Since my husband's death I've learned to do many things I've never done before. My list of new capabilities is huge, but here is one example: I buy new cars all on my own-and I like it.
I was taught buying a car was hard and stressful because salesmen lie and take advantage of you-especially if you're a woman. Several women told me horror stories about salesmen taking their keys and refusing to give them back. Others said the salesman refused to tell them how much they were paying for the car, and instead focused on the low monthly payment. But they all felt bullied, and wondered if they paid way too much, or just a little too much. I could see the mental anguish and exhaustion in their faces as they told their stories.
It brought back memories of my mother and the cars she bought as a single mother. She always came home needing a Martini and a vacation after buying a new car. She felt much more secure when my brother got old enough to handle these situations for her and often said, "A woman should never buy a car on her own."
But my old Suburban had a lot of miles on it, repairs were getting expensive, and dealing with mechanics was scarier than dealing with car salesmen. So, I set my sights on a brand new Volvo wagon.
I figured I should have a strategy and I tossed around the idea of having my brother go with me. He even said he'd be happy to help. But I didn't want him to. I couldn't understand what made men better at buying cars. Were they born with information women didn't have? Was it lodged in their testicular DNA? Was there something in their aura? What?
Then I remembered something funny. When my brother bought his boat back in the 80's, he bragged about getting the salesmen down to $150.00 a month-but for 12 years! And during that same time my brother-in-law paid full price for his new car because the dealership offered 9% interest on financing. And yes, back in the 80's, 9% interest was good. But paying full price? Both their deals sounded horrible to me-so was the myth true? Did I really need a man to help me buy a new car without getting ripped off?
What the hell! I couldn't do too much worse than them. But before I did anything I decided to do some research on the Internet. I was amazed to see all the information available on how to buy a car without getting ripped off. I found the exact value of my trade in, and the factory invoice of the Volvo wagon I wanted too. Feeling empowered and excited I was ready to go the to the dealership.
I test-drove the car, then sat down with the salesman. Right off the bat he did what I expected him to-spent twenty minutes with the manager then offered a low-ball trade in value for my Suburban. They offered five thousand dollars less than what I was willing to accept. I looked at him with total disgust and told him I knew the value of my car and I wouldn't take anything less than a specific amount. I went on to explain that I also knew the factory invoice of the new car, and I was only willing to pay a specific amount. I told him to go talk to his manger about my offers, and not to take longer than ten minutes or I was leaving.
He stood there red faced and speechless. I told him I've done my research and he better not waste my time throwing a bunch of bogus numbers on the table again. I finished up by saying, "'I'm in a hurry-if you want to make a deal I need to be driving out of here with my new car in forty minutes."
Reluctantly, his manager took the deal but added, "I'm only giving you half a tank of gas." Laughing, I said, "Bull#&*%, you're going to fill that sucker up." Shaking his head, he replied, "Yea, I know."
I felt really proud of my new car and myself. I realized I didn't need a new car but the salesman needed my business-ultimately I had all the power. Car salesmen don't respect men more than women-they respect knowledge. Man or woman knowledge is power. I look forward to buying new cars now. It's fun, exciting and I'm always on my own.
