We're doing our best to stimulate the economy by buying two new vans in less than a year.

Many of you know of the troubles we had with our Honda Odyssey. It came with some sort of gremlin or demon inside. Otherwise we would have enjoyed our new van. Well, finally, after months of trying to get it fixed, and after we started litigation proceedings, Honda was able to fix the problem in two days. Two weeks later we got a new van. We went back to our beloved Toyota Sienna.

Now, you may be thinking...if it is fixed, why get rid of it now? We would just be holding our breaths, waiting for another electrical issue to pop up. We just kept having little electrical problems that would rear their little heads, intermitently. With a new car, you have a year to find the problems that would make the car a "lemon". After that, you have to rely on the dealership to deem it a warranty issue. We felt good that the car was fixed and that new buyers would love their van. We on the other hand would always be waiting for a problem and that is no way to enjoy your new vehicle. We were also creeping up on the year mark. SO, back to Toyota we went. They gave us an incredible deal. If you need a new car, Larry Miller Toyota at about 5800 S. State, gave us a great deal. So good, Alan even called into KSL yesterday to give them a plug on the radio program. They were talking about bargains or good deals that people are getting; call in and share the details. So, Big Al called in. So unlike him, really. He gave the dealership a big plug...even used the names of our salesmen. I called John from Chicago (actual name on his business card) and Craig Bull and told John what Alan had done. He said "oh, s#*t? Really?" You have to put the right inflection on the curse word. He said it incredulously and sort of soft and happy at the same time. It was funny.

So, if you are in the market and want to know the details of the two vans, I'd be happy to talk. Other than our strange electrical issues, the Honda is actually a nice vehicle (great gas mileage, sporty ride, convenient DVD player) I think the Toyota has a few more things I like better (low road noise, nicer finishes inside, smooth ride.)