It has become apparent that Barb and I were not always on the same page when it comes to choosing cars and trucks. No big surprise. I used to sell cars and have: a) insiders knowledge you don't usually learn, b) had first crack at buying unusual used cars really cheap and c) could buy new cars essentially at invoice.
So we have owned a lot of cars. A cherry 68 Buick and 72 Olds Cutlass. Both showroom fresh despite their age, both unusual for having bucket seats, console, and low miles on the odometer. Scattered between were a plastic-bodied Chevy Lumina van, a Ford Taurus, a Subaru Wagon, and a dozen more cars, trucks, and SUV's I have forgot.
Our latest was a 06 Nissan Xterra that she bought, with my encouragement, rather than the smaller car she preferred. The Xtera has been a really great car. No problems, lots of power, a comfy ride, storage galore, and 4WD performance that can safely take you most anywhere. You also won't confuse the Xterra's styling with the glut of SUV's that esentially look alike.
Took these photos, because I could tell something was up.
Had I been better at really listening to Barb, I would have realized long before now that her taste in cars is different than mine. Her favorite cars that we bought were the Datsun 280Z (with a custom paint job I designed), an early 90's Nissan Sentra two-door (with no A/C, but with a sunroof), and a two-toned Suzuki Sidekick. Second tier on her list is her Xterra, the rest follow.
So it shouldn't have been a surprise when Barb was enamored with cousin Debbie and her husband Klaus' Scion xB after taking a road trip with them from Ashland to Bend. She liked the smaller size, better fuel mileage, comfortable seats, and quirky style.
I figured the chance of finding a low-mile, five to eight year old Scion was unlkely, especially locally where people tend to drive more than the national average, so I had Barb looking at the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube. She liked them, but not as much as the square-bodied xB. Then....
I saw a Scion xB sitting on the lot I used to work at (now TC Chevy, in Ashland). It had the right body style, nicely equipped, in great condition, and had low miles! 33,000. Mentioned it to Barb. She didn't take long to think about it.
So now Barb's a happy camper. I think I have finally learned to stay out of her decision process with cars. Took me long enough to learn.
Now she has a quirky car that matches her quirky personality. Give Barb a wave and say "Hi" when you see her.