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.