Waiting for the vehicle

Ok, we have taken the plunge, put $500 down to get one of the last 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid Limiteds in Steel Blue Metallic. The local Ford dealer did a trade with a dealer from the Chicago area to bring us the vehicle. We asked the local dealer to order and install the running boards as the only add-on option.

Why? We have a 2009 Toyota Sienna that we really like... except for averaging about 19mpg. Last year we put 15,000 miles on just that vehicle. I put easily over 10,000 on mine. I wondered where all the money was going each month... now I know (thanks mint.com!). OK, so many of you are questioning the logic of going from a used vehicle purchase to a new purchase that we will have to finance a portion of the debt. I have this desire in life to have as little variability in the things that I can control- such as money cash outflows. I am trading a variable outflow of money for gas, for a fixed monthly payment for the vehicle and a lower variable amount on gas. Other point is getting a vehicle that is new, needs little maintenance for years, and makes my significant other happy!

Just waiting for the car to get here and complete the trade and purchase. Next post should be about that deal and how everything panned out.