Southbound

Well, I finally went with my gut and common sense. I just ordered a NEW Aegean Blue 02 TLS. I let my Credit Union "Autoland broker" do the searching and haggling for price, then I just go pick it up at the credit union where all the paperwork is done at the same time. It will be delivered Monday or Tuesday... CAN YOU SAY LONG WEEKEND! I had a hard time, as many of you know, deciding on color and whether or not to pop for the 2003. The broker told me that none of the dealers where budging on 2003s, and that he could only locate 2 ABP new vehicles in the L.A. area. (both 2002) I got the 2002 for $30,000 even (non-navi). That's $1,800 less than he was able to score a 2003 for me, and I was tired of waiting. I could have waited (impatiently, my birthday is next week)for him to locate a 03 ABP, but I couldn't stand the wait and the extra cost will now go for stereo upgrades instead of the bragging rights of a "03 sticker"... With the fact that every car I buy, I keep forever, and drive into the ground, I guess I couldn't justify the extra expense for an identical car just to say it was a 2003. I plan to buy and keep this car until it's very old and tired. I have a 94 Camry V6XLE that I will use as my second car now, and will drive it into the ground before I jump ahead of the TLS with another purchase whenever the Camry becomes old and tired. It only has $75K miles on it now and is still going strong... BUT I am REALLY looking forward to the performance and handling upgrade of my new TLS. I will notice the difference, won't I? I just need to hear the confirmation to help with the payment factor. So while a lot of new buyers are jumping on the 2003 bandwagon, I have decided to stay back with the majority of this group and pick up a new 02 at what I feel is a decent deal. Wish me luck on the tranny, rattles, slow starts, etc. lemon issues.... Thanks! I've finally arrived!