Heart Set on a Mustang

Dear Mrs. Newton,

I want a new car. I have my heart set on the new Mustang in Torch Red. I am tired of driving our five-year old sedan. My husband, who is an engineer, says our old car only has 70,000 miles on it and is hardly broken in. Even though I have the money, in our marriage we have agreed to agree about big purchases. How do I win him over?

Little Red Riding Hood

Dear Red,

I hope you are not trying to tell him you need a new car because you look foxy in red. When you are trying to win over an engineer, you need to leave emotions and feelings behind and collect solid data. Since you didn't mention what make and model of car you are currently driving, and whether that purchase was the result of a mutual decision or was acquired prior to your nuptials, I am not able to suggest which sort of data would be most effective in a discussion with your hubby. I am sure your husband wants you to be driving a vehicle that is safe and reliable, so you should gather information from your dealer, the Mustang web site and from third parties that demonstrates these attributes. Beyond these facts, there is information about the car's performance which can be broken into two categories -- the "it goes real fast" and the "it runs on a thimble full of gas" columns. Since you are hoping to buy a sports car, I pray your husband shares your love of fast cars. If not, you have an uphill battle. Also check out new technology. Your older car may not have a GPS system, a feature that provides new safety benefits and navigation tools, or a rear-view camera. Be prepared to discuss alternative purchases. For example, if he did buy your last car, how does the current model of that car stack up against your Mustang? Develop answers to the inevitable green question. You live in the age of the hybrid vehicle. Your choice may not be the greenest of vehicles, but compared to your older gas guzzler, you might stand a chance. Finally, don't try to force a decision over price. Forget the "Honey, they're running the Fourth of July blowout sale and we'll never see these prices again" strategy. Your engineer thinks in formulas and price is only one part of the value equation. I know this data collection seems like drudgery to you, sweet lamb, but when you are tooling down Main Street in that Torch Red beauty, you'll see it was all worthwhile!