Hybrid!
We’ve got a new car, and it’s a hybrid.
Hybrid!
We laid my 2011 Toyota RAV4 to rest yesterday. Taking its place is a 2025 Honda CR-V hybrid. It’s a wonderful car, and it’s red! While there was nothing wrong with the RAV4 and RAV4 hybrid, there were a few reasons we opted for the Honda.
First, my CPA kiddo bought a Civic from Royal Honda (on Veterans in #themetrys) a few years back. When it became clear it was time for us to get a new car, I asked him if he was still happy with the car, and the dealer. Yes to both, he replied. That Civic traveled to Palo Alto, CA, and back. Dr. and Mr. Branley spent the last three years out there, as Dr. Branley did her Pediatrics residency at Stanford Children’s. That part of her career now complete, they’ve come back home. So, their Honda survived There and Back Again.
Second, he and my wife were both happy with Royal Honda. I wasn’t involved in that purchase, but the wife went with him. He was driving her old Saturn, so she had to sign the title over to the dealer for the trade-in. Since my wife is also my CPA, it’s important that she’s happy with the people we do business with. Turns out that the salesperson who took care of the Civic is still with the dealership, now a manager.
Third, now that Mr. Ray Brandt passed, “Ray Brandt Toyota” is now “Toyota of Kenner.” Mr. Ray was a great guy. He spoke years ago to the Crimson and Gold Network at Brother Martin High School. His story was fun to hear, and at the end, he gave us all his mobile number. Fast forward a year or so, when we were in the market for the RAV4, I called him. He said, I’ll have a guy call you back in ten minutes. Salesperson did just that. We bought the car. Royal Honda’s been around a long time, and Royal Oldsmobile was around even longer than that. The dealership is the closest one to the house. It all felt like a good fit.
And finally, I like the car! This CR-V is a bit larger than the old RAV4. I’m told Honda and Toyota pretty much match size and features on these models. While the Honda HR-V was a better fit for me, size-wise, I really wanted the hybrid.
