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I worked in Public Administration, Managed Health Care, and Real Estate. Originally from Chicago and greater Chicago, I've lived in Minnesota my adult life. Blessed with a loving wife, four great sons, two accomplished daughters-in-law and there endearing grandkids. Now battling Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Zoom-Zoom-Zoom replaces Fahrvergnügen

Well, I ended up trading in my Volkswagen Passat for a 2005 Mazda Sportwagon S. I wasn't particularly unhappy withe Passat and found it to be a pretty nice car to own and drive.

At the same time, I was becoming increasingly nervous about whether I was living a charmed life with the Passat. I noted that there were a lot of folks who were experiencing some expensive repairs as Passats aged (one acquaintance is on his 3rd clutch in less than 120,000 miles and has had electronic problems). I know that I can't afford to be without a car and really put a priority on reliability. Plus, I was approaching some required maintenance that would cost over $1,000 plus would need new winter tires, battery, etc.

I casually looked at the Mazda and noted that they had $7000 discounts as end-of-year closeouts. I test drove a Wagon and really liked its feel and the engine/transmission combination. It handles very well and you can sense it's more of a driver's car than an appliance. Unfortunately the demo was a similar color as the Passat (a kind of blue grey). Then I spotted a Firemist Red wagon with tan interior and I was smitten.

Another deal sweetner: the dealership provides free oil changes very 3750 miles. Plus the Mazda gulps regular unleaded rather than premium unleaded. And the cost of buying a new car was actually a lower monthly payment than for the Passat.

So I pulled the trigger and am now Zooming. Here are a couple of photos of the car:


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