I went to a Saturn dealership planning to look at their 2003 Saturn Vue with 13,500 miles. It was listed at $12,995. However, seeing it up close, I saw that it had a number of deep scratches that had started to rust and its interior was not looking so good. Since the most I've ever spent for a car was $5000, I really didn't want to more than double that up for a car that didn't look so hot and already needed some repairs.

Also, its warranty was running out in like 3 months. I'm just tired of having to worry about car repairs so being under warranty would be a necessity for me here. So If I bought this used car, I would going to need to buy an extended warranty.

I wandered over to the new cars and saw that the 2006 models listed at $17,995. Hmmmm. . .. a brand new car, with no mileage at all and 3 full years of warranty. Plus the new cars come with a $500 rebate AND a $500 gift certificate from Target.

So let's figure this out.

Used car --> 13,000. Add 3 years of a warranty = +$3,000. We're already up to $16,000 here to reach the warranty I'd get with the new car. And you don't get to take advantage of the $1000 discount on the new car. So really, the new car is now down to $16,995. For me, $995 is worth having a car that is 3 years newer and has 13,500 less miles. So this is how. . . somehow. . . I ended up with this new car.

Also add in that the new car gets slightly better mileage (29 highways versus 27) and contributes less emissions. .. and the fact that I don't even have to go to the DMV now, I will get the title mailed to me with no need to get an inspection (you know how I feel about Maryland's inspection process), and the fact that I get to pick a color that I very much like (midnight gray) versus the orange. I was sold. I really like that color. In the words of Paris Hilton, "It's Hot."

(I added a leather interior and a nice roof rack too. . .for not that much.) Darby and I have this weird habit of treating things really well when they are of nice quality, but unfortunately we junk up things that are not of such quality. So I thought if we got the leather interior, I'd ensure we'd keep this car clean.

The bad news? I have to wait 4-6 weeks to get this thing. It's in the factory right now, rolling down the line, being lovingly crafted by Saturn's highly skilled artisans.

Actually, that long waiting period might be a blessing in disguise. If at any time in the next month and a half I reconsider. . . I can cancel the sale. . .