My new car!

So we finally replaced Mike's truck that was totaled in March. Instead of replacing the truck, we decided to go ahead and get something more family/dog friendly since my Outback has a lot of miles. All of our family lives far away so we need something big enough to accommodate Piper and all of her accessories plus 2 big dogs and all of our stuff. Mini-vans were not an option. Mike refuses to ever own one and I just couldn't bring myself to drive one.

I thought I had settled on a Chrysler Pacifica because it was AWD and roomy enough for our needs. Mike wasn't impressed but was apathetic. It bugged me that he didn't want the car, too. Even though it was supposed to be the family car, I wanted him to approve, or at least care about, what we picked because he is the one working to pay for it. We kinda got into an argument over it because he didn't think I had explored my options enough not realizing how many hours I had spent looking at used and new cars over the internet trying to find the right vehicle at the right price. I wasn't settling on cars based on the internet alone, but it was certainly narrowing things down for me. Car shopping doesn't have to be just going to dealer to dealer anymore.

Once we got to the dealership, there happened to be a Jeep Commander parked nearby that was on sale. This isn't something we considered, but I got excited immediately. The Pacifica was a good choice, but the Jeep may be a better one. After a test drive of both vehicles and a drive around town in our own car discussing the decision, we chose the Jeep.

First, it was just cooler. I shouldn't still think that way, but I do. It also fit all of our needs and Mike won't be embarrassed to drive it. Plus, I realized if Mike wanted to take his fishing boat out with the family we would have to take 2 vehicles because the old Dodge can't have a car seat in it and the Pacifica can't tow. We also live in Montana. How are we supposed to enjoy Montana as a family without a vehicle that can go into the mountains? The price was also just right. Even with a 5-year extended warranty, we got it for Blue Book price.

The only downside to the Jeep is the gas mileage because it is full-time 4WD and 8cyl. We are compensating for that by Mike commuting in the Subaru and the Jeep being my primary vehicle. I walk everywhere in Belgrade, only need a vehicle when I go in to Bozeman. There is a gauge that tells you your current mpg so that may make me more aware of my speeding ways and help me slow down to get better gas mileage.

The Jeep the nicest and lowest mileage vehicle I have ever owned. I think our little argument prior to the trip to the dealer sent up the rockets of desire that were necessary for us to both get what we wanted. Yep, I love our new Jeep.