On a whim today, on the way back to work after lunch, I and a friend stopped at a car dealership to have a peek at what was available. Turns out they had a reasonably priced 2001 Hyundai Accent hatchback, which I think I will probably buy. I was a little leery of getting an Hyundai, because I have always thought of them as crap cars, but starting in 2000, their reviews are actually quite positive. Some people definitely get lemons with them, but overall their ratings are good. The dealer was a typical used car sales person – high pressure and always trying to figure out ways to get me to walk away with the car right that instant. I managed to knock $1000 off the price, but only after he talked to the boss, of course. Car sales people always have to go talk to the boss. Once I said I wasn’t going to buy the car right then, he said they would only be able to knock $500 off the price. But, I am sure if I go back, I will get them back down.
They are also willing to finance, and they actually have better rates than the bank. My payments are only going to be $75/week, which is almost what I spend on cigarettes. Since I am quitting smoking on Monday, I won’t actually see any difference in my net income. Very nice indeed.
I am heading up above the tree line for the next few days to help teach an Alpine Ecology course to park rangers and other land managers. I am looking forward to it because the daily high temperatures up there are usually in the low 20’s. I guess the collecting and teaching will be good too.
