Life With Ladybug: Sweet ride

By Shannon Magsam, Ladybug’s mama

We were driving home after a last-minute run to the pizza parlor when I saw it. “I like that one!” I yelled. Suddenly, my husband took a sharp right into an apartment complex and began tailing the object of my affection. After the vehicle finally pulled into a parking spot, my husband drove slowly past its bumper. I noted the model: a Hyundai Santa Fe.

My thoughts raced backward to the parking lot at Old Navy when I’d surprised a woman by walking briskly up to her and asking what kind of SUV she was driving. She initially thought I worked for Old Navy and was accusing her of stealing. Oops. In the end, we chatted for quite a while about the merits of her Subaru Forester. I’d been ogling those on the Internet, but it was good to see one up close and personal.

As you can tell, I’m on the lookout for the perfect new ride. I want to narrow it down to a few I like, then make a decision based on price, reliability and availability of replacement parts. Of course, it might help if I can narrow it down to small SUV or car.

I’ve been driving the same vehicle since George W. Bush accepted the presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention.

I should probably just go to a few dealerships, but it’s a little intimidating. And being mobbed can be annoying. The fact is, though, that women are buying more and more cars these days and dealerships are responding by hiring women to sell them. That’s savvy.

I’ve found a few websites out there to help a woman who’s never negotiated a car deal before. AskPatty.com and women-drivers.com are a few sites I’ve been checking out lately.

I am positively giddy about the idea of getting a new car/SUV. Although I don’t know for sure what kind I want yet, here are some perks I’m looking forward to:

• No squeaking as I hit a bump driving down the road (shocks!)
•  No sticky residue on the console, backseat or right back window.
• A bumper that’s free of blemishes caused by hitting a metal pole while hurrying to be with my sister while she was in labor three hours away.
• Different. Please.
• Not white.
• No “check engine” light screaming at me all day, every day.
• No horrible grinding sound when the wheel is turned to the left.
• No ding on the right front door discovered after a trip to the mall (thanks for the red paint, random car-hitter).

Yes, it’s been smart to drive an older car. I’ve enjoyed not having a car payment for many years. Immensely. But I’m ready. What vehicle do you have your eye on? Which car/small SUV would you recommend for me? Recommendations appreciated.