Rite of Passage- Owning a Car

Last week, Jeremy and I bought our very first car. Neither of us had ever bought or owned a car before, so we got to experience it together. After weeks of researching car safety stats, test-driving multiple models, and asking our parents lots of questions, we finally bought a 2005 Chevy Malibu, white with tan interior.

Even though the car has 74000 miles, the previous owner took excellent care of it. We got a great price from the Chevy dealership for $7200 and traded in our little 1996 Hyundai Accent for $400. We are really happy with it.

Now that we've survived dozens of dealers and bargaining bogus, we feel much more grown-up. Here's some of the wisdom we've gained from our first-time car buying experience:

• Call your parents for advice.
  
• Don't trust the online ads. Call and ask before you go see the car.
• Use a matrix spread sheet system to help rate which cars are the best options for your safety, design and financial needs. You'll have to ask Jeremy how to create one!
  
• Don't settle. But don't expect a golden carriage, either.
  
• When you know something is wrong with the car and the dealer disagrees with you, walk away. Luckily we didn't buy that car.
• If the dealer can't give you written proof, don't believe him.
  
• Take lots of notes about each car.
  
• Since 1996, a lot of neat car features have been invented. Like remote windows and locks. And little bells that tell you when your lights are still on! Oh, the luxuries!
• Test out EVERYTHING during the test drive. Even the window wipers and cruise control.
  
• Don't tell the dealer you are going to pay completely with cash until after you negotiate a price (thanks Dad R for letting us know this before we made that mistake twice!)
• Service is better and more reliable at real dealerships.
• When you're ready to buy, be ready to wait... for 6-8 hours... before you leave with the car.
  
• Pray before test driving and buying. Pray before negotiating.
• Have the courage to say no to the dealers when the Spirit tells you to. Even if all logic tells you to say yes.
• Expect the financial guy to sell you all kinds of warranties and bonus stuff you don't need. Just say no. Even after he lowers the price SIX times.
  
• Take advantage of the economy by making demands. Like telling them there is no way you will pay $250 to be able to take the car to an independent mechanic. Once we put up a fuss, they waived the "fee."
• Old, white haired men are the nicest dealers to work with. They don't pressure you to buy the car.
• Be ready to say goodbye to the car you are trading in. (There are so many fun memories we had in that little Hyundai. sniff, sniff)
• Go out to dinner on your way home with your new car. It helps relieve all the stress from your 7 hour wait at the dealership.
• Memorize what your car looks like before going to work. Use the remote clicker to make your car honk if you're not sure which one is yours.
  

We Have Pirates for Parents

Every year, Dad Z plans a fun get-a-way for him and Mom Z during their anniversary (Feb 12). This year, he took Mom on a cruise. They left from Long Beach, so we got to have them at our apartment before and after they left.

The two themes of the trip were The Love Boat and Pirates. Pretty much their cabin was decked out with love boat and pirate decor all week long, making their room the largest fire hazard on the ship. They were even wearing crazy pirate costumes when we picked them up!
Jeremy and I took part in the planning of the trip by designing a treasure hunt for Mom and Dad. We made a map of clues that took them up and down Huntington Beach Main St and Pier. While they were traipsing around in public wearing pirate costumes and getting weird looks, we sped to the beach to bury the authentic treasure chest filled with fake- and even real- jewels. About fifteen minutes later, two awkward looking pirates came plunking along the sand, ready to dig for their treasure!

Later, we took our parents to a beach in South Laguna called Treasure Island. We explored the tide pools once again, which never gets old. Also during the weekend, we took them to the Getty Museum and the Newport Beach Temple. It was Varrry fun!