Friday, 31 January 2014

Shopping for a car is like getting a wife


"Materializing things that shouldn't be materialized is unmannerly. Is there a neat way to maternalize cars?" - Unknown feminist.

As the most "technical" expressions of this story are so clearly metaphors for various premarital and marital dealings, I have come up with a conception that car dealer business, in general, is just one big smokescreen for sex. When writing this story, I actually started considering it as a sort of "manual for new drivers". It is based solely on what I've seen, and if any of the readers have something to add, please let me know. Some of the metaphors are direct, but some are just overlapping. An example: In this story, "a driver" is definitely a metaphor for "a male", and "driving" quite often literally means what's on their mind. However, in this writing not so much covered, processes of "insuring a vehicle" and "getting a prenuptial agreement" could both serve for a parallel purpose although the latter may rather eat your mental than financial resources.  

This manual has been written for all men considering to acquire a vehicle. Especially the young men with no or little driving experience should read it carefully. If you don't know much about cars, life may get tricky, and you might even believe that the car you are getting will be forever.

A new car smells good, the lights shine bright, there is no harshness in its sound and nowadays most of them do not smoke at all. Sleek and slim appearance is nice to show and watch. Service record is nil. On the other hand, used cars are cheaper, and you may even get one or two previously installed accessories in the bumpers almost for free of charge. It's great to know that the previous owner had to pay through the nose for them.

If you buy a new car, you may decide not to test drive it at all. When all the factory seals are in place, you can simply trust on the warranty. However, you should first arrange a time for a careful manual inspection of the body parts inside out, not forgetting the trunk and engine. But remember, nowadays even brand new cars tend to carry on some mileage. After the purchase, the running-in period has to be cautious for not loosening the engine too much. As for new cars, extremely few owners let anyone else drive, which definitely will help skirting trouble. But nothing lasts forever. One beautiful day, depending on the country-specific regulations, the first MOT on your vehicle is due. There is nothing you can do if the inspector wants to have a test ride. However, it is widely known that the inspectors are inclined to find old cars more test drivable than new cars. 

New cars seldom need more than an occasional light wash and make up, but older cars may need some paint and filler for passing MOT. If already at young age your car requires uncanny amounts of make up products, there is a chance that sooner than flooring the pedal you'll be in trouble with unauthorized car inspectors.

Getting a previously owned car has also its advantages. You can perhaps upgrade the model and year more often, and used cars tend to be more prone to rough riding. Quite a few available vintage vehicles tend to have big engines as they're more durable and last longer. However, losing distributor oil may sometimes become a problem with them, and an ordinary used car buyer should stay far from them. You can barely imagine all the consequences of the crankshaft of an old vehicle falling off in the middle of an acceleration. Also, big old cars may have a permanent four-wheel-drive system that may surprise a beginner. An AWD in smaller new cars is often related to track level performance, and old drivers should beware hearth attacks. Occasionally, leakages happen even in new cars, but normally the warranty will cover all damages. Reading the users manual inside the cupboard door will help an inexperienced driver for understanding the service intervals of new vehicles. In general, driving a leaking car is a personal liability and an environmental hazard. 

If possible, when planning to go for a previously owned car, it is a good idea to have a chat with the previous owner. You may also have the car inspected by a car doctor if you are getting it directly from the owner. If you are buying the car from a used car dealership, the previous owner or owners can be tracked from public records. Talking to the ex-drivers may really pay off as hidden traits or real faults can have been covered by a dishonest dealer, as revitalizing procedures are common and e.g. the mileage can be altered for concealing the true nature of an old car. Most dishonest dealers can be recognized by their pimped-up personal rides and gaudy clothing. 

It seems that used car owners often go for a new second hand one as their next vehicle, and thus gradually acquire some expertise in these affairs. Having a friend to give his opinion might be useful; letting him take a test drive would be a sign of a true friendship. Waxing an old car by hand may over time become a laborious chore, and for this reason old car owners regularly become devoted DIY men. But if an old ride really needs some pimping up, its up to everyone's personal likes whether to let a professional driver put his hands on it. 

Pooling cars is an interesting approach for driving around. However, deviating from the commonly recognized rules of conduct is daring, and may sound even outrageous to the owners of brand new cars. Cleaning upholstery after pool driving sessions, and not knowing who'll pay the bill if accidents happen, may be easier to swallow for only the callous drivers who have changed their ride many times.

If the car owner is planning to increase the number of family members, there are some things to pay attention to. Driving with a kid aboard is less convenient than normal driving. Using a four-wheel-drive is often the only option. At this phase of life, many vehicle owners start appreciating solo driving. For female drivers, driving alone with even just one kid aboard is complicated as reaching all the required knobs and buttons is awfully hard.

What ever kind of car you have, getting a second one will increase all expenses. A second car is almost with no exceptions a previously owned, or at least it has a high mileage. A second car will almost always, in short and long run, become much more expensive than what was planned. Driving or even just having preliminary and secondary cars simultaneously kids aboard, is a nightmare.


An older, well kept car can look stylish from behind as, on the other hand, the front grill, bumper and lights would more easily reveal the actual year model!

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