Tuesday 31 March 2009

Montana SV6

Picked up our newest vehicle, a 2009 Pontiac Montana SV6. This vehicle replaces the Pontiac Wave we leased over the past four years. We still have our 2003 Pontiac Montana.

Originally, we were looking at a Pontiac Vibe, but I saw that GM was throwing in the 'kitchen sink' on Montana SV6 - cash price of $15,498. At first when I saw the ad, I thought there was a catch. Nope. None.

We stopped by Jerome Taylor on Saturday and sat down with Wayne Sanford, our guy at the dealership. He got a non-grey (dark blue) Montana for us to test drive. We both took a drive down the 401 and local roads. The SV6 engine responded well.

While the vehicle was not loaded (no cruise control, no extended version, no roof rack, no aluminum wheels like the 2003 Montana) it did come with power windows and locks, remote locks, OnStar Safe and Sound for one year, disc brakes on all four wheels and a few other goodies.

In other words, it was the perfect vehicle for city driving and short trips (2 or so hours or less). Tina did not mind not having cruise control. She did feel much more comfortable in the SV6 and generally liked the vehicle.

So we headed back to the dealership and finalized the deal. And what a deal. Between the GM Cash Delivery Allowance, the GM Lease Loyalty bonus, the $1,000 in lieu of the extended maintenance, 2-year OnStar and 2-year XM radio, and a few other bonuses from the dealer, the total discount was $10,100. A $25,500 MSRP vehicle was being sold to us for $15,400. We used about $1,300 of our GM dollars. The walk-out-the-door price was $17,700 (taxes and transportation included). Wow.

When we picked up the vehicle, Wayne still couldn't believe the price. We couldn't believe the price. Wayne gave us a tour of the vehicle and setup the OnStar account for us. The vehicle comes with 1-year of Safe & Sound and 30 minutes of phone time. We purchased an additional 100 minutes for $19.99. The minutes are good for the year and can be used anywhere in Canada and the US (no roaming or long-distance fees).

We had no problems with the Wave and the lease - in fact, part of the discount included the last months payment on the Wave. After Wayne attached the licence plates, we shook hands, thanked Wayne and off we were. I found it hard to keep up with Tina. She was in heaven.

Posted by Adam

Sunday 22 March 2009

March Break - Second Half

Jeremy attended a two-day day camp at WETRA (where Corbin's goes for horseback riding). Tina and Corbin spent some time together and I was back at work.

The weekend was spent at home. Corbin went to karate and we did some shopping.

It was a quiet and somewhat relaxing March Break - and the weather wasn't too bad this year.

Posted by Adam

Wednesday 18 March 2009

March Break - First Half

Unlike past March Breaks, we had no travel plans, largely because of the Disney World trip in January.

The first half of March Break saw me doing as little as possible. Yup, I was King of Loafing. I did a few things here and there, but not much.

We did some things as a family, such as, going to the park, going for drive in the 'country', going to play basketball in the school yard and a trip to the Detroit Science Center.

Played some video games with boys - Corbin earned two rental video games.

All in all, not a bad March Break so far.

Posted by Adam

Sunday 8 March 2009

Home Alone

I took Corbin to Karate class, while Tina took Jeremy to a birthday party.

Corbin did well in his class - only having to do a set of push ups once. Despite his physical tics, Corbin appears to be paying attention and is learning new moves. He just needs to practise more.

It was time to take Bev back to Goderich. Tina decided to take both boys with her to give me some time alone and do some things around the house.

The break from the boys was greatly appreciated.

Posted by Adam

Sunday 1 March 2009

Corbin And Me

It has been a crazy week. I don't know if it is the weather, but the boys needed a break from each other.

So, Tina and Jeremy travelled up to Goderich this weekend to bring Bev back to Windsor for the week. Corbin and I stayed in Windsor.

The weekend went well. I let Corbin overdose in Playstation 2 and movies, while cleaned around the house and did load after load of laundry.

We split a Delissio Pizza. Corbin loved it so, we'll be getting it again instead of delivered pizza - it's much cheaper.

He didn't give me any problems at bed time and slept in on Sunday.

A good weekend in Windsor.

Posted by Adam