Update: I have since reviewed this company on Yelp. It is Biddulph Mazda.

Today gave me a headache. Literally.

I’ve been having a hard time driving my car without being paranoid lately. I know it sounds silly, and I know I will probably get over it eventually. Maybe. However, it’s been a real chore. I had never been the driver in an accident until two weeks ago. The only other accident I had been in I was a passenger and it was a decade ago.

I started looking, and the 2010 3 really caught my attention. I absolutely love the happy smiley face it has. I’d love to see that every day.

I did my research, which wasn’t too strenuous as I already have a 2007, and I found the color and package that I wanted. It wasn’t fully loaded but a definite upgrade from mine. The prices seemed reasonable and I figured if I could get the payments down low enough, that I would consider trading mine in as the equity on my car is more than what I owe.

So today, I ventured off with two dealerships in mind. I headed to the first one and spent awhile wandering around before I decided to talk to a salesman. I started off test driving a model lower than what I wanted. They didn’t have the exact car I wanted (it was at the other dealership). Soon it was price talking time. It went about four rounds of back and forth, which is annoying, but I’m used to it. In the end, they couldn’t meet what I was looking for, which was fine. I wasn’t set on buying and I definitely don’t need to buy. I appreciate the honest and integrity with which they handled themselves during the time I was there. I left disappointed but not angry or bitter.

Off to the second dealership I went. What a horrible mistake. I got there, and knew exactly what I wanted, and the car was even sitting on a pedestal for me. The salesman that came out seemed very nice at first and off we went for a test drive.

I loved the car. I loved the way it ran and how it had more power than the one I currently own. I appreciated him taking the time to talk to me about features even though I knew them all and for asking me if I wanted to hit the highway before assuming I didn’t. We started discussing what I do for a living and he asked me if I knew how to figure out women then. I should’ve taken this as a warning signal. But, I didn’t.

When we returned, we evaluated my car where he told me it’s in not bad shape and that it looks like its kissed the curb a few times. What? My car is in damn good awesome shape and doesn’t have relations with curbs. Though I guess that is what they’re supposed to do. Convince me it’s not worth what it is. When we get in and I get a price, I asked to see the S-plan price I am entitled to see. He did not know what the S-plan was. I wanted to cry. How can you not know the various incentive plans that are standard for your company?

After that got figured out, they were still coming out high and not lowering the price at all. On top of that I was offered a significantly lower value on my car’s trade in, which was complete bull. I called him on it and explained my situation. I was looking to see if they could beat where I was already at. I explained that I didn’t need to buy a car today, but if it was made worth my while I would consider walking out the door with one. He refused to budge. Instead he started trying sophomoric tactics on me in hopes they would work.

One of the first lines I received was that it’s a Japanese car and it’s made overseas and brought over on a boat. No shit Shirlock. Do you mistake me for someone that hasn’t done her research? Do I look like the girl who walks in and wants the “pretty little bright blue car that looks happy?” Sorry. That’s not all there is to me. I got to hear all about how they are made better and blah blah blah blah blah. I have one. I already know this.

Then there came the asking me if I’d mind leasing as I’d lower my payments that way. I let him know that was not an option. I am not a fan of leasing cars. Rather than taking my answer, he continued to hound me about how I don’t put a lot of miles on my car and that it’s pointless for me to purchase. I explained to him my reasons but they were no use.

After this I explained to him again that if I walked out without buying today it was not a big deal to me. My car is in great shape and I love it. I just happen to like the new body style too. He came back with the fact that my car won’t be under warranty much longer (which I’m not entirely sure about) and that I’ll have to pay $2500 to extend it. Okay but people have cars that aren’t under warranty. All. The. Time. ALL THE DAMN TIME! Still not a reason.

I politely said to him that this didn’t seem to be the right time and that I would just keep looking. As I started to get up he started again with the number crunching and asked me what my bottom line was. I told him the range in which I would highly consider walking out of there with a car. So he writes it down, (just the monthly payment amount and the down payment amount) and puts an x for me to sign near. On scrap paper. I told him I was not comfortable signing something that had no detail to it and that I just didn’t think that the price would get to where I wanted it to be. He got up and left and went back tot he finance office. I would’ve left at this point, but I realized he still had the sheet with my S-plan information on it.

When he returned he had another deal that was still not good enough. I thanked him again and let him know it was not going to work out this time. His reply? “Obviously.” WTF? Are you serious? He then proceeds to ask me if I want his company to lose money and if I want him to lose money and not get paid. I told him this had nothing to do with that and I was simply going to wait for a better time to buy. I told him I thought the price could go down quite a bit yet, and that I wasn’t really being given an offer other than what I came in with myself.

I then said, “I need my S-plan sheet back. Can I have it?” His reply to this was, “Sure you can have whatever you want” in the most sarcastic voice possible. By this time I was pissed.

He returns with my sheet and starts pretty much indicating what a horrible customer I am and how I shouldn’t ask for them to work on a lower price than what I was given. He kept bringing up how he gets paid on commission. Not sure if that was because he thought I didn’t know or if he wanted to portray that he didn’t get paid to talk to me. At this point I was so angry, I knew I couldn’t say anything without being bitter, so I simply ignored him and walked out the door. As I was heading to my car, two employees outside began asking what my license plate means, and I responded. This was followed by questions such as “oh well is that you?” and “why do you have a plate like that” in what seemed like sarcastic voices followed by laughter.

UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I have had my share of rude customer service people. I have been to car dealerships and typically already have a lower scale for them. This however, is a whole new type of low and a whole new level of douchebaggery. I should’ve told him why he’s not able to figure out women.

On my way home from work on Wednesday I was rear ended.

Car.

Go.

Boom.

Not only is this my baby, my Lil 3, that is only almost 3 years old, but it’s my first accident I’ve been in where I was driving. The only other one I was involved in I was the passenger. And I was 19.

It’s hot out. I have to sit and call my insurance company, and call the police. I had an evening planned.

Everything’s being taken care of and my car is going in on Monday for repairs at an excellent shop. The police officer that arrived on the scene was fantastic. My insurance company, showed how awesome they are yet again.

However, I am still sad about my car, and sad that it’s pristine condition has been jeopardized. It’s hard because I love my car. If you know me, you are probably well aware of this. She’s my everything. However, every time I see her I am saddened. I am nervous driving. I never walk behind her and stare at her ass anymore.

So I’m torn. Part of me feels like I can’t abandon her. Part of me is selfish and thinking about having a car that has an accident record. Even though it’s not my fault, it’s still a record. She still got hit. So I sell her? Trade her in? Get a new car? Her blue book value is slightly above what I owe for her trade in and well above if I sell her.

I’ve always told myself my next car will be a cute tiny coupe convertible with a chocolate brown top and roll bar that I will have custom painted hot pink. That’s a lot of pressure to put on me now too, but I have to admit I am starting to ponder.

Ugh.

Torn.

This weekend has been great. Friday, I left work to come home and make some great chili for a chili party my neighbors and I were having. I ended up making a quick turkey and bean chili and while it wasn’t the typical all day crock pot affair I normally do, I got quite a few compliments. I made some spaghetti at home to have with the leftovers and it’s been fantastic! It’s so nice to have great neighbors to hang out with, three more people I know in AZ Bob and Jessy came to the chili party as well and hung out for a little while afterwards, but we were all a little tired.

Yesterday I had a very fortunate day. I accomplished some things I have been meaning to get done for awhile, and while no, I did not do any more unpacking, I did feel satisfied at the end.

I started off having the furniture cleaners come over promptly at 9 to clean my furniture. It was nice to have it not take up my entire day. However, it looks like it didn’t go very well as they are dry this morning and still have stains. I am not quite sure what I am going to do.

I then headed over to a branch of my Credit Union to get a debit/atm card. I was supposed to receive one in the mail as the branch in my office building doesn’t give them out on site, but it has been three weeks. They informed me other branches hand them out immediately. On the way, I found a great car wash, which I have been trying to find for awhile. So, not only did I find the branch close to my house and get my debit/ATM card, but I found a great car wash and was able to get all the crud from my car’s transport to Phoenix off. They dry the car both hand and with air guns and the car wash is completely touch free and can be watched from inside. Of course, as coincidence would have it, the card that was sent to me was at my house when I returned from my trip.

I also went to the store and got a few little supplies (including more water). The tape water in Tempe is not the greatest, and I probably won’t even be able to give it to the sugar gliders. Therefore, I decided to invest in something I have wanted for awhile, which is the PUR filtration system for your faucet that includes the flavors as well. We all know I am not a fan of water to begin with. I’m not a fan of soft drinks so much either. I really love juices and kool-aid (thanks mom) which almost just as bad. Hopefully this will help. I had some minor issues attaching it to my faucet last night, but I’ll address those later and definitely let you know how this ends up turning out.

I was also able to finally pay all my bills from the past few months which was a big load off my back (and pile off my counter).

Along with that included scheduling the flight for my sugar gliders to Phoenix. Morrigan and Tequila Rose will be here next Thursday evening and I am so excited. That gives me so much motivation to have everything organized for when they arrive. I cannot begin to tell you how much I have missed them even though I know they are being spoiled by their babysitter (I get pictures constantly to prove it). Don’t plan on seeing me much Thursday or Friday

I was also able to finally register a couple domains I have been meaning to do forever. I am hoping this gives me motivation to get my portfolio up and running (as I have registered my name) and start blogging on my usability blog, Snuggle Taxonomy which I also registered a domain name for.

I meant to blog in regards to all of this last night before I went to bed, but I crashed after being up late Friday. Today I am going to look at a center in Phoenix to volunteer at. Hopefully afterwards I will be able to get some unpacking in before I go to the Pistons/Suns game with Bob, Jessy, and ERIC!! Eric’s flight gets in today so we are celebrating.

I am truly grateful for the amazing adventures I have been having since I arrived in Phoenix. I am progressing well at finding the balance I hoped I would and having the courage to try new things and start a new life here. I probably forgot to blog about World Usability Day in the chaos so maybe I will add that soon.

I wanted to start off by apologizing for the delay in updates. I didn’t have my own ISP until today and was relying on other open wireless connections, which failed on me the past few days. However, I am finally up and running (the cable guy just left) and am able to give you a quick update.

This past Monday was my first day at the new job. It has been going fairly well. The typical issues have arose but today I was able to get my first project and start digging into it a little before I had to head home to meet the cable guy. I am very excited to start getting into the routine of things there!

Yesterday I had most of the day off due to all of my items arriving at my house at once. One my way into work, I received a call that my movers were coming with my household goods. I turned around and came straight back. By the time they were finished, I had a call from my car movers that my car had arrived. I have never been so happy to see my lil 3 but my is she dirty. I have some of my stuff out of boxes but still nothing close to where I need to be. I need to find sheets and all that so I am sleeping on spare sheets on the couch. My furniture arrived dirty, and I am in the process of dealing with that.

The boxes are really getting to me so I cannot wait to start sifting through this over the next week… and getting my TV stand put together so my TV isn’t sitting on the carpet floor.