Happy & Healthy
What you need to know when buying a new car
My old folks' car can retire. I'm going car shopping tomorrow. Hang out the flag and let those old car flames pass by. This is going to be a beautiful marriage. But what do you need to know before you say yes?
My new car wishlist is short but beautiful. It has to look a bit nice. Not too frumpy, a little bit cool. And economical, because I absolutely hate refueling. I'd rather run the tank down to the last drop than have to squeeze hard or with finesse on one of those pump handles. Kid, you're making it difficult. I know, I know. But it gives the same feeling as throwing the garbage bag into that stinking chute, pointless. Okay, car. It also shouldn't be too big, because driving in the city. But also not a zero-comfort box, because a lot on the highway. And of course a trendy touch on top, but preferably no apple green or Acne pink. Well, that’s about it. Sir, what do you have on offer?
Whoa, stop. You see, I'm not hindered by any knowledge or inside information about the car biz. That calls for expert advice, hello friends from Renault. Josephine Spaan is an expert on how to sell cars to women, but we're flipping that around now. Her five rules for car shopping.
1. Make a shopping list
Do you drive a hundred kilometers to the office every day or do you need to transport five Labradors, a Bugaboo, and a complete camping setup? Yes, that could very well be. What is your driving style? Think carefully about what you consider a must and what is convenient. A good point to start: what do I dislike about the car I currently have and what will I absolutely not miss? At the end, make a total with your budget, that makes shopping a hundred thousand times easier.
”It also shouldn't be too big, because driving in the city”
2. Deal with your dealer
At a dealer, you get a two-year warranty on a new model. Period. Oh, and are you going for a previously loved model? Then you should always stop by the brand dealer for a check-up.
3. Negotiate with that thing
It's wonderful to unleash the designer in you, but also think about what beauty already exists. One word: inventory. That discount is for you on such a model and before you know it, it's at your door. And will a yellow car really make you an intensely happy person? Then design it from scratch, but then you have to wait a bit longer.
4. Trading leads to crying
Or not. Look online to see what your car is still worth, that makes negotiating a lot easier.
5. Trying will teach you
Rattles, weird puffs, annoying ticks: try that car. You wouldn't buy that new dress without trying it on, right? Exactly. Pro tip: pick up a car for a test drive at the end of the afternoon and return it the next day. You can ask and get feedback from everyone.
Written by Adeline Mans
