'02 VW Passat

Well... we did it, we purchased a used car. It's not my dream car, but it wasn't falling apart or full of rust or have 150,000+ miles. I tried to make my dad proud by asking all the right questions, looking at all the right places, freaking out the guy as I let go of the steering wheel to test the alignment during my test drive. The answers to the questions seemed to check out, the VIN# came back clean, and Quinn bartered on the price. I ended up going back the next day alone to finalize the title transfer & bill of sale because Quinn is in class for the rest of the week.

So, why do I feel so nervous about the decision?
The car has a stack of receipts an inch thick.

From what I can tell 2009 & 2010 were the midlife crisis for the car... everything that should be replaced seems to have been within those two years. Timing belt, turbo, A/C freon boost, tires, etc. It's just kind of overwhelming receiving this folder after you've exchanged the money and had the title notarized to your name. In no way am I saying that I'm not grateful they kept all of the records, but whew! The prior owner was a Navy Officer, he was very open and nice, his wife attended Bible college... one of the sweetest women I've met. You could tell she was sad about selling the car (just like I was with the Mazda...).

I'm just praying we didn't get ourselves into a disguised fixer-upper that we ultimately can't afford in the end. Also, I just went to fill it up... and found out the question I didn't ask. Evidently German engineered cars (the turbo) only use Super Premium Fuel... *sigh* that's 20cents/gal more than Regular Unleaded... live & learn right? At least I can buy gas on base, and premium here is the same a regular off base...

I needed a car, he's back in class/work and we still have to house hunt... it was a necessary purchase. We'll see how much fuel ends up costing us, if it's a lot we may purchase a different car/sell this one after he returns from deployment next year.

Life is crazy!
Keep us in your prayers!