Taking A Stand: Buying a new car, losing an old friend
It pays to read my column, literally.
So, I get a call at the office a couple weeks ago after I wrote my column about considering getting a newer vehicle.
On the other end of the line is a man from a nearby dealership (I’m not allowed to give specific plugs here although his name is Brian Steel) who says he had just sat down to read my column and came out of his seat when he read I was looking for a car. His first order of business was to give me a call, inviting me to his lot.
Thus began a two-week whirlwind tour of most of the car lots in Middle Tennessee, and seemly endless test drives and sales pitches, which ended Monday when I bought a newer car (newer because I don’t buy new given the depreciation). It’s funny that every car lot you go to, a salesperson really wants to sell you a vehicle. And, each and every car you test drive is supposedly the best car you’ll ever drive.
Actually, I was somewhat disappointed to bring it all to an end since the shopping and test driving was kind of fun. Remember, I’m one of those folks who drives a car until it’s about to fall apart, unlike many people who have to trade in every couple of years to keep up with the Joneses. I’ve owned just two different cars in the past 17 years.
As you’ve guessed, I ended up buying the car from the guy who called me after reading my column. This was killing three birds with one stone. I bought it at a good price, I bought it from a business who advertises with the Southern Standard thus helping pay my salary, and last, but not least, I bought it from a guy who was smart enough to read my column.
I say the word “bought” loosely seeing right now I’m simply renting the car from the bank. So long as I continue sending them money for the next five years (yes, I got it put on the poor boy payment plan), they will allow me the privilege of driving their car.
Of course it was with mixed feelings I drove the new ride off the lot, leaving behind the Nissan Altima which had served me well for a decade. I think the fact the Altima was paid for also had an impact in my somewhat distressed feelings.
It’s funny how situations tend to improve just before you make a major move like buying a newer car. I’d equate it to making a dentist appointment for a tooth ache. If you’re like me, about time the appointment comes around, the tooth tends to stop hurting.
The same was true about my old car. I shined it up and, from a distance, it looked almost like a new car. The noises and sounds it made seemed to disappear and it drove like a new car to the lot where I was trading it in.
Gone was the mysterious interior smell which plagued me for many months and the sound of worn-out bearings. Forgotten was the many times I swore I’d cheer the day I traded it in on a new one when it would die at a stop light. I was actually tempted at the last minute just to keep it as a second vehicle.
But hey, I figure it’s like breaking up with your girlfriend. You can’t just have her hanging around the house while you’ve got your new girl there. You got to make a clean break and move on. Of course, it doesn’t mean there won’t be some parting anxiety.
An idea has been circulating since my former column led to a contact which brought about me buying a car. The idea is to put the word out I’m looking for money to pay off this new vehicle. If anyone is interested in just giving me money, don’t hesitate to call.
(Duane Sherrill is a reporter for the Standard. He can be reached at 473-2191 or by e-mail at [email protected].)