Momma's got a new ride

I was feeling it was time for some downsizing around here. Decluttering has been big on my mind lately and I do believe this is one of those areas. I was sick of being the soccer mom in the car department. Don't get me wrong. In the terms of vans, I loved my Odyssey. As far as they go, it rocked. But I'm just not feeling the love. We're a family of 4. We're done with the addition - no more for us. So why is a family of 4 driving around in an 8 passenger van? It was nice when we had to haul around all the extras, but those days are less and less. When we head out on vacation the pack and play is no longer. It's getting to the point that there are suitcases needed and basically that is it. I almost never use the stroller any more as I prefer my carriers or they prefer walking. We rarely haul anyone else and why pay for the extra space when we don't utilize it often enough? My parents got by just fine with 3 kids in a sedan, so why can't I get by especially with one less body? Yes, it was time for some downsizing.

Meet my "mommy gti" in the words of The Husband...

It's a 2008 Jetta GLI and it is gorgeous.

Why?

Well, other than looking at it? ;) I'm driving a manual again, which I love. It's actually a 6 speed and too fast for it's own good. The big selling points for me? It gets nearly double the gas mileage that my van was getting and I won't be surprised if on a road trip sometime that I do double the van. Secondly, it's cheaper than the van so there is a savings on payment (lower interest rate too!) and gas which should really add up. Third? Because it's a used car versus a new car we get an awesome extended warranty. Once the remainder of the new car warranty is up we get an additional 2 years. Warranties are wonderful! And besides all of that? It's so much fun - and quite plush. It's got pretty much all the extras. It's a GTI in the Jetta's body - thus my husband's "mommy gti" comment. Being that I have still not gotten over the necessary parting ways with my 91 GTI, it hits the spot. And like my old 91 it's black with the red stripe, icing on the cake. ;)

Today we rode to playgroup that was about 45 minutes from here and we had a great time. On the way home we stopped for groceries. It's doing just fine. I do think that a set of roof rails are in its future so that we can have the option of a cargo rack on top for longer vacations. I think that's the perfect marriage of the two, because once we're home that can come off.

I'm in love.