink fuzzy heart with glitter kiss for all your help.

xxxooo,

CG's Hypothetical Fictitious Friend -- Helga