Decided to take the late train today as I had a pretty free morning (gets me in right at 9am) and was cutting it fine to make the station and got held up at the only set of traffic lights behind my place and the station. By the time I got through, the train was at the platform and I was no chance. So now I am on the “Very Late” train and wont get into the office until 9:30… oh well, its not like I haven’t been working like a biatch lately anyways.
On other news, we’re buying a new car. We’re trading in our 2001 Ford Futura Wagon and looking at a medium sized car whilst the kids are young enough to not require huge amounts of leg room. I lease my cars so I will only keep this one for 3-4 years and by that stage Kate will be 10-11 yrs old and would be getting bigger to require going back to a Ford or Holden.
But in the interim we’re in the medium size car market. But rather than beat the streets and legging it between car yards, I rang up “Quality Auto Search” (they have a website – google it) and I have been very impressed with their service. Rang them up on Friday, spoke to the guy there about what we’re looking for, he agreed with my views on the kids, fuel economy etc etc and after giving him a price range, he undertook a desktop search.
He rings me yesterday and tells me he’s recommending the Camry Ateva or the Mazda 6. Both retail for the same price and there are only marginal differences between the two and are good quality cars. The next step is he’s ringing me today to arrange me to have an overnight test drive of each and he’ll bring me the car to my work and then we’ll also set a day in which I will drive the Ford into the office and he’ll come out and inspect it and so that he can get me a good trade in deal.
So by the end of this week, I’ll probably have had driven both cars, had my car valued for trade in and we’ll decide on which one we’d like and all of this without leaving my desk!
But where’s the catch? When I spoke to Rod from Quality Auto Search I said “sounds great mate, but how much is all this” he said “For you, nothing. We get our commission from the dealers” and he also assured me he could negotiate around 10% off the retail price and get some add-ins thrown in.
So… the proof is in the pudding and I will be getting prices today but so far, I have been very impressed with the service and he’s been prompt in calling me back when he said he would.
Also, if anyone has any experience with the Camry Ateva or the Mazda 6, let me know!
Listening: Penny Century by The Clouds (an oldie but a goodie)
2 comments:
God Dammit do NOT buy a camry! You are not 75 and don't wear a hat when you drive. At least not that i am aware of.
And the Mazda 6 is a fine looking car.
Don't forget the Subaru Liberty - and rememeber dealers are DESPERATE to sell cars this time of year - remember you'll be getting a 2006 compliance plate - which means fark all now - but may do at resale, so don't be shy to drive 'em hard.
and, be like me - you have to learn to HATE car dealers - it really is the australian way, and the best way to get a good deal.
I drive a Mazda Protege..and have been well impressed indeed. When we choose to upgrade Mazada will get the first chance to impress ;) There are too many Camrys...and the Mazda logo seems more Gamery to me ;) Just don;t get white!
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