It's In My Driveway and It's All Mine!...

...That was my first.... I just bought my second.  More about my newest car coming soon!

Today, June 30, 2001, I finally purchased the PT Cruiser of my dreams!  I have waited two years to get it.  I joined the PT Cruiser club when it first started and learned everything I could about the car.  We went to car shows every chance we could, to view it and take pictures. I would stand around the models and chat with others who were gathered around them, peering into every nook and cranny of the floor models that were positioned on turntables and stands.  There was always a crowd around the cruiser.

One day we even spent the $100.00 to rent one from a local rental agency, just to be able to drive it and test it out.  Waiting for it was the hardest thing I have ever done.

 We waited, not so patiently, knowing that one day the timing would be right to purchase it.  There was a time when I had given up all hope.  I could not let myself be disappointed so I refused to even look at them if we ran across them in our travels.   It was just too painful, thinking that my dream would never happen.  

I had heard all the talk and rumors.  I had heard that they weren't making the 2001 anymore and that the last car had rolled off the line for this model.  Again we heard of an eight month to one year wait if we ordered now.

My dreams were dashed when I heard that there were several million orders and they were only going to be able to make 700,000  2002 models from the two plants that were working overtime to crank them out.  

Today, as I browsed the Chrysler/ Dodge dealers around our hometown, seeing what was available,  I became even more forlorn.  There were a few PT Cruisers for sale on lots.  But none that I was looking for and not for the price I could pay. I didn't want a spoiler and they all seemed to have this obtrusive add on that that ruined the lines of this classic look.  

I was being quoted $23,000.00 by most dealers, and that was for models that didn't have all the bells and whistles.   It was getting more desperate... until we just happened into Wilson Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Inc. on main street (highway 321), in Winnsborro, South Carolina.  (Phone John Ramsey at: 1-800-551-1767).

We saw four Cruisers sitting on their lot and drove in to take a look.  There was a black, a white, a silver, and a raspberry.  As I approached the silver limited model, I gasp.  The sticker price was several thousand dollars less than all the other quotes we had heard.  It was fully loaded, with a moon roof, chrome wheels, leather seats, room console complete with compass, and a CD player, everything we wanted, and more.  We had been willing to bypass the moon roof if necessary and here was everything for less than we had found anywhere else. They actually sold it to us for the MSRP.  Yes, the MSRP.  Can you believe that?  Oh, and they don't charge the $1,000.00 non refundable ordering charge that all the others charge when you place and order for one.  Isn't that impressive?

You see, when these finally come in, (ones ordered), sometimes the potential owners have changed their minds about the color, or financing has fallen through, or they have decided to wait for the 2002 models to come out.  So, they are available, if you check frequently.  This dealership goes down their order list and contacts everyone who has ordered their car and is still waiting.  If none of them want the car, they put them on the lot for sale.  We were lucky, because they don't last long. 

I actually drove it home.  I was so nervous.  It was a little bit overwhelming.  I had not expected to bring one home today.  But I did.  It feels wonderful.  I was so overwhelmed with emotion when I got home, I could not drive for a while.  My husband took me out to dinner in our family car and when we got back I got to look at my PT Cruiser from the street in front of my house as we drove up.    What a perspective!  It took my breath away and I said, "Look!  Those people own a PT Cruiser!"  We both laughed and looked at each other.  It was hard to believe that it was really mine! 

I want to share something I have learned through this experience.  Don't settle for less than what you want.  Hang on to your dream and don't give up.  It will happen if you just hang on and keep working towards it. 

Christine