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1,204 Posts
(Sorry in advance for any typos or grammatical errors! You will soon notice this is a book so I'm not going to proofread it! Shame!) 
So there I was awake at 4am! This time NOT due to my excitement for the Q50 but because my cat once again brought a mole inside (into my bedroom no less) to “play with him” for over an hour. Sadly this is a nightly occurrence in my home; whether a mole, rabbit, birds (baby and adult), and of all things crawfish; but I digress. As I laid in bed deciding whether to get up at that moment therefore having to catch the mole myself as Pookie would run off or wait it out and throw the dead mole in the trash a couple of hours later, I checked my text messages (isn’t that what everyone does at 4am?) and to no surprise there was a text from my friend who was supposed to drive down to Huntsville with me stating that she had insomnia and would be unable to join me. Frankly, I wasn’t concerned to go alone because I realized that it would be sweltering hot and I would be outside checking out all the cars for far longer than anyone else would want to tolerate.
As I got ready for the 90 minute drive to Huntsville, my thoughts were on color for I told myself that I just had to make a decision today! Given all my “scientific” polls on Facebook and this forum, and my personal preference, by the time I hit the road, I had narrowed my choices down to Venetian Ruby Red and Malbec Black. I just knew there was no other color that spoke to me and fit my personality. I was so very proud of myself for narrowing things down. FINALLY!!! Pat on the back Infiniti Chick! Pat on the back!!
Distraught after discovering there wasn’t a Starbucks until I hit the Huntsville area, I had to turn on some booty shaking music to take my mind off of the realization that I will have to make do with water until my return trip home! HOW would I manage?!?! Shortly after getting on the freeway, sorry I mean interstate as they call them in the south and I’m corrected over and over, I look in my rearview mirror and coming up behind me is none other than the much discussed Lexus IS; red 2013 non-F Sports. It immediately caught my attention thanks to those slick day running lights! ME LIKEY and am thrilled that Infiniti finally got with the hip program and added some pretty cool running lights on the Q50! But watching the Lexus I came to two conclusions! 1) Other than the running lights, the front wasn’t nearly as aggressive as the 2014 F Sport version and 2) I am just not a fan of red cars. What?!?! So what does that mean exactly? Am I really cutting Red from my two finalists? Well, I had another hour or so to think it through….and boy did I!!
By the time I reached the dealership my mind was made up! No question about it!! I had decided that Malbec Black had won the showdown and was the final decision. Without a doubt!! To further confirm my decision it seemed like fate that the car immediately behind my parking spot was a Malbec Black G37 Coupe. I immediately walked over to the Coupe, didn’t pass Go, did not collect $200! I had to check that bad boy out!! Just as I had envisioned, partially to help of Gbert and BenW who provided me lovely pictures last night of the Malbec! Moments later a sales rep walked over and asked if I was interested in the convertible to which I quickly responded, “Nope!! The Malbec Black paint color! I’m here for the Q50s!!”
As he walked me inside, he mentioned that the Q50s had arrived but they were not yet on the lot and not really visible to the public. I told him that I had been working with Ryan and he was expecting me. Unfortunately Ryan was still with another client but soon took a quick break to tell me the devastating news…….they were not allowed to remove any stickers, plastic wrapping or test drive until the updates were completed. I mentioned how disappointing that was considering I had driven down to see them and that many on this forum have been able to test drive since Thursday. While waiting for his appointment to finish up, I posted the thread update that I was unable to test drive them but then spent time reading another great review of a forum member that had completed a test drive today. A little deflated (sadly not physically! Ha) but still excited to see the Q50s up close and personal, in all colors except the Malbec Black (which is why I checked it out on the Coupe), Ryan returned to say that his appointment is going longer than expected but he has asked another rep to walk me over to the Q50s to take a peek.
Moments later Ryan introduced me to Rob, the rep who initially met me at the Coupe and also with some exciting news!! They had spoken with the owner and he had agreed to let me drive it around the block. SERIOUSLY?!?! I get to drive one?!? YIPPEE!! I was ecstatic and smiling from ear to ear!! THIS is a big deal because the sales reps haven’t even been allowed to drive them yet. I could not contain my excitement and if you knew me in person, you’d know I have quite the recognizable and infectious laugh…just today someone on Facebook called it the “200 decibel laugh”…that’s pretty accurate. I definitely sound like a 12 year old girl when I laugh. Haha
Rob and I held hands and skipped out to the back lot. Well, OK that didn’t happen but I was so giddy that I almost grabbed his hand and ran outside like we were kids going out for recess. As the door opens I am immediately confronted with eight beautiful Q50s. Where do I begin?!?! Well, let’s start at the first one. Nope, show me the red! I went around the corner and there she was! Ruby!! Ruby was indeed a gorgeous girl and not shy about it at all. Matter of fact, she demanded some attention! Right in front of her was Chestnut Bronze. I agree with those who have had the pleasure in seeing this color in person, it is lovely…and I never thought I’d like a brown/bronze car! But it wasn’t me!! Maybe if I was more introverted, it might be the perfect color, but let’s face it, introverted I am NOT! It was great to see them back to back because although both hybrids, the Bronze was Sports and the Red was Premium. Believe me, I studied their bodies more than I’ve studied just about ANY body in recent years. Ha…sadly a true story!
I next walked over to the remaining Q50s. Side by Side were the Black Obsidian Sports (oh thank you spell check for knowing how to spell Obsidian since I can never remember!) and the much talked about Hagane Blue Premium. I immediately knew that I would not go with Hagane. It’s a nice color but too similar to my current color, Lakeshore Blue. It was lighter than expected and could definitely be considered silver tinted in some light. To my left were the Graphite Shadow and Liquid Platinum. I had seen both at the local reveal party so I knew what to expect from both of them. The Graphite is an attractive shade of gray/silver which I prefer over the Platinum which just seems a bit flat to me.
As I turn to head back toward Ruby, she was calling my name asking me to take a few pictures of her, SUCH a diva, my eye catches the last color! That’s right, the almighty Moonlight White. Of course my immediate thoughts went to Gbert and his love of this color and his hot looking avatar, NOT to be confused with SimpsonTide’s hot avatar!!! I had to admit to myself that that was a beautiful machine! The Moonlight White was indeed everything that everyone that has seen it in person has attested to. OK, focus!! Ruby is now screaming and throwing a tantrum so I head over and take a few shots of her and the Bronze together. She really wanted her own photo shoot but I told her she was just being too high maintenance and there was only enough room in my life for ONE high maintenance chick….and that’s Infiniti Chick! That’s right ladies and gentlemen, I kept to my word and did not order the Venetian Ruby Red. Although beautiful I just knew owning a red car was not something I could love for the next few years! I bid her adieu and proceeded to the Black Obsidian to take a couple of shots of, dare I say, Black Beauty, as well as a shot of the Black Sports fascia and the Hagane Premium fascia side by side. I think it is important to see the difference in the two, especially for anyone not able to see in person before ordering.
As I finished taking a couple of shots, Rob returned with the key fob for Black Beauty! I yelled out, “Woohoo!” as I sat inside, quickly followed by, “Good lord have mercy it’s an oven in here!” Pressing the Start ignition, I was told that the touch screens weren’t even activated so I could not play around with them, or even have them turn on. Frankly, I was OK with that as I’ve seen so many videos (thank you Q50Aggie) and the Simulator (thank you Sinecure) that I didn’t feel it was a negative. It would have been great to play around with but I already know it’s going to be the cat’s meow. Really? Did I just say the cat’s meow??? Umm that’s even old for my “young” age.
I will not give a detailed review on the test drive because frankly, I chatted with the sales rep the entire time (SHOCKING…as you can tell, this girl can type and talk a lot!). I will say that the Q50 Sports (non-hybrid) was such a nice, smooth, quiet ride. Noticeably more so than my G37 Sports. The steering is a dream!! It is hard to describe but all I can say is that I never felt “disconnected” to the road by the steering. It was like cutting through soft butter with a knife. Smoooooth as silk. Although I couldn’t test out all the fun technology package options (there wasn’t a single Q50 on the lot with the Tech package!!), I did enjoy the new running lights and signals on the mirrors. It’s the little touches like those that have been missing for years on the Infiniti. I’m so glad they finally got around to adding them.
The interior was beautiful and although I didn’t know that the sports seats were any wider, and trust me, “baby got back”, they seemed more comfortable. I looked for the seat memory buttons on the door and quickly realized they were no longer necessary as they were part of the InTouch system. The dash system was well equipped with a lot of details that are not present on my G37 and the steering wheel had a couple of more buttons on it but nothing overwhelming or complicated. Overall, I think the interior is a homerun! I will say that this car had the graphite leather and aluminum trim. I think it’s safe to say that I’ve been vocal about not being a fan of black leather seating where it’s black on black on black…especially over time. But for those who like that look, I think you will be pleasantly surprised! I’m still not a fan of the white stitching but to each his own.
When we returned, I asked if I could at least sit in a hybrid and start it so I can hear the engine, or lack thereof. With that, Rob left and returned with the key fob for Ruby! She was excited to see me but I had to let her down easy that she was just being used like a cheap, well…being used! Ha I started up the hybrid and was a little surprised that I could hear it. The other reviews that I’ve read gave me the impression it was so quiet that you could not hear that it was on. That wasn’t the case with me. Don’t get me wrong, it was quiet, but I could tell it was on! Since I couldn’t drive her we sat in the car for a couple of minutes chatting and he pointed out that the “slight jolt” that I could feel every once in a while was the engine kicking on and off. Frankly, that would get on my nerves but I’m sure those who want/love/have a hybrid are aware of this and it is expected.
Before going into the AIR CONDITIONED building, after being outside in the 96 degree heat for about an hour, I told him I needed to check out the hybrid trunk for all my forum friends. Umm you’re welcome!! If I had considered the hybrid, which I did not because I need rear folding seats, I would have had to seriously weigh the hybrid factor with the tiny trunk factor. As a woman, I need my luggage space. As a single woman, I need the ability to get a bunch of shopping bags in my trunk! Ha I do not use my backseat for boxes or luggage because I don’t want to stain or wrinkle the leather. My backseats basically look brand new. I’m sure others aren’t as OCD about their backseats and may just compromise on the tiny (yes, I keep using that word because it’s accurate) trunk and use the backseats for storage space. Will it fit a set of golf clubs (in a bag)? Yes, width of the car but not lengthwise, if that makes sense. But that’s about all you’d fit in there at one time. One big suitcase and an overnight bag and maybe some small items on top of the suitcase is another scenario. It is definitely 9 cubic feet and not the reported 14! Sorry!! If you are considering the hybrid and haven’t seen the trunk in person, I encourage, heck I strongly suggest, doing so before ordering one.
So, now (yes, finally), time to order my car! Looking at the front fascia of the Sports and Premium side by side, there was no competition as to which looked sportier and which looked more refined. But hey, there’s not much refined about me. Umm now that I think about it, there is certainly nothing sporty about me either. Ha Ohhh the truth hurts! The 17” tires do indeed seem so small for the car while the 19” tires fit well not to mention the rims on the Sports were much nicer! OK, I’ve now got my mind made up on color and package. I tell him let’s get this order on the books.
As we walk back to the dealership I take one more look at the side profile of the Black Sports and realize something just isn’t clicking for me. Turns out that although I love the Sports front fascia better than the Premium, the side profile is the opposite and I couldn’t figure out why. I told Rob to check something out for me so we walk back to the Bronze and Red, back to back, Sports and Premium. I told him that in addition to the bottom bumper coming out more, it seemed that the front side panels, nearing the front bumper seemed shorter and rounder on the Premium. Although he couldn’t see a difference, he measured each and I was right. The Premium front end (before the bumper starts) is about 3” shorter than the Sports. I suppose it’s not a big deal in the end but the Premium is just a nicer view from the side, in my opinion.
I had both Rob and Ryan write down the color that they believe I am going to select. Rob wrote down Graphite Shadow while Ryan initially said Ruby Red but changed it to Malbec Black! Ding ding ding! Ryan was right…or was he?!?! Well, he was for about 2 minutes! While starting the paperwork, I told them I needed to check out the Black Beauty Sports one more time from the side because it just seemed a little off. I walked back into the smoldering heat of 96 degrees and stood there looking at the Black Beauty and all her glory for several moments before it dawned on me that I don’t like the curve (or not enough of one) of the windshield to the hood. It wasn’t as shapely or bubbled as I think it should have been for the rest of the curves. Sooo, what’s a girl to do! The black just seemed to emphasize that one part that I wasn’t appreciation aesthetically speaking. Then, something hits me right upside the head! Maybe it was a mild heat stroke but I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by, wait for it (and Gbert, you better sit down for this!!!!)……the Moonlight White was just sitting there, beautiful, classy and just so lovely to look at! I had finally gotten it! It isn’t “just a white car”, it’s a pearl paint that is so rich and luxurious. I stared for what seemed like an eternity, literally saying out loud that I could not believe that I was considering the white after everything I’ve said and written it off long ago. But there it was, smacking me in the face! It was THE CHOSEN ONE!!! Gbert, pick yourself up off the floor!! I don’t want to say that I chose it because you said last night that you didn’t want the same color car as me nor that I selected the white because now BlackBeauty and I can be in constant harmony as yin and yang, but you never know!!! hahaha
That’s right (if you are still reading this!! Ha)….I have put $1,000 non-refundable deposit on a Moonlight White, Sports, Navigation, Deluxe Touring and Technology packages, with wheat interior and maple wood trim. And I could not be more excited!!! I am 110% at peace with my decision because it was just that beautiful. WHO KNEW WHITE COULD BE SO NON-VANILLA?!?!
Although I have preapproved loan with my company (BofA), they believe they can even go lower than my 2.09% given my Tier 0 credit score! Ummm yes, please!! They will begin on Monday to hunt my precious baby down to see if there is one they can swap before breaking down and building it from scratch given my lease is up on September 5th. If it has to be built, they will set me up in a loaner until my car is delivered.
I could NOT be more excited and happy with my decision! I will say that Smith Infiniti of Huntsville is TOP NOTCH! They are a smaller and somewhat newer dealership that is family owned and operated…and it shows. The owner even came over to introduce himself to me! I of course thanked him profusely for allowing me to sneak in a test drive! They were an absolute delight to work with and I am excited to work with them on finalizing this deal! I’m so glad that I decided to make the journey to Huntsville to work with them rather than compromise on trust working with the local dealership that I’ve had issues with in the past.
If anyone is interested in getting a great deal from a great dealership, I highly recommend them!! They are THRILLED (seriously!) to work out my VPP deal, which is great considering not all dealerships participate in the program. Matter of fact, Rob mentioned that “a first cousin of one of the guys got VPP pricing on a car recently, $5800 off!” Ummm so check your extended family and all those relatives that you swore off years ago. They may just save you a ton of money!!
On a very personal and serious note, I want to say thank you to everyone who has teased me relentlessly about my indecisiveness; rightfully so! I have come to really appreciate this forum and more importantly the members. Working from home full time, single and no kids, I don’t have much of a social life in this ******* town so I’ve thrived on our playful banter and flirtatious posts. I appreciate those who just shook their heads and quietly questioned why I was on the forum and always going off topic. Really I appreciate you being silent about your thoughts on that. Ha It really has been such a nice and welcomed distraction in my life!! So thank you all for playing with me (ummm, that’s what he said! haha)! MUAH!!!
OK, I'm done! I promise!!
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So there I was awake at 4am! This time NOT due to my excitement for the Q50 but because my cat once again brought a mole inside (into my bedroom no less) to “play with him” for over an hour. Sadly this is a nightly occurrence in my home; whether a mole, rabbit, birds (baby and adult), and of all things crawfish; but I digress. As I laid in bed deciding whether to get up at that moment therefore having to catch the mole myself as Pookie would run off or wait it out and throw the dead mole in the trash a couple of hours later, I checked my text messages (isn’t that what everyone does at 4am?) and to no surprise there was a text from my friend who was supposed to drive down to Huntsville with me stating that she had insomnia and would be unable to join me. Frankly, I wasn’t concerned to go alone because I realized that it would be sweltering hot and I would be outside checking out all the cars for far longer than anyone else would want to tolerate.
As I got ready for the 90 minute drive to Huntsville, my thoughts were on color for I told myself that I just had to make a decision today! Given all my “scientific” polls on Facebook and this forum, and my personal preference, by the time I hit the road, I had narrowed my choices down to Venetian Ruby Red and Malbec Black. I just knew there was no other color that spoke to me and fit my personality. I was so very proud of myself for narrowing things down. FINALLY!!! Pat on the back Infiniti Chick! Pat on the back!!
Distraught after discovering there wasn’t a Starbucks until I hit the Huntsville area, I had to turn on some booty shaking music to take my mind off of the realization that I will have to make do with water until my return trip home! HOW would I manage?!?!
Shortly after getting on the freeway, sorry I mean interstate as they call them in the south and I’m corrected over and over, I look in my rearview mirror and coming up behind me is none other than the much discussed Lexus IS; red 2013 non-F Sports. It immediately caught my attention thanks to those slick day running lights! ME LIKEY and am thrilled that Infiniti finally got with the hip program and added some pretty cool running lights on the Q50! But watching the Lexus I came to two conclusions! 1) Other than the running lights, the front wasn’t nearly as aggressive as the 2014 F Sport version and 2) I am just not a fan of red cars. What?!?! So what does that mean exactly? Am I really cutting Red from my two finalists? Well, I had another hour or so to think it through….and boy did I!! By the time I reached the dealership my mind was made up! No question about it!! I had decided that Malbec Black had won the showdown and was the final decision. Without a doubt!! To further confirm my decision it seemed like fate that the car immediately behind my parking spot was a Malbec Black G37 Coupe. I immediately walked over to the Coupe, didn’t pass Go, did not collect $200! I had to check that bad boy out!! Just as I had envisioned, partially to help of Gbert and BenW who provided me lovely pictures last night of the Malbec! Moments later a sales rep walked over and asked if I was interested in the convertible to which I quickly responded, “Nope!! The Malbec Black paint color! I’m here for the Q50s!!”
As he walked me inside, he mentioned that the Q50s had arrived but they were not yet on the lot and not really visible to the public. I told him that I had been working with Ryan and he was expecting me. Unfortunately Ryan was still with another client but soon took a quick break to tell me the devastating news…….they were not allowed to remove any stickers, plastic wrapping or test drive until the updates were completed. I mentioned how disappointing that was considering I had driven down to see them and that many on this forum have been able to test drive since Thursday. While waiting for his appointment to finish up, I posted the thread update that I was unable to test drive them but then spent time reading another great review of a forum member that had completed a test drive today. A little deflated (sadly not physically! Ha) but still excited to see the Q50s up close and personal, in all colors except the Malbec Black (which is why I checked it out on the Coupe), Ryan returned to say that his appointment is going longer than expected but he has asked another rep to walk me over to the Q50s to take a peek.
Moments later Ryan introduced me to Rob, the rep who initially met me at the Coupe and also with some exciting news!! They had spoken with the owner and he had agreed to let me drive it around the block. SERIOUSLY?!?! I get to drive one?!? YIPPEE!! I was ecstatic and smiling from ear to ear!! THIS is a big deal because the sales reps haven’t even been allowed to drive them yet. I could not contain my excitement and if you knew me in person, you’d know I have quite the recognizable and infectious laugh…just today someone on Facebook called it the “200 decibel laugh”…that’s pretty accurate. I definitely sound like a 12 year old girl when I laugh. Haha
Rob and I held hands and skipped out to the back lot. Well, OK that didn’t happen but I was so giddy that I almost grabbed his hand and ran outside like we were kids going out for recess. As the door opens I am immediately confronted with eight beautiful Q50s. Where do I begin?!?! Well, let’s start at the first one. Nope, show me the red! I went around the corner and there she was! Ruby!! Ruby was indeed a gorgeous girl and not shy about it at all. Matter of fact, she demanded some attention! Right in front of her was Chestnut Bronze. I agree with those who have had the pleasure in seeing this color in person, it is lovely…and I never thought I’d like a brown/bronze car! But it wasn’t me!! Maybe if I was more introverted, it might be the perfect color, but let’s face it, introverted I am NOT! It was great to see them back to back because although both hybrids, the Bronze was Sports and the Red was Premium. Believe me, I studied their bodies more than I’ve studied just about ANY body in recent years. Ha…sadly a true story!
I next walked over to the remaining Q50s. Side by Side were the Black Obsidian Sports (oh thank you spell check for knowing how to spell Obsidian since I can never remember!) and the much talked about Hagane Blue Premium. I immediately knew that I would not go with Hagane. It’s a nice color but too similar to my current color, Lakeshore Blue. It was lighter than expected and could definitely be considered silver tinted in some light. To my left were the Graphite Shadow and Liquid Platinum. I had seen both at the local reveal party so I knew what to expect from both of them. The Graphite is an attractive shade of gray/silver which I prefer over the Platinum which just seems a bit flat to me.
As I turn to head back toward Ruby, she was calling my name asking me to take a few pictures of her, SUCH a diva, my eye catches the last color! That’s right, the almighty Moonlight White. Of course my immediate thoughts went to Gbert and his love of this color and his hot looking avatar, NOT to be confused with SimpsonTide’s hot avatar!!! I had to admit to myself that that was a beautiful machine! The Moonlight White was indeed everything that everyone that has seen it in person has attested to. OK, focus!! Ruby is now screaming and throwing a tantrum so I head over and take a few shots of her and the Bronze together. She really wanted her own photo shoot but I told her she was just being too high maintenance and there was only enough room in my life for ONE high maintenance chick….and that’s Infiniti Chick! That’s right ladies and gentlemen, I kept to my word and did not order the Venetian Ruby Red. Although beautiful I just knew owning a red car was not something I could love for the next few years! I bid her adieu and proceeded to the Black Obsidian to take a couple of shots of, dare I say, Black Beauty, as well as a shot of the Black Sports fascia and the Hagane Premium fascia side by side. I think it is important to see the difference in the two, especially for anyone not able to see in person before ordering.
As I finished taking a couple of shots, Rob returned with the key fob for Black Beauty! I yelled out, “Woohoo!” as I sat inside, quickly followed by, “Good lord have mercy it’s an oven in here!” Pressing the Start ignition, I was told that the touch screens weren’t even activated so I could not play around with them, or even have them turn on. Frankly, I was OK with that as I’ve seen so many videos (thank you Q50Aggie) and the Simulator (thank you Sinecure) that I didn’t feel it was a negative. It would have been great to play around with but I already know it’s going to be the cat’s meow. Really? Did I just say the cat’s meow??? Umm that’s even old for my “young” age.
I will not give a detailed review on the test drive because frankly, I chatted with the sales rep the entire time (SHOCKING…as you can tell, this girl can type and talk a lot!). I will say that the Q50 Sports (non-hybrid) was such a nice, smooth, quiet ride. Noticeably more so than my G37 Sports. The steering is a dream!! It is hard to describe but all I can say is that I never felt “disconnected” to the road by the steering. It was like cutting through soft butter with a knife. Smoooooth as silk. Although I couldn’t test out all the fun technology package options (there wasn’t a single Q50 on the lot with the Tech package!!), I did enjoy the new running lights and signals on the mirrors. It’s the little touches like those that have been missing for years on the Infiniti. I’m so glad they finally got around to adding them.
The interior was beautiful and although I didn’t know that the sports seats were any wider, and trust me, “baby got back”, they seemed more comfortable. I looked for the seat memory buttons on the door and quickly realized they were no longer necessary as they were part of the InTouch system. The dash system was well equipped with a lot of details that are not present on my G37 and the steering wheel had a couple of more buttons on it but nothing overwhelming or complicated. Overall, I think the interior is a homerun! I will say that this car had the graphite leather and aluminum trim. I think it’s safe to say that I’ve been vocal about not being a fan of black leather seating where it’s black on black on black…especially over time. But for those who like that look, I think you will be pleasantly surprised! I’m still not a fan of the white stitching but to each his own.
When we returned, I asked if I could at least sit in a hybrid and start it so I can hear the engine, or lack thereof. With that, Rob left and returned with the key fob for Ruby! She was excited to see me but I had to let her down easy that she was just being used like a cheap, well…being used! Ha I started up the hybrid and was a little surprised that I could hear it. The other reviews that I’ve read gave me the impression it was so quiet that you could not hear that it was on. That wasn’t the case with me. Don’t get me wrong, it was quiet, but I could tell it was on! Since I couldn’t drive her we sat in the car for a couple of minutes chatting and he pointed out that the “slight jolt” that I could feel every once in a while was the engine kicking on and off. Frankly, that would get on my nerves but I’m sure those who want/love/have a hybrid are aware of this and it is expected.
Before going into the AIR CONDITIONED building, after being outside in the 96 degree heat for about an hour, I told him I needed to check out the hybrid trunk for all my forum friends. Umm you’re welcome!! If I had considered the hybrid, which I did not because I need rear folding seats, I would have had to seriously weigh the hybrid factor with the tiny trunk factor. As a woman, I need my luggage space. As a single woman, I need the ability to get a bunch of shopping bags in my trunk! Ha I do not use my backseat for boxes or luggage because I don’t want to stain or wrinkle the leather. My backseats basically look brand new. I’m sure others aren’t as OCD about their backseats and may just compromise on the tiny (yes, I keep using that word because it’s accurate) trunk and use the backseats for storage space. Will it fit a set of golf clubs (in a bag)? Yes, width of the car but not lengthwise, if that makes sense. But that’s about all you’d fit in there at one time. One big suitcase and an overnight bag and maybe some small items on top of the suitcase is another scenario. It is definitely 9 cubic feet and not the reported 14! Sorry!! If you are considering the hybrid and haven’t seen the trunk in person, I encourage, heck I strongly suggest, doing so before ordering one.
So, now (yes, finally), time to order my car! Looking at the front fascia of the Sports and Premium side by side, there was no competition as to which looked sportier and which looked more refined. But hey, there’s not much refined about me. Umm now that I think about it, there is certainly nothing sporty about me either. Ha Ohhh the truth hurts! The 17” tires do indeed seem so small for the car while the 19” tires fit well not to mention the rims on the Sports were much nicer! OK, I’ve now got my mind made up on color and package. I tell him let’s get this order on the books.
As we walk back to the dealership I take one more look at the side profile of the Black Sports and realize something just isn’t clicking for me. Turns out that although I love the Sports front fascia better than the Premium, the side profile is the opposite and I couldn’t figure out why. I told Rob to check something out for me so we walk back to the Bronze and Red, back to back, Sports and Premium. I told him that in addition to the bottom bumper coming out more, it seemed that the front side panels, nearing the front bumper seemed shorter and rounder on the Premium. Although he couldn’t see a difference, he measured each and I was right. The Premium front end (before the bumper starts) is about 3” shorter than the Sports. I suppose it’s not a big deal in the end but the Premium is just a nicer view from the side, in my opinion.
I had both Rob and Ryan write down the color that they believe I am going to select. Rob wrote down Graphite Shadow while Ryan initially said Ruby Red but changed it to Malbec Black! Ding ding ding! Ryan was right…or was he?!?! Well, he was for about 2 minutes! While starting the paperwork, I told them I needed to check out the Black Beauty Sports one more time from the side because it just seemed a little off. I walked back into the smoldering heat of 96 degrees and stood there looking at the Black Beauty and all her glory for several moments before it dawned on me that I don’t like the curve (or not enough of one) of the windshield to the hood. It wasn’t as shapely or bubbled as I think it should have been for the rest of the curves. Sooo, what’s a girl to do! The black just seemed to emphasize that one part that I wasn’t appreciation aesthetically speaking. Then, something hits me right upside the head! Maybe it was a mild heat stroke but I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by, wait for it (and Gbert, you better sit down for this!!!!)……the Moonlight White was just sitting there, beautiful, classy and just so lovely to look at! I had finally gotten it! It isn’t “just a white car”, it’s a pearl paint that is so rich and luxurious. I stared for what seemed like an eternity, literally saying out loud that I could not believe that I was considering the white after everything I’ve said and written it off long ago. But there it was, smacking me in the face! It was THE CHOSEN ONE!!! Gbert, pick yourself up off the floor!! I don’t want to say that I chose it because you said last night that you didn’t want the same color car as me nor that I selected the white because now BlackBeauty and I can be in constant harmony as yin and yang, but you never know!!! hahaha
That’s right (if you are still reading this!! Ha)….I have put $1,000 non-refundable deposit on a Moonlight White, Sports, Navigation, Deluxe Touring and Technology packages, with wheat interior and maple wood trim. And I could not be more excited!!! I am 110% at peace with my decision because it was just that beautiful. WHO KNEW WHITE COULD BE SO NON-VANILLA?!?!
Although I have preapproved loan with my company (BofA), they believe they can even go lower than my 2.09% given my Tier 0 credit score! Ummm yes, please!! They will begin on Monday to hunt my precious baby down to see if there is one they can swap before breaking down and building it from scratch given my lease is up on September 5th. If it has to be built, they will set me up in a loaner until my car is delivered.
I could NOT be more excited and happy with my decision! I will say that Smith Infiniti of Huntsville is TOP NOTCH! They are a smaller and somewhat newer dealership that is family owned and operated…and it shows. The owner even came over to introduce himself to me! I of course thanked him profusely for allowing me to sneak in a test drive! They were an absolute delight to work with and I am excited to work with them on finalizing this deal! I’m so glad that I decided to make the journey to Huntsville to work with them rather than compromise on trust working with the local dealership that I’ve had issues with in the past.
If anyone is interested in getting a great deal from a great dealership, I highly recommend them!! They are THRILLED (seriously!) to work out my VPP deal, which is great considering not all dealerships participate in the program. Matter of fact, Rob mentioned that “a first cousin of one of the guys got VPP pricing on a car recently, $5800 off!” Ummm so check your extended family and all those relatives that you swore off years ago. They may just save you a ton of money!!
On a very personal and serious note, I want to say thank you to everyone who has teased me relentlessly about my indecisiveness; rightfully so! I have come to really appreciate this forum and more importantly the members. Working from home full time, single and no kids, I don’t have much of a social life in this ******* town so I’ve thrived on our playful banter and flirtatious posts. I appreciate those who just shook their heads and quietly questioned why I was on the forum and always going off topic. Really I appreciate you being silent about your thoughts on that. Ha It really has been such a nice and welcomed distraction in my life!! So thank you all for playing with me (ummm, that’s what he said! haha)! MUAH!!!
OK, I'm done! I promise!!
