I'm sorry Rosie. I agree with Taylor call your Mom on the booties.

Rosie - I'm sorry. I know I was sad when I got rid of my very first car. Good luck car shopping and I"m sure you'll still look stylish like you always do.

and what's wrong with public transportation? You would be the best dressed on the bus

Ha...I'm a huge fan of public transport! If I could take BART everyday I would. It just won't take me to work...and I live in Oakland.

Rosie...you are going to be 'shopping' for your new car...how fun will that be! and keep us looped in which cars (brands) are on your list. btw im a big car fan!

Checking back in because it occurred to me that people might find this info useful. After having a very bad experience myself and then my brother having the same recently, I have learned the hard way that I prefer to only buy a model of car that has been around at least three years.

The reason for that is that after 3ish years reliability statistics start to become available. I will never again buy another car without reading up on the reliability issues. As an example, the Subaru I bought brand new in 2002 was a new model at the time, and thus had no stats available. I bought it anyway, and last year the engine blew up. If you read the reliability reports for my model year, it is clear that the issue I had was a fairly common issue for my model year.

The sites I use for this are msn and edmund's.

Good luck car shopping, Rosie! I think you'd look fab in something metallic.

Oh Rosie, I HATE car shopping, I just don't understand it, in fact if it were not for flipping cars I would be a very rich woman with a very extensive wardrobe. You have my sincere commiserations.

Rosie,

I am sorry to hear about your NAS returns. I went through the same thing last year; but for different reasons (fallout from the economy). I sucked it up; and was later treated to a pre-20th reunion shopping trip by DH. I ended up with some great pieces that look fab, and everything worked out fine. Personally, I am not buying anything at NAS this year. In fact, my only experience with NAS has been trying on a few pairs of shoes that everyone raved about (free for me), and letting my mom buy each of the kids a pair of Puma sneakers (her nickel). Right now, every dollar counts, and I'm realizing that not being able to shop freely is not that serious, in the scheme of things.

I am also a 10-year-old car owner, with 200K+ miles, who has spent more on repairs recently. I love not having a car payment, and am dreading the day when I have to cough up the cash for a newer one. As you focus on the makes and models that you like, I think that you should start a thread called, "Looking Fab Behind the Wheel," and post pics of yourself in different cars. I think that it would be fun to help you with this very important purchase, and/or support you during the process.

Keep your head up! This too shall pass...

Well you look so fabulous now that it really doesn't matter ; )

If you don't mind, I would also like to offer a couple of tips that worked for me and my family. Once we decided on the type of car, I emailed several dealerships with the specs and the amount we had to spend, whoever felt they could do that emailed me back. Literally, no haggling.

If you go used ( which I recommend ) make sure you get a CARFAX report ! A good deal is usually the cars that are lent out to people at the dealership while their own car is getting fixed, you could ask some dealerships about that.

Such wonderful wisdom and boosts! Thanks for all the wise tips. I know I'm not the first person to be in this predicament.

Leslie, you are so right, and, as always, have great humor even with the wisdom.
I may have to have my dad take some pics!

We have a friend with a really good relationship with a dealer so we're starting there with a Prius. We'll see how it goes!

Rosie-My current car is certified used, I would also recommend that route if you aren't already for a car. I am thrilled with mine. And the insurance was a lot less because it wasn't a new car.

Aww Rosie sorry you have to forgo NAS for a car....but you are being sensible. And I hope you are excited by the new car once all the hassle is over. Then its on to more fun again I hope!!!