Monday, June 25, 2012

2009 Audi Q5

I've had my 2007 Honda Accord for five years and enjoyed it the entire time.  For several months, I've talked with Justin about getting an SUV.  Prior to the 2007 Honda Accord, I had a 2004 Ford Explorer and really liked sitting higher off the ground.  I also liked the power the six cylinder engine provided.  The Honda was paid for and I said I wouldn't get a new vehicle until I had to.

I changed my mind last weekend.

In the last few months, I jumped around from wanting an SUV, to wanting a car, to wanting an SUV, to wanting a car.  Saturday, I asked Justin if he wanted to test drive a BMW 5 Series since that's one of the vehicles I have been eyeing.  We visited a used car dealership in Gwinnett County and drive a BMW.  I liked it, but wasn't sure if I wanted to pull the trigger.  Justin asked me to drive an Infiniti G37s.  I drove it and like it a lot.  I was looking for something a little sporty, but still kind of luxurious.

Before we left, Justin asked me to drive a Porsche Cayenne.  I drove it and really liked it.  It had a lot of power and was really fun to drive.  The only thing that made me question that vehicle was the cost of maintenance.

As we were about to leave, I asked the salesman if I could drive one more.  I had spotted an Audi Q5 and was curious how it handled.  I had looked at them before, but really thought I wanted the Porsche Cayenne or another SUV.

I had also strongly considered an Acura MDX or an Acura RDX.  My mother has an MDX and really likes it.  I've driven it several times and like it, too.  I was considering the the RDX for the gas mileage.

I ultimately decided I really liked the Audi Q5, so I went home and began the search.  I knew there weren't a plethora of Q5s around, but I really did not realize how few there are.  I would search for them at Audi dealerships and each one might have one or two.  I was looking for a 2009 or 2010 with relatively low mileage.  The 2009 and 2010 models were in my price range, but I kind of wanted the bells and whistles.

I found what I wanted at Gwinnett Audi, so we headed to the dealership on Sunday afternoon to drive it.  We drove it and I let Justin know how much I really liked the vehicle.  The salesman went inside so we could discuss specifics.  We came up with a number we were both happy with, so we went inside to haggle.  To make a long story short, we decided on a price and signed the papers.

Note:  I got these photos from the dealership's website.


















The interior is very clean and there are no odors, which is incredibly important to me.  I keep my car very clean and get annoyed by people who don't.  I understand car cleanliness isn't as important to everyone as it is me, but I absolutely will not buy a vehicle that isn't clean and has odors like smoke, pet odors, or fragrances.  I really do not want my car to smell like a strawberry or cherry.










Before I bought the Honda, I looked at used Volkswagen Passats.  I questioned the cleanliness of some vehicles I looked at in Valdosta.  The salesman told me it was basically impossible to keep vehicles with a tan interior clean.  I begged to differ with him and showed him my Explorer.  It was spotless inside.  He told me no one keeps their vehicle that clean and I was the exception to the rule.




















I really don't know what most of these buttons and knobs do.



I have nothing against children, but I asked the salesman if the previous owner had children and he confirmed she didn't.  He actually sold her the vehicle and also assisted her when she traded it in on her next Audi Q5.  I think my lack of children has a lot to do with me keeping my vehicles so clean.

I love driving this vehicle!  It's such a smooth ride and so easy to drive.  I still have my trusty Honda and plan to drive it on occasion.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Happy Anniversary, My Love!

Nine years ago today, Justin and I got married. It seems like forever ago and sometimes it seems like yesterday. We've had some really good times together. We've also had some not so good times, too.

When we were dating, I would play Ella Fitzgerald's version of "Everytime We Say Goodbye" and get Justin to dance with me. I think I probably enjoyed it more than he, but it was such a happy time we spent together.



Everytime we say goodbye
I die a little.
Everytime we say goodbye
I wonder why a little.
Why the gods above me
who must be in the know
think so little of me
they allow you to go.

When you're near
there's such an air of spring about it.
I can hear a lark somewhere
begin to sing about it.
There's no love song finer
but how strange the change
from major to minor
everytime we say goodbye.

When you're near
there's such an air
of spring about it.
I can hear a lark somewhere
begin to sing about it.
There's no love song finer
but how strange the change
from major to minor
everytime we say goodbye.

When you're near
there's such an air
of spring about it.
I can hear a lark somewhere
begin to sing about it.
There's no love song finer
but how strange the change
from major to minor
everytime we say goodbye.

Happy Anniversary, Justin!  I love you.