Buying a car was simple, until it wasn’t. And then … imitation sushi!

Last month, my daughter’s car lease was up. So we began researching cars that were safe, reasonably priced and of course “cool.”

In my days, we drove whatever car was available. In 1980, I was thrilled to get the 1970 Bonneville that belonged to my uncle Morris, a”h. That car was the size of a small yacht. I think it had more room inside than some Manhattan apartments. It got me to where I had to go and I was thankful for it.

As we all know, times have changed. My daughter, Jordana, did her due diligence and found that the 2-door model of the car of her dreams, which I said was too expensive, was now less money than the car I suggested for her. Of course before any lease was signed I spoke to the dealer and made sure there were no hidden fees, no money down and tax included. I called him the next day to confirm and then had the confirmation in writing as well.

My husband Jerry, on the other hand was not as careful when he bought his last car. When he researches an item online he checks out the reviews and makes sure it’s a quality item. Then he bottom fishes. For those of you not familiar with bottom fishing, let me explain. You check out the price and then you wait a while. Eventually the price will drop.

Of course if you need the item right away (or need a color other than hot fuchsia, tangerine or screaming pink, which unfortunately Jerry doesn’t take into account) this won’t work, but Jerry doesn’t need most items right away, actually he doesn’t need most of them at all. Too bad.

In December, 2010, when purchasing a new car, Jerry didn’t heed his usual bottom fishing method. He had leased a Subaru Legacy and decided he would buy one when his lease was up. Most men his age want those 2-door, supped up engine, macho convertibles ala midlife crisis. My husband wanted a suburban housewife car pool car model. Guess I don’t have to worry about him.

He excitedly told me he found the model he liked and it was a great deal. The car was rated very highly, did well on all safety tests and was all-wheel drive, which to him was just as important as Jordana having SiriusXM radio in her car … yes, it was THAT important.

He said it was hard to beat the $25,000 price tag for the 2011 model. The car was ordered and delivered the following week. Knowing that he had done all the research, I just signed the papers and was handed the keys. Not sure why I started reading the paper work after the car was delivered, but I noticed it was a 2010 model not the 2011 Jerry indicated that he purchased. As I read on the sale price was $34,000 and not the $25,000 he signed on for.

I called him at work and said, “You ordered a 2011 and they delivered a 2010.” He responded, “Well, actually I never specified 2011, I figured it was two weeks from 2011, that I would get a 2011. I know this dealer for many years; he always takes care of me.”

I then added, “He also charged you $34,000 and not the $25,000 he quoted you.” Silence. I responded, “He did quote you $25,000, right?” “RIGHT, JERRY???”

“Well, truth is, I did a lot of research and all the sites listed that model at $25,000. I didn’t think I would be charged more than the going rate,” Jerry responded.

Now I can’t really print what I said to Jerry at that point, as this is a family newspaper, but it was something along these lines: “You what????? You ordered a huge ticket item without asking the year or the price????? You bottom fish for slippers, jackets, sneakers, kids' toys, etc. You wait a year until the price is way below original amount, and then you buy a car without asking??????”

Turns out the dealer said the $34,000 was a mistake; it should have been $30,000. He did get a refund two months later. The dealer, knowing how upset I was over basically every single aspect of this fiasco, asked Jerry if he could contact me to try to explain the situation. Jerry, cleverly said “some things are best left unsaid. Take it from me, I’m living in a metaphorical bomb shelter at this point till Judy calls an armistice.”

So when buying anything, whether it be a car, or a toy or even a food item, make sure you’re getting exactly what you have in mind, because some things are not what you think they might be.

With that … I bring you a sushi, which in actuality is dessert.

Dessert Sushi

Ingredients:

n 1 Batch of Rice Krispie Treats prepared as directed on the Fluff or the cereal box.

n 2 Tbs Organic Coconut chips unsweetened (the only kosher brand I could find in that shape). Order it online at Nuts.com or call 800-558-6887. You can purchase a pound bag or 5lb bag. Price is very reasonable and it lasts a few months.

n Red and yellow food coloring drops

n Sunkist fruit shape wedges (for “salmon and tuna”)

n Green fruit roll ups

n Red fruit roll ups* (for the “tuna”)

n Orange fruit roll ups* (for the “salmon”)

n 2 Tbs Chopped pistachios

n ¼ cup pareve cream cheese

n 2Tbs. confectioner’s sugar

n Green sour candy belts, for the garnish

n Green fruit leather (comes rolled up and wrapped in cellophane)

*If you prefer, you can use taffy rolled out to look like apiece of salmon or tuna and place that on the “rice”

Directions

n Pickled ginger; Soak 2 tablespoons coconut chips in 1/2 cup water with 1 drop each of yellow and red food coloring. Drain and place on a piece of paper towel to dry a bit.

n Soy sauce: Chocolate Syrup (pareve if serving after a meat meal)

Wasabi; Pulse 2 Tbs chopped pistachios, 1/4 cup pareve cream cheese and 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar in a food processor

n Grass garnish; cut v’s into a sour belt so it resembles the grass garnish.

n Use the photo to see how the finished product should look. It’s easier to prepare that way.

While still warm, shape treats into small oval mounds. Add a bit of pistachio paste, then cover with a Sunkist Fruit slice and tie with a strip of green fruit roll up.

To make the sushi roll, flatten the Kripies mixture into a thin rectangle on place it on a green piece of “fruit leather” and arrange fuit roll ups down the center in your choice of flavor.. Roll up and when cool, slice.

Serve the “sushi” with wasabi, ginger, and chocolate syrup as soy sauce. Cut a sour-candy belt to look like a grass garnish.