How I Bought My First New Car
I’ve needed a new car for a while. But I’d been putting it off, mainly because I didn’t want to deal with the hassles (or at least the perceived hassles) of buying a new car.
I’m not one to “talk about” buying things. In fact, I’m probably one of the most spontaneous buyers I know. If I want it and I can afford it, I buy it.
I’m also not a “car guy.” I know nothing about cars and frankly, I don’t want to learn.
But the time came. Although my 1994 Nissan Altima has been a great, it didn’t pass inspection last month (which was eight months after the old inspection expired). Since the inspection expired, I’ve been pulled over four times accumulating three tickets (one time I was able to convince the officer that I really didn’t need another ticket since I’d gotten one the day before—luckily, he complied).
So this week I realized it’s time to buy a car. I’m sick of dodging cops, I’m tired of driving a car that sounds like a go-cart, and summer is coming and I won’t do another one without air conditioning. So now what do I do?
Well I first listened to about twenty people feed my brain with car advice overload. One of the things that stuck out more than anything though was the advice I got from one of my best friends: “buy a Volvo S40—they’re hot and a lot less expensive than most of the luxury cars out there.” Enough said.
So Tuesday night, I configured my car online. I woke up the next day and called three dealerships. One in Roanoke, VA, one in Greensboro, NC, and one in Winston-Salem, NC. I told them what I wanted and when I wanted it. Roanoke and Greensboro said they’d get back to me. Winston-Salem listened to what I wanted, found me the car I wanted, approved my financing immediately, and most importantly, said they would deliver my car THAT NIGHT and pick it up any time I needed service. What more could I ask for?
Without seeing the car, without ever test-driving a Volvo S40, without doing anything but going about my daily schedule, I bought my car and had it delivered—all before the other two dealers got back to me. Sell me what I want, make it easy for me to buy it, give me good service, and I’ll be the best customer you can ask for—slack on me and you’re out.
So after eights years, 185,000 miles, and three summers without AC, say hello to my brand new 2006 Volvo S40. I couldn’t be happier. Check Automotive parts and accessories products on my website.
Update: March 2nd, 10:19 a.m.
Roanoke finally called me back (about 24 hours too late).