[Hey, Moe!]

I wanted to post this issue here because I felt it would not be brand-biased, unlike messing with BMW and VW forums.

The anticipation of getting a new car should be a fun thing. I know when I ordered my Trans Am a very long time ago, the anticipation should have made my hair fall out (it was longer then).

This new car is a landmark for me, because I know that I will, for the first time since that Trans Am, have the time to really enjoy driving it.

Since I am going to keep my Focus ST (a great car for a fun daily driver, why did Ford USA stop building them?), the new ride will be doted over, and will not be allowed out of the garage during winter weather.

Yes, Accumulator--I have thought about this for quite a while, maybe since my high-school drivers-ed teacher bought an E21 Bimmer (that's a long time ago). BMW doesn't have any pearl paint options for the 1-series. I'm still torn over Black Sapphire Metallic, because it would match the black/terra interior.

Going the VW route is inviting, since it will be less expensive. Having owned three VWs I enjoyed (Scirocco, GTI, and Jetta), I gravitated back there for a comparison.

To those who were worried about practicality, it is a non-issue. This is hunting and fishing country, and I have plenty of neighbors with pick-ups.

In either case, finding a dealer to work with is key. It won't be like my local Ford dealer, where I walk in, the owner looks at me, and says, "I know. You want to drive the new Shelby we got in yesterday. Here's the keys." It will take a little push for me to leave that atmosphere.

So, come May 29, I have some test-driving to do, and a decision to make. When I do the deal, I promise to learn to post a few pics, along with the Focus, since it doesn't look anything like a vehicle with 70K miles.

I do thank everyone for all their good advice. I do subscribe to a few other online forums, according to my interests, and this fourm is, by far, the one with the best manners (remember, I'm a teacher).

Thanks, everyone!!!