Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Goodbye 1990's Clunkers, Hello Lexus Hybrid

Last year, Becky's and my sedans bit the dust.  That included the newer car, the 1996 Buick my mom gave me when she could no longer drive. We took that LeSabre on an 8,000-mile adventure to Cancun and back the winter of 2010/2011. The Mexican mechanics who kept the clunker running loved it. MUY FUERTE they would exclaim at the powerful old engine. Although we had hoped to keep the cars for another 100,000 miles and felt sad when they died, we are delighted by our new Lexus Hybrid. We wonder how we put up with all the things that didn't work for so long.

Our new Lexus SE 300 Hybrid
It's my first new car. Well, almost new -- a demo with 3000 miles. It's quiet, handles smoothly, and averages 42 miles per gallon. We love the color and design, keyless entry, leather-like bamboo upholstery, navigation system, Blue Tooth, and the advanced safety features including a back-up camera that shows not only what's behind the car but what's coming from both sides.

We appreciate Lexus of Maplewood's prompt, respectful service -- no condescension or sexism -- and the new-owner brunch that helped us master, sort of, the car's computer system. We actually look forward to an oil change so we can enjoy the quiet, comfortable waiting area and the free vanilla cappuccino and hot chocolate. We're happy that, in our sixties, we're finally willing to splurge on a luxury vehicle.

Five-hour blockade, 90 degrees, no water, no toilet 
Our first Lexus road trip will be this March, to visit family and friends in Colorado, New Mexico, and LA before arriving in Napa for the month of April. We'll probably never tackle a road trip to Cancun again. Becky and I could stand it, but we wouldn't want to subject our new Lexus to the ordeal!
Buick in repair shop, Yucatan, Mexico

1 comment:

Ted Manahan said...

What a treat - we look forward to seeing your new auto!