I bought a new vehicle today. There has been contemplation for several months. I needed better gas mileage and a smaller car.
I drove a Mazda 3 rental while in Baltimore and loved it.
Switching makes of cars is a big deal to some (me) people. I have driven Jeeps for nine years...and other Dodge/Chrysler products for 14-15 years prior to that.
But the biggest deal about all this is that I bought my first foreign-built and designed car today.
"American-made is better made."
"Buy American."
"Support industry here at home." I believe all those things...but, the time has come in the auto industry that one cannot make a major purchase like a car on honor and allegiance alone.
Clu Flu would never buy anything but a Ford/Mercury or Dodge/Chrysler product (American). But, he was a very intelligent and rationale man....and I think if he were alive today, he would probably see there are valid reasons to buy a foreign-built vehicle. Anyway, I guess I hope he would see that...
On to the fun part---I bought a 5-door Mazda CX 7 i Sport; "Stormy Blue" with a 2.5 cu. engine with variable valve timing. It's a good looking crossover and I enjoy driving it. The Commander was just cumbersome and had limited maneuverability.
The dealership was easy to work with and I feel like they were fair/honest.
The only drawback is that the car has a rear DVD player that will never be used, but since it was on the lot, they dropped the price.
ZOOM-ZOOM!
