Dateline Dayton — I found it necessary to purchase another new car last week. I don’t like buying cars, clothes and other things, but two new cars in one year – unheard of in the Hennessey household. This purchase was a big step for me. I did not buy American. Yes, for the first time in our lives, we bought a foreign car. This isn’t to say we haven’t owned a foreign car. When Pauline’s brother could not drive any longer, he gave Pauline his foreign car.

I really wanted an American car. But there were none I liked or could afford. I would have liked a Chrysler PT Cruiser, but they don’t make them any longer. Then there was the Chevy HHR. Again, no longer made. At the Ford dealership, our nice salesman showed us cars he thought would meet our needs. Since price was a big factor, I asked to see a Ford Ranger truck. You guessed it. Ford no longer manufactures that model.

The Ford dealership has a Nissan dealership next door. I asked to see a Nissan, a Cube in particular. Salesman Dave took us to the showroom only to find, the Cube is no longer made. We left the Ford dealership with pricing to purchase, as well as lease, a car. I was not enthused.

Remembering when we purchased our Ford Escape back in January, we had looked at a Kia Soul. Really liked it. Maybe this time Kia would fit our needs. We still liked the Soul. This time we didn’t think it was too small, as we did back in January.

We took it for a test drive, the first since we test drove the HHR back in 2008. The car handled well. The salesman and his supervisor were determined we were going to leave with a Soul. We didn’t. We never make quick decisions, even though after taking our time, we still make bad calls.

I spent a fair amount of time on the computer last Thursday asking the salesman questions while talking pricing and terms. Finally I gave up in frustration. I didn’t like the payment schedule, so I told the salesman to give me his very best deal. The number was 73 cent less than my bottom figure. The salesman called when I got home from work and I told him to get me the car. I just purchased a foreign car. I don’t feel good about it, but the American manufactures aren’t making cars I like and can afford.

Saturday, our son Chris took me to pick up the car. Although I had not seen the color, I was pleased. The car handles nicely, and I enjoy driving it.

An Imperfect Car

As the saying goes, “it’s always something.” Monday I had to have the windshield replaced in our Escape. We were driving down the highway and a car entering the highway hit us with a stone. It sounded like a bullet hit the car. We did not even notice the mark in the glass until our son pointed it out next day. Although small, two repair shops told me it couldn’t be repaired due to the small line extending from the actual hit. We now own a new windshield.

Pleasant Turkeying

I hope you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving. Even with all our problems, we have a lot to be thankful for.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net