by Ray Newman, radio and television commentator, attorney, educator, author

Sunday, April 11, 2010

GIDDYAP!

2010 life is too complex...for me.

X wants a new car. Here is what X, typically, will do:

*check newspapers for sales and prices;

*check internet for sales and prices;

*discuss with friends their experience with different brands, different models;

*visit several dealerships to talk about cars, special features, styles (coupe, sedan, hatchback, convertible, van, wagon, SUV), horsepower, number of cylinders, manual &/or automatic, front/rear/all wheel drive, sunroof, miles per gallon, colors, prices, warranties, trade-in values of both new and presently-owned cars....and if buying used, year of manufacture, motor and body condition, prior ownership and usage and mileage and repairs;

*calculate costs in addition to sales price, including sales tax, value added tax, prep charges, registration and license fees, extended warranty fees;

*test drive a few models;

*review bank, union, credit card and other financing options, interest rates, term, prepayment options, guarantors;

*rate dealer's reputation, reliability, quality of service;

*consider insurance coverage, premiums, discounts;

*compare cost of retaining and repairing presently-owned car.

In olden days, X wanted a new horse, went to the nearest horse farm, picked one, rode it once around the corral, checked its hooves, patted its rump, whispered "Hi, Big Beauty" in its ear, paid cash and galloped off.

Technology, ain't it wonderful?

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