Well, I did it. I purchased a newer car for my wife without killing anyone. That may not sound like such a big deal, but for those of you that know me, it is.

I was able to research the automobile model she wanted, scan the internet looking for dealers, determine an expected price, and use all of the above to receive a seemingly fair deal. I probably got screwed.

But regardless, my wife is happy, I am happy that she’s happy, and I am back making a car payment–which I can’t stand. It’s not the money, it’s the enslavement you have to submit to in order to own an automobile these days. They don’t just give these things away.

The process is also very burdensome, which reminded me that governmental regulations effect every industry. No wonder we can’t get people back to work.

After talking and visiting with the dealer, taking a test drive and coming to the conclusion that a car newer than 12 years-old may have some advantages for my wife–as well as a bit more dependability, we began a surprisingly less-grueling negotiation an I expected, for reaching an acceptable agreement on payment.

And then we spent more than an hour signing over 20 documents to complete the transaction. I couldn’t even tell you what they all were. I just hope that I am not held responsible for any of the fine print I never read but agreed to.

Me? I drive a ten-year old truck with 140,000 miles on it. My goal is to drive it until the wheels fall off. Then, as I figure it, I win.