We finally have the Abarth

     I know it's been a while, so figured I would post the latest on trying to claim the prize from the Score a Scorpion contest in case anyone was only following the blog.  We have it...finally.  So glad that part is over.  Terry with Olathe Fiat did everything he could to try to make it up to us, and explained what actually took so long.  He's a good guy.  We were talking the other day about getting a new Fiat club started next year, and the contest subject came up, and I told him I was a bit disappointed no one from corporate called and explained why it was taking it so long way back when.  Instead we got the run around, fingers being pointed, etc.  It just getting worse and worse that killed Halloween for me (and those that know me..know I like to go all out for the kids), just didn't want to deal.  Also ruined our anniversary because we had a small argument (I was ready to throw in the towel...Lori wasn't).  But now that part is done.

Well...here it is.  A 2013 Fiat Abarth Cabrio.  5 speed turbo 1.6(L), heated leather racing seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, digital cabin controls for heat/air conditioning, Beats stereo system..etc.

     From the beginning, we said we were going to get it and sell it and bank what money is left over after taxes.  Problem is...it's so much more fun to drive than Lil Blue (sorry Lil Blue).  Lil Blue is about cruising with the top down enjoying nature, and the view, just taking it all in.  The Abarth is about high performance, beating kids in their modded up Hondas, Toyotas, etc off at the stop light and to the speed limit.  I don't go over the speed limit really...I get there when I get there.  It's got power, the handling feels unlike any other car I've driven.  It's def. geared more for high performance...it's def. Italian.

     Lil Blue started out as a "want".  Both our other vehicles are paid off, and running fine.  We wanted a unique fun car for the weekend.  But with the price of gas....it turned into a "need" instead.  Hard to let her sit in the garage when it gets more than double what Lori's SUV gets for mpg.  Lori says Lil Blue makes her feel special.  She likes the attention she gets in it.

     The Abarth is def. a "want".  Though it gets good gas mileage when driven conservatively (around 30 mpg combined), it hates being driven that way.  It wants to go.  It wants to "play" (safely of course)  Though I love Lil Blue, it's a great car, and plays well also, the Abarth really makes me feel special.  It's throaty exhaust sounds like a European super car.  Takes off like a rocket, feels more manly.

     I'm still going to take it around to see what we can get for it.  Still need to be practical about it. Keep my priorities straight.  But a lot of my friends say "things happen for a reason".  Maybe there was a reason there wasn't a cash out option, a reason why the dealership gave us such a low ball offer for it.  There's no smoking in it, and maybe this will be the drive to quit smoking and use the money pay back the money we borrowed to cover initial taxes and expenses, and to cover the income taxes.  The couple of hours at a time I've driven it...didn't want to smoke.  I was enjoying the car.

     We have a couple of months to decide while we wait for proof of property taxes paid, and till march when convertibles sell better.  Maybe it's just the newness of it, and after a bit it'll wear off and reason and sanity will set back in (which I'm sure my folks will agree with).  But maybe not.  This car isn't extremely practical, but I've been "practical" for years.  Worried about Lori, making sure things are covered like her medical expenses.  Never getting myself a want really, no matter how small, so Lori and/or Logan will be happy, or at least tried to make them happy and their needs are met.  We shall see.  But it just looks "at home" in the garage next to Lil Blue.  His and hers Fiats, and his and hers winter rats..works for me.  Time will tell.