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Ramius; right you are, but I've got certain specifics we look for, I tell 'em and give them 'that really dumb' look if they deviate from the basic specs.

The internet and the car test mags have helped enormously for us luddites that enter the car buying arena every 10-15 (or 19 in the present case with LSA's car). Things do change a lot, imho. :-)

My last car buying trip was a little odd. I really did not have any intention of buying the car. I was looking for the 2000 mustang, but wanted a red one. I visited a few dealers and just ended up walking away for a few days.

I went to a dealer waaaay outta town, and all they had was a white one and a black one. "I want a red one" I said. "Can't find a red one" they said. "Then I'll wait for 2001", I said (it was late 1999). I really didn't care about it all that much. After the usual "OK... what would it take for you to buy that car today BS..." I finally said "OK... I'd settle for that white one at $x." this was about 30% under the sticker, and in truth I liked the white one WAY better than red anyway.

After a couple of the usual... "no way... can't do that" stuff... and ready to walk out... they actually came back and said "OK". Well... crap. So I bought the car.

The trick I guess... is to not really want to buy the car.