January 30, 2016
To be honest, we have reached a point where most vehicles can dispatch all one’s actual needs from an automobile (barring occasional recalls); with ease. Gone are the lemon lamentations of the 70s and 80s, where an unreliable car meant having triple A on speed dial. Now the rub is in reading and catering to a demographic. People do not have the time to physically visit every potential dealership that furnishes a Bodystyle conducive to one’s particular lifestyle. So whoever paid for the most (successful) advertising was the victor by default. Thankfully, that is no longer necessary. The customers have leveled up, and the playing field has shifted to level ground. Accessible consumer databases have been promulgated by the internet’s universal extent (as in: ever expanding). Now one could commit to the stress of a few hours of auto evaluation research, and avoid further agony by driving home in the car that suits their wants most thoroughly. The question then becomes; how and where? Where is simple, in any of a litany of internet databases (I hear good things about Auto Publishers). How; is a bit more complicated; in the sense that it is more unique to each auto user. Often times, buyers do not know what they want from a vehicle, until they find their new car wanting of it. First, find what is most important to the buyer. This ranges from performance and environmental responsibility to aesthetics and opulence. While it is noble to want a Prius because it is environmentally friendly; it is also ugly. So fret not, Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations guarantee that you are doing at least your fair share for the environment. Thus, it is not shallow to want a car because it is beautiful. A car has become more than simply a tool in our lives, it is no longer (or still may be more apt) only made by artisans but artists as well. Reiterating the point from before, no car is off limits, they are all fair game. The only factor that differentiates automotive products is how intrinsically pleasing they are to the purchaser and/or driver. There should be no shame associated with a person’s preferences in auto evaluation. If you like a truck, buy it. A Leaf driver is no more dignified. When the dust settles; you will be more content with what you wanted, than with a compromise-mobile. So be sure to set your own terms, lest you be swayed by another’s whims, and end up with your own personal Cujo. That said, couples should consider who the primary driver is. Price is omitted from this first phase in the process of acumination, because one simply will not (or at least should not) buy beyond their means. However there are many ways to circumvent sticker shock (as in a steep price). Creativity is paramount. Never forget, you and the salesman (or woman) are at ends; your desires are directly opposed; you want to pay the least possible and she or he works off commission. However, they are not privy to any information you are not, if you are more prepared they will eventually succumb to your staunch will. The key to a content car consumer comes from concentrated commitment to considering cravings. If you follow irrational instinctual auto evaluation maxims (within reason), your garage will be your zen garden, and when you leave it, your vessel on the road will always take you to nirvana (destination irrelevant). Auto Publishers will always strive to guide the reader to their happy place on the road.