One Beater and One Adult-Style

We've had the '93 Saturn fixed, and she's running again. I've learned a few things from the gentleman who replaced the ignition module (ouch): the Saturn engines were built for performance, like racing engines, and can be pushed and pushed. Many other things under the hood, not so much, but the engine will last for a while.

After the perceived (and prematurely concluded) death of our Bandito Rojo, we decided that we're too old to rely on a seventeen-year-old beater (I don't really consider our Saturn a "beater"). We went looking for a car to purchase, one that would be reliable for some years to come. We wanted something with a standard transmission, good mileage, and the ability to transport larger items for moving, travelling, or camping purposes. Sounded almost too difficult to find that in our price range but:



It's the nicest car of which I've ever been in the ownership group, that Passat Wagon. A 2004 with only 100k miles--all freeway, tinted windows, heated seats, defrosting mirrors, enough room to fold down the seats and sleep, five strong speeds, single owner with records, and an iPod attachment already installed.

All for less than bluebook. We caught a break.

The seller said he liked us and wanted us to buy it, that it was time for his family to upgrade (his first non VW purchase: a diesel BMW wagon), and, when it came time for him to hand over the keys, he stalled and was reluctant to the end.

We feel really lucky.