Let Me Tell You a Funny Story...

Yesterday, I had to take my wagon in for its 75,000-mile service check, as well as have my driver’s side window repaired, because the open/close mechanism is broken (always fun when trying to swipe my card when entering and leaving the parking garage at work.)

So, normally the dealership offers me a ride to work in their shuttle. But, every great once in a while, I get a loaner. Yesterday, they gave me a loaner: A brand, spanking-new Jaguar.

Part of me was über-excited to drive such a kick-ass car, but the other part of me was terrified because it was raining and that would be my luck to wreck not only a loaner-car, but a Jaguar.

They gave me mini-tutorial to figure out how to start the thing– you push a button – and how to put the vehicle into drive or reverse – you turn a dial. When I cranked up the heat, the vents suddenly appeared from a secret hiding place. The electronics on this car were unbelievable. So, I pulled ever-so-gingerly out of the lot into traffic. I probably looked like an old biddy, but I wasn’t going to risk anything in this car. By the time I got to work, though, I thought, “Yeah, I could live like this.”

Then, in the afternoon, I get a call from Bob at the dealership saying the service department is so backed up, they haven’t even had a chance to look at my car. Would I be okay with taking the Jag home for the night? Uh, let me think about that – yes.

As I climb into the car to leave work for the day, I can’t figure out how to put it in reverse. The dial is not popping up like it did earlier in the day. What did I do wrong? Is there a special button or voice command to correct this? Finally, I call Bob and tell him my dilemma. He gets the guys at the Jag service department on the phone. Apparently, that’s a very bad sign and will require the car be towed. I ask Bob if he’s kidding. No, he’s not.

A little while later, Enterprise Car Rental is picking me up. Meanwhile, they’re sending a tow truck to pick up the Jag. I get to Enterprise and they set me up in a Dodge Grand Caravan. Yes, folks, I started my day in a Jaguar and ended it in a minivan.

Seriously, though, I have to say that I really like the Dodge. The kids were so excited to go to school in the “new” van and said they want to keep it. Actually, Mom wants to keep it, too. I love sitting a little more elevated (my wagon is very low to the ground) and the spaciousness is a fabulous thing. The kids kept saying “We have our own seats! We don’t have to sit right next to each other! We have an aisle to walk through!”

I once said I would never drive a minivan. But, now that I’ve driven the kids around in one and enjoyed the view from above, I actually like it. I think I want one now. It'll be a while, but we'll see.
Images from Consumer Car Report and The Car Connection