Just Couldn't Help It

Many years ago, when Jeff and I first got married, we did not have the luxury automobiles we do today. (Okay, I'm really overselling my Toyota but still.) Back then, we had older, more mature *ahem* rides.

Hubby had a little Nissan pick-up truck with no air conditioner that we loving referred to as 'The Little Mule'. Pretty reliable little truck that he got in his first year of college.

I had a maroon Grand Am that I inherited from my mom. When I first got this car, I was so pumped. I thought I was the bees knees. I mean I was getting rid of my Chevy Nova (don't be jealous) for this sweet ride.

Then I started to drive the Grand Am. And realized why she gave it to me.

Don't get me wrong. It was a hundred times better than the Nova that did not like idling at a red light. But it did give me a lot of grief.

So shortly after buying our first home, we decided it was time to trade in the Grand Am for something more reliable.

We searched and searched.  We looked online and compared prices. We went to dealerships and test drove cars.  We knew we wanted something new but not real expensive.  

Finally, we decided on a make, model and color.  We take it for a test drive and decide we'd like to make an offer.

(While waiting on the salesperson to come back with the quote) Jeff: Let me do the negotiating.

Me: Sure, sweetie.

Jeff: I am going to try and get the best deal we can.  I'm going to make them work for it.

Me: Do you think we will get anything for the Grand Am?

Jeff: They won't want to give us much. But I'll work on that too.

So, after waiting for our salesperson to come back with the details after "talking it over with the manager to get the lowest price" (what a scam), the salesperson returns to the office with quote in hand.

Jeff is stoic.  He is not this guy's buddy.  He's got his game face on.

Salesperson: Well, I spoke to my manager.  I told him that I wanted to get you the lowest price possible. *Slides the paper over the desk to us. Points.* This is the price we are willing to offer you today.  We took off this amount here and lowered the amount here.

Jeff: And what about the Grand Am?

Salesperson: *Attempting an earnest look.*  My boss wasn't happy about it but I told him I wanted to give you two the best I could.  We'll give you $2000 for the trade-in.

Me: *Blurts out.* That's a great deal!!!

Jeff: *Glances at me like he wants to strangle me. Looks back to the salesperson.* Well, I'd feel much better about the whole thing if you take $500 off. Then you'd have a deal.

Salesperson: *Scribbles on paper. Sticks out his hand.* You have a deal.

Jeff: *Stands up and shakes his hand.*

Me: *I do the same.*

Salesperson: I'll be right back. I'm going to go get the paperwork. *Leaves the office.*

Jeff: *Turns to look at me.* Michelle!  What are you thinking?! What part of "let me take care of it" did you not understand?!

Me: *Sheepish.* Sorry. It's just I thought we would hardly get anything for the Grand Am and then he said he was going to give us $2000!!! I got excited and it just popped out. I just couldn't help it.

Jeff: *Running hand through his hair.* Gee whiz. (Except it was probably more profane but I don't remember the exact words so let's just go with "gee whiz".) Here I am trying to be a hard-a and then you are all, *mockingly* "That's a great deal!!"

Me: *Putting a hand over my mouth to stifle a laugh.* I'm so sorry, honey.  I think you did manage to get us a really good deal. AND you made him take $500 more off the price.

Jeff: Well, I had to do that to save face.  Goodnight woman!

Me: Well, this will sure make for a funny story some day.

Jeff: *Shakes his head.*

And folks, luck you, that someday is today! 

Jeff wised up and the next time we needed a new car, Jeff went by himself to get it.

What can I say?! It was a great deal! I just couldn't help myself.