I got "bent over" for lack of a better term when I bought my `05 GT in `05. In fact, not only did I get bent over, I drove all the way from Boston to Dayton, OH for the treatment! Why did I drive all the way out there, you ask? Because as soon as I saw the newly designed Mustang I began to dream about it (literally!)...stuff like - what it would it be like to own one myself; how much fun would I have cruising around, etc. Now the only problem was the GTs weren't lasting more then 2-3 days tops on the dealer lots (at least in The People's Republic of Massachusetts...I can't speak to other markets within the country). Also, I was admittedly, being very picky about the exterior color, specific options that were must-haves, a 5 spd manual and of course the all important rims. I searched low and high for 10+ months until I finally found her on Yahoo Autos sitting on a lot in Ohio of all places. Nothing against Ohio of course, but that's one helluva long way to go for a freakin Mustang! Nevertheless...we got the deal done over the phone and I fully realized I was forfeiting any and all leverage entering this negotiation...point being they had me by the short & curlys and they knew it! Truth be told - I paid MSRP and not a dollar more. I guess there's a first for everything....

What I just described a moment ago like deaming about the car, picturing my first road trip, my first smoke show, etc., completely applies to the new Challenger. It's like deja vu all over again. Despite my intention to hold out for the 2009s, I have a strange feeling that as soon as I see that glowing orange beauty out there on the battlefield, I know my patience will finally wear out.

PS: On a bit of a side note - I went to the New England Auto Show last Friday in Boston and the Challenger was by far the prettiest girl at the dance! She also received the the most ooooohs and aaaaahs, the largest crowd, the most pictures...you name it. I purposely stood there on the sidelines for about 30 minutes just to witness other people's reaction. This included fellow enthusiasts like ourselves to the drop jawed teenager dragging Dad by the wrist to show him the new Challenger all the way to the prototypical Soccer Mom and it was really something else, to say the least. I didn't hear a single, negative comment the entire time I was there. Unless you want to consider "I wonder what kind of mileage it's gonna get" as negative. I can only imagine the reaction the driver/owner will get in "real life".