The sad time has come when we must rethink our two car policy. Ever since our first baby, 40 years ago, we have had two cars. However, now that we are retired we don't really need two cars as we do most things together. We find ourselves saying, "Which car will we take?" So why have two when they cost so much to register, insure, service and run?.
Our beloved BMW was 7 years old and needed over $2000.00 worth of engine seals replaced.
My cute little Getz was 6 years old and needed new tyres and reregistering next month.
Last week we bit the bullet and made the decision to trade them in on a new car. We wanted to do a swap without paying anything. We knew another BMW would be out of the question for what we could get for the two old cars so we turned to Hyundai because we had been very happy with the Getz.
Surprisingly we got our wish and now we are the proud owners of a new Hyundai Elantra Elite, without paying anything. This is a downgrade for Bill but an upgrade for me. The best thing is we save thousands of dollars on repairs and the cost of running two cars. However we were sad to say goodbye to our 2 cars especially the beautiful BMW. When we went to pick up the new car the sales people were all excited for us and said," You must be very excited picking up your new car." Old spoil sport me said, "Not really, it's sad to give up a BMW." That didn't go down too well. Anyway now we are reading the manual and trying to figure out how everything works. Bill seems happy with his new toy and I think it looks pretty snazzy even if it isn't red. Just in case American readers are not aware, cars cost a lot more here than in US. This model is $8000.00 cheaper in US.
It looks very snazzy! Hyundais have really been 'winning' in recent years and have outlasted several other newish brand launches, so they're clearly doing things right.
ReplyDeleteWe bought our Peugeot in August last year and for Love Chunks and myself, in our forties, it was the very first time we had ever got a brand new car. As you say, cars are so expensive in Australia and in our seventeen years of marriage we've only ever had one car and always a second hand one, so here in Geneva I feel rather lucky.
..... until I find a Bentley tailgating me; the summer-only Middle Eastern guy taking ages to back his Rolls Royce out of the underground garage next to ours and the owner of the hot pink Ferrari cutting in front of me as I'm waiting behind a bus....!
Smart looks. As the owner of a Hyundai Elantra for over ten years, mine has been pretty good. They are pretty hard to beat in the value for money stakes.
ReplyDeleteOld cars are like old friends but there comes the day when it's not savvy to keep them running .... Your new car looks snazzy Diane and considering you didn't have to outlay more money I'd say you made the right move.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations ! beautiful car ! I have no idea if talk about US $ or Australian once. Cars are very expensive in Belgium. We need two small cars, as we do everything s e p a r a t e d, lol ! But we don't need a big car as I always take the train or airplane when I travel and for short distances the Opel Corsa is good enough. At the end it would be as if we had one big car.
ReplyDeleteOh - Bill will be in sack cloth! Still two cars were no longer necessary. I am pleased to see that you have pointed out to your US viewers, that in Australia, it is expensive in all departments. No wonder when our DOLLAR is on par or higher, there is a massive Aussie vist to the US with two suitcases. One with clothes etc. and one empty. The empty one comes back full - sheets, towels and clothing. Maybe all made in China, but who cares? You get a holiday and a shopping experience. The same stuff is made here - all marked made in China - even Disneyland caps, etc etc. Mickey Mouses, Donald Ducks - all made in China.
ReplyDeleteWilliam, that Mercedes SL600 that you had your eyes on! Find a crow colony and stand, when bombed, you might be luckier that I was.
Good luck, mate. Diane will love a SL600 convertible.
Great report as always Diane.
Now back to the finishing touches of my "famous Pea and Ham Soup". An epicurean delight that would win awards, well that's my opinion.
Cheers
Colin (HB)
great trade ! smart ! enjoy
ReplyDeleteanni
You made a nice move from two to one and with not paying at all!
ReplyDeleteDiane, it is a pretty car. But you are so right, why pay to keep up two vehicles when you are always together. LOL, You can use that money on another trip. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteI would love to do without a car altogether. Unless it was a Jaguar XJS.
ReplyDeletei love it. very snazzy indeed. i hope you both have lots of safe and happy kilometers in it
ReplyDeleteYour new baby looks beautiful! I bet Bill is in heaven with all the techno gadgets inside!
ReplyDeleteCars become such a part of you life. I had a 2 volvos for over 20 years, but European cars cost an arm and a leg to maintain. I traded to a V8 red Commodore, leather everything etc - my mid-life crisis!
We made the same decision, two cars were just not worth having any more. We sold my Mondeo and kept Nigel's little Clio as it was a French car. The problem is it is only a 2 door and if there is a third person around it is a little small!! Meanwhile it will have to do, it uses very little fuel and insurance is fairly low by comparison with something bigger.
ReplyDeleteWell that surprises me. I bought a Honda in 2001 and I don't know what the price of it comparison wise is, but I know the insurance is higher because they consider it a foreign car. Course I didn't know that until I went down to change the insurance. I should've researched it. I'm too poor now to ever buy another one so when that time comes I don't know what will happen. But I LOVE your new one. Have fun in it.
ReplyDeletegads, and i thought the cars were to high here. i like it. and we have discussed doing the same thing, going to one truck. but we would keep our truck if we do it. only has 38,000 miles on it. it needs tires right now and the cheapest we have found that are good is 900.00. with things like that and insurance and tags on it, we might just have to. our problem is he goes off every morning for 2 hours to the park, and if i need to go to store or doctor, could not do it. also when i am gone for 4 hours taking photos, he is stuck with no car, so we keep hangning on.
ReplyDeleteCommiserations and congratulations Diane! You are obviously a good negotiator and your new car looks really snazzy; wishing you many happy miles/kms of motoring in it. I recently sold my Hyundai and purchased a Mazda 2 MAXX - only because the former was a 2-door manual and a 4-door/hatch automatic is more appropriate for my current lifestyle. I was otherwise very happy with the Hyundai and from all accounts it is a reliable and economical make. All the best (and thanks for your recent visits to my blog).
ReplyDeleteOOOHHHH, I do like your new car. Yes, sad to see the BMW go and your own car, but you do what you have to do.....happy driving.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I could give up a BMW and a red one too. :)
ReplyDeleteYour new car looks very sporty! I've never read the entire manual for my Jeep and it has buttons I still don't know how to use. This Hyundai looks like it might have lots of bells and whistles.
I can't imagine not having to pay anything. I don't think there's a dealer in the US that would consider that.
Safe travels to you both!
Congratulations on your new car. Betsy and I went to one car when I retired and it has worked out very well. I hope the same for you and Bill.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Diane (and Bill).... That looks like a gorgeous car. George and I have been a 'one car' family for many years. He first had a Toyota Camry and I had a Toyota Corolla... I sold mine to my oldest son (and he is still driving it). We kept the Camry until it died and then bought the Prius. We have done fine with one car...
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
What a blessing to be able to say "...we do most things together" and be able to downsize for that reason! YAY!
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Diane...I am very happy for you. What a beautiful car.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! It is fun to get a new car and no payments...a new stage of life with 1 car:)
ReplyDeleteSounds like the way to go Diane and I am sure there will be many kilometres to cover in your new car. Interesting about the price differential with the US. Happy motoring!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on that beautiful new car but it's sad to say goodbye to the old ones. I still think of that first mini I ever bought back in the UK and that first feeling of independence. I loved that old rush bucket and when I sold it and watched it being driven down the road with its new owner behind the wheel, I cried. I was getting married and heading to the States and Gregg's car at the time was like driving a tank. Very scary driving that thing around Washington DC! Wishing you many happy times for you and Bill in your brand new wheels :)
ReplyDeletep.s. that should have read 'RUST BUCKET' ;-O
ReplyDeleteI like your new wheels!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new car Diane and Bill! I hope it gives you many years of comfortable use and safe driving.
ReplyDeleteWe have only had one car our whole marriage as parking is so scare in NYC and public transportation is so available. I always feel sad to give up a good old car, no matter what the make or model, but the last two we gave to our children so that made it easier. We've had a Subaru Forester for our last two cars and like it very much.
I like your new car...even if it isn't red. There is something so pleasing about that new car smell...and I'm sure there are a lot of new gadgets and capabilities with today's cars that take some relearning! Our Honda is 10 years old so one of these years we'll be joining you in the learning department catching up on the latest automobile technology!
ReplyDeleteYou did the right thing. Two cars cost too much. Since we retired Mr. B and I are down to one car. As you say, when you are always together one car is enough. I'm glad you like my photo montages. I create them in Photoshop Elements 6 using my photos I have taken.
ReplyDeleteHyundais are cool even if they are not a BMW or, in my case, a Peugeot. I gave the latter up (one is buying a lifestyle etc etc; they sell caps,gloves and T-shirts as well as mugs for your driving experience but have only one place for spare parts and that is in sydney which is inconvenient when one does not live there) for the economy and ease of service.
ReplyDelete