Social Sense
First, let me say that I smiled when I read this blog entry. I needed the lighter tone here.
Unlike you, I have never bought a new car. I just can't stand the thoughts of (1) the application of instant depreciation when the vehicle leaves the dealer's lot and (2) paying the county's property taxes.
Back in 2001 and on my 49th birthday, I had a midlife crisis, and for the first time ever, I bought a "previously owned" [another wordy euphemism] 2000 Mustang GT convertible. Fortunately, I had to deal with only two oily salesmen, the primary one being Hamid from Iran and the other being his supervisor. I still don't know why the presence of the manager was required. Must be some kind of ritual. Hamid was nice enough, but he was incredulous that I (1) wouldn't be trading in my "previously-owned-by-the-county-police department" Crown Victoria and (2) was paying up front withouth using any payment plan--not that I am rich, but I had inherited a few bucks when my father had passed away about two years before. The entire process was relatively painless, except for the time it took to close the deal--two hours.
At the last minute, when I judged that Hamid had given me his best price, I whipped out my driver's license and flashed my birthdate, and Hamid knocked off another $200. I felt really good about my having haggled so well.
One of these days when "my ship comes in," I plan to take the leap and have one brand new car, which at this stage of my life, could mean the last car I ever buy. I'll have to keep in mind what you wrote here: "Negotiating a deal on a new car really boils down to a contest of endurance."
By the way, have you ever seen the movie "Used Cars"? That movie always makes me smile.
Are you sitting down? Thanks for the information on buying a car. I wouldn't know about it otherwise. For the last car that I bought I told a relative of mine to go down to the auto auction and to get me an American car for no more than "x" dollars. He purchased for me a turned-in leased car with only 35,000 miles on it. I got a good deal on it. Now, are you ready? Last week, my odometer turned over 300,000 miles. That's right. This is not a mistype. I would say that I got my money's worth out of it, and it still runs fine. Oh yes, don't ask me why, but I have never replaced the timing belt. Buy American.
[Now I will have to kill Woody]
This is a very funny post, the ribcage ribbing, the daughter, the whole thing.
Mine is an old Acura Integra that runs like a top. Eventually I'm going to have to buy another car. I've been looking, but I love that little beauty...and my husband drives the pickup.
Also, my wife has an Acura Integra with 248,000 miles on it and my daughter has a 1974 VW Beetle with no telling how many miles. The "Auto Gods" are looking after us.
This among many other great observations and "life events" ought be including in the book...you know, the one you're writing.
Hi, my name is Jacob and I was just blog surfing and came across yours.
I think this is a great blog and just wanted to let you know.
Thanks again,
Car Buying
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