My roommate's car is a Mazda Miata, which is awesome, but it is not a very good vehicle for the Pacific Northwest winters. It's perfect in the summer to drive around town with the top down, but this rear-wheel drive vehicle is not snowy, or really even rain, friendly. Plus, I'm 5'9" and the Miata is a bit small for a person my size.
So, I looked at the local dealership's inventory online on New Year's Eve and emailed them about my interests. I was called the next day and started a fairly lengthy conversation about what I wanted and what I could afford. Then, I called my dad. My father has worked in the car business for over twenty-five years and he knows an encyclopedia's worth of information that could help me make the right decision.
I've never bought a car before. My dad has always handled it, and as a woman over thirty I wanted to finally have this experience. My dad was excited for me, and I could tell he really wanted to do more but I wouldn't let him. He told me some great questions to ask, made his recommendations and set me loose. I also got some great feedback from a co-worker and friend, Sarah. She really gave me some direction about what to look for when shopping for a vehicle, and in the end her advice and my father's recommendations are what I used to find the perfect car for me.
I bought a pre-owned, certified 2010 Hyundai Tucson and I love it. My car payments are perfect for my budget and the vehicle is 4-wheel drive, which is just what you need in the winter here in the Pacific Northwest. I'm also really proud that I handled everything mostly on my own and actually did something grown-up for once. Plus, it's pretty fabulous to accomplish one of my 2013 goals just four days into the year!
So, the snow is starting to come down and I have no reservations about driving in it. I will always be a southern girl, but slowly the Pacific Northwest is becoming my home.
This is good news! Congrats! The feeling of driving your own car is still better than just driving a car. And I’m so proud of your choice, considering it was your first time! :) I guess it really helped that you got to drive the Miata first for some time. You got to focus on the things to prioritize in your own car. Size and safety are really important.
ReplyDeleteThis is good news! Congrats! The feeling of driving your own car is still better than just driving a car. And I’m so proud of your choice, considering it was your first time! :) I guess it really helped that you got to drive the Miata first for some time. You got to focus on the things to prioritize in your own car. Size and safety are really important. -->Tyra Shortino
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new car, Tara! It's great to hear that you have accomplished buying your new car on your own. I'm also glad that you liked it very much. Don’t forget to have it checked and maintained so you and your car will be together for years to come.
ReplyDeleteEllsworth Mciltrot
Owning a car is a good way to start the year. Looks like your car buying experience has been a pleasant one. Well, that’s because you had lots of recommendations from people close to you. The 2010 Hyundai Tucson is not bad as your first car. Now that you have your own car, commuting won’t be a problem, particularly this snowy season.
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