cars

so the things that make me ready for a new car:
- weird emotional things
- the squeaky suspension
- the odd 'slipperiness'  I was driving down the highway and it felt like it wanted to slide around even though it was dry and not windy? I don't know what causes that. the tires are new. I can't remember HOW new though. 
- there's also moments when instead of a smooth purr it's a grumble - like, engine stuff.
- not to mention check-engine-light which is probably something exhaust related (the app is hinting about that) and yet another tire sensor.
- Also for a long time the tires kept losing air, which probably killed the sensors. There was an alignment problem that caused this which I fixed.

So what i'm saying is, I could PROBABLY fix it and keep driving it, but I would prefer not to.

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Moneywise, it's kind of weird, because we have to take a required minimum distribution from mom's estate, and also I have my "Balloon Payment" coming from work (in lieu of a summer paycheck because i was on a teacher's schedule but now I'm not so I get the balloon anyway because i had money withheld.).  So - knock on wood- i have some money available to me, but not right this minute. I should discuss this with my financial planner too.  I was planning to use either balloon or RMD to pay off credit cards which are not terrible but could use a 'pay it off now' moment.

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List of things we actually need in a vehicle:
- ability to charge devices while sitting in the back seat
- leg/headroom (the kids are 5'6" or taller)
- heated seats 
- room for 'suitcases' (even if it's not work-related schlepping, we do need to be able to bring suitcases for occasional travel.)
- as an occasional back-seat person, I think good air back there would be nice.

So, 3rd row might still be nice even if we don't NEED another seat.