Since it has been about 15 years since I bought a new (previously owned, but new to me) vehicle, I decided to go shopping the other day when it was raining and I couldn’t do some work in the yard. I needed a break anyway – you tend to lose the incentive after the second or third week.

I knew I wanted some sort of an SUV, or 4 wheel drive something or another. Like I said, it’s been a long time since I looked at cars, and I knew very little the last time, and a whole lot less this time.

It was also tough explaining to the car salesman that I had no money, was unemployed, and didn’t have and couldn’t expect any money until sometime in June. Maybe close to the end of June, and certainly not before the middle of June. But I wanted a car, with no down payment (or at least a deferred payment until June sometime) and I wanted it now. I also explained that I had no credit rating worth mentioning, so a loan was out of the question.

I found a 2001 Blazer that I thought was in my price range (if I had any money or credit) It had all the accessories I wanted – sun roof, spare tire carrier on the back, roof top racks, manual controls for the 4-wheel drive, and a few of the new options you can get with cars now. Actually, they probably aren’t even options now, but the last time I was shopping they were Cadillac or Lincoln options.

So, when I left the car lots last Thursday, I felt I had given it my best shot, but I would be driving a 1986 Celica or a 1991 Nissan 1/4 ton for some time.

But, I got the phone call today that everything was all set if I still wanted the truck. I went up and took it for another drive, and signed my life away on a loan that will cost me twice the value of the vehicle.

But it is shiney (if the sun hits it right) and that’s all that counts, right?

2001 Blazer

2001 Blazer (again)