Wouldn't You Really Rather … ?
I finally bought a new car. It nearly killed me. I know that for many people purchasing a new car is a thrill, but to me, it’s a journey to the land of confusion. Too many models….too many choices. And to be honest, if you haven’t guessed it by now, I’m not a car person. Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m not much for hitchhiking or taking mass transit. You really can’t do either living in Phoenix. But today’s cars all seem to look alike. I guess I’m what you might call car blind.
Do I need to pick a color too?
I test drove a lot of vehicles over a number of months (please don’t gasp—I already admitted I don’t know what I’m doing). It was an odd experience. Mostly because the person sitting next to me (the salesman/woman) was a total stranger. Someone whose very livelihood depended on my decision. And being a sensitive guy, I had a gnawing feeling that if I didn’t buy the car, their job might be on the line. So, I made nervous small talk and hoped against hope that I would like the car. But I mostly didn’t.
I’m a throw back
I guess I’m really not much for the 2017 models. I like old things. Turner Classic Movies, pies made from scratch, antiques, and yes … car museums with Studebakers and Packards. For some reason, I have a yen to own a big, shiny, gas guzzler from the 30s and 40s. I get that they weren’t good for the environment, lacked safety features, and probably drove like tanks. But anything less seems to be—well—less. That’s how you see the world when you’re car blind.
But I love my new GM car
After 30 years of owning Japanese cars, I’ve gone back to an American automaker. A brand that a friend recently described as stodgy. Well, I think my new car is really very cool. Great styling…superb ride…wonderful air conditioning. And if I had just listened to Jeff in the beginning, well, all that car shopping could have been avoided. It was the first car that he recommended.
So what did I get?
The 2017 Buick Encore. And even though the Encore is new, I can still enjoy the nostalgia of yesteryear. I think I’ve earned it. Check out my salute to 1965 by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2uyepdp
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I’ve just been through ‘car buying hell’ too. Only I only have two weeks to decide what I wanted. So I played safe. Got the same brand of car I’ve been driving for years. Even the same colour pretty much. I feel a bit disappointed with myself for not being more adventurous and I’m telling myself it doesn’t have to be forever. It’ll get me through the next six months and then I’ll take more time to decide what will work better for me going forward…maybe I’ll feel braver then!
What a great perspective. Sounds very grounded to me.
I test drove a lot of cars before I purchased, for me the driving position had to be completely comfortable – it’s amazing how different every make and model is. Being petite it was really important I could get the chair close enough to the pedals, and be able to see the end of the bonnet. So that’s what started to narrow my choices.
In the end I chose a yellow one!
That certainly makes sense. Maybe next time, I should team up with you before I go shopping. You’re so logical and thoughtful. I love it!