6 months ago, after my dad had a heart attack and a stint put in. He no longer could work and decided he no longer wanted or needed his car and gave me the option to trade in his car for a new one because the neon was aging and he wanted to see me in a newer, more 'reliable', car. One that was more suited for me and preferably one that had a warranty and would be 'carefree' for even a few years.
After looking around, getting dicked around by a few dealers on potential cars I decided to give the dart a look. I love the car but I didn't like the feeling about getting into a car I wasn't quite satisfied with. Don't get me wrong, It's a nice car but for a guy my size it was... a little cramped... Not to mention it is the first model year and, well, I wanted to see more out of it than what it is in its current state.. So, I abandoned the idea of the dart, at least for now, and even gave up on the idea of a new car.
Then, after moving into and apartment with my 'best friend' and his fiance.. I couldn't afford rent AND a new car payment and abandoned all hope. but, now that my dad came to me for help and not able to dismiss it, I am moving back in with my dad.. at the same time a chance browsing of my local dealership turned up a gem... it IMMEDIATELY caught my eye and I thought it over and over and over. I couldn't get my mind off of it and I had to look into it. I talked it over with my father and discussed the pros and cons of getting the vehicle and little could be said in the way of cons.. so off we went to the dealer, I drove it, and it was like a dream. it felt right, the timing was right.. it just all fit..
24 hours later.. We pulled the trigger on it and walked, or rather, drove away with this:

TL:DR: I bought a truck and I don't regret it.
it's a 2012 Ram 1500 Express with a 5.7L hemi. 3.92 Anti-spin rear diff. LOADED with bluetooth, voice command, power everything, tow package with aux trans and engine coolers. 4 wheel disk brakes with ABS and traction/stability control.
Needless to say... I will be giving up the neon. We had a great run.. but it's time to let her go