Hello all!

Today’s story is all about my latest, new-car-buying adventures. I’ve been driving the same car since I was 16, and it served me really well. It was dusty and full of door-dings, but it got the job done. When my parents approached me saying I needed a new car, I shrugged at the thought. My car worked just fine, not to mention, I was oddly emotionally attached to it. I had passed my driver’s license test in it, drove it around my last summer in college, and took it on so many road trips. It was a constant in my life. But, I deserved to be safe and knew it would be a necessary purchase in future.

A little while later, this happened:

When I first entertained the idea of getting a new car, numerous people in my life suggested a Mini Cooper, straightaway. It was never something that I entertained before, but since I wanted a car smaller than the one I was currently driving it was at least worth a test drive. I didn’t realize how much I would like it! We ended up purchasing Mini’s newest model: The Clubman, which is a little bit bigger than your average Mini. I was a little hesitant until I coincidentally stumbled across someone who owned one right in my own little town. He had nothing but good things to say, and was incredibly enthusiastic about his experiences. I was sold.

Of course, buying a car can be really stressful, so here are some things to keep in mind:

Do your research. 

There are a ton of cars out there, and the choices can be seriously overwhelming if you have absolutely no idea what you want/need. I recommend looking potential buys up on the Kelly Blue Book website. They even have reviews direct from car owners, so you can get a bit of perspective. If you don’t have to make a decision right away, take as much time as you can afford.

Stand your ground. 

Car salesmen have notoriously pushy reputations for a reason. Some will want you to sign your life away immediately,”Which one do you want!? DONE!” And others might give you a load of grief during the paperwork process. I had a rather unfortunate experience at the dealership in San Francisco, and wouldn’t go back their had I had to do it all over again. Sometimes smaller dealerships can offer a lot in terms of experience.

And, in the end….

Go with your gut. 

There are always going to be other choices, but what do you want? Don’t try to rationalize your instincts away (unless you’re trying to buy yourself a hot pink Bugatti for your commute, or something equally ridiculous). After all, you’re the one that has to drive your car everyday.

It’s been a good solid month now of zipping around in the Mini, and I can say that I’m really happy with it. Just the other day, I joked with my girlfriends “I don’t have pets, or much of a life, but hey! I have my mini!” Please keep in mind that this was after I waved and said hello to it on the street like a crazy person. Since I’m not allowed to have cats in my apartment, I guess I’ll become a crazy car lady instead.  This car is probably the nicest thing I’ve ever owned, and I’m looking forward to having it for a good long while. As we all know, life sometimes doesn’t pan out the way you want it to, but there’s always things to be grateful for! Right now, I get to sit in my car, feel safe, and just a little bit snazzy.

EVA ♥