Yes, while I was away for the weekend, my husband bought a new car!

And it was NOT a valentine's present....

Saturday: We talked by phone and he reiterated that our second hand Honda now had a leak in the radiator which he was attempting to seal as we spoke. Not to mention it needed new tires AGAIN.

Remember the Toyota Echo? We had looked at one about 5 years ago and weren't happy that it was too light weight. But now felt it was worth another look especially due to the high gas mileage.

I think he took a quick trip to the closest dealer (with the 2 kids) later in the day to see it in person.

But actually was happier with the Toyota Corrolla, which has been hugely improved in recent years. It was not much smaller than a Camry (we own one now), and very reliable, solidly built and priced aggressively.

Later that day he went on-line and contacted at least 12 dealers within 100 miles for competing prices on a Corrolla. As well as collected advertised prices in the newspaper, including one of those "come on" prices (there is only one at this price).

Sunday: During a trip to grandma's (I'm still out of town remember), he receives calls from 5 or so of the dealers on the Corrolla. He wheels and deals on the phone using competitor's prices and the newspaper prices.

On the way home from grandma's he visits one of the dealers for the Corrolla. No major dealing necessary, they agree to the bottom barrel newspaper "come on" price to start!

Including tax, license, this 2008 Corrolla was $14,500.

And by the way, on Saturday he had parked the Honda on the nearest corner with a sign in the window and sold it the next day for $2,000!

WOW, for a final cost of $12,500

and we paid cash