I Got a New Car!
This car is a testament to my faith and patience over the last 4 years 💛. This is my second car purchase as an adult. My first car was a 2015 Chevy Sonic LTZ. I was fresh out of college and in need of a reliable car as my little Malibu was about to give out on me. In 9 years, I only put 50k miles on it, and in the last 4 years since paying it off, it's been hell on wheels. Mechanics couldn’t believe I was having the type of issues I had with such low mileage. I was praying prayers of safely making it to my destination every time I drove it. The doors would automatically lock and unlock. The radio would skip randomly. You would think the car was possessed by all the random acts.
Two weeks ago, I was trying to take my babies to the doctor after they had been running fevers off and on for a few days. As I was leaving my house, the car was barely able to get out of the complex and I had to cancel their appointment last minute because I knew I wouldn’t make it. I really felt defeated and sat in the car and cried. Their doctor’s office was only 10 minutes away and less than 3 miles away. I knew then it was time to sell it. I prayed about it and literally gave it to God and asked Him to make it as easy as possible for me. I knew the devil was going to try to interfere, but my faith was stronger.
During my car search, I wanted to find something I really loved. I never loved my Sonic. It had good features (remote start and leather seats), but I didn’t love it. It was just what I could afford at the time. I narrowed it down to the VW Tiguan and the Mazda Cx-5. I didn't care for the Toyota or Honda SUVs. After researching, I saw many people talking about the repair cost of the Tiguan and after test driving it I realized it wasn’t for me. I kept researching the Mazda and all I saw was everyone talking about was its reliability. I was sold! I was very adamant about what I wanted and very thorough in my research. I really didn’t want to be stuck with a car I didn’t like again.
I spent hours upon hours looking for the best deal within my budget. I went to #CarMax for a Mazda last week but it had more wear and tear than I’d like and more miles than listed. So I found another one in another city and had it shipped to the store for free. I test drove it and knew it was the one for me. I found the best deal in my area with low mileage. I prequalified online and all I was asked to provide was my license, insurance, downpayment and she was mine 💛. To give me peace of mind, I did add Maxcare. I sold my Sonic to #carvana (and listen the story I have for that to get that in a sellable condition is wild 😂). The process for them to pick it up only took 10 minutes. I picked up my new car a few hours later.
This process has been all God and not me! I really do not believe none of this would’ve worked out in my favor had it not been for God guiding me. I really give him all the glory and praise for it. Everything worked out as smooth as it could. There were some hiccups but they didn't deter me.
I am super excited to now be able to take my babies out and do activities without the stress of worrying about if my car is about to break down.
Ask God for what you need and believe that it will happen in His timing 💛
✨Psalms 29:11; Mark 11:23-24; Lamentations 3:22-25; Romans 5:1-5
Finding the perfect new car can feel like a monumental task, especially after a challenging experience with an old vehicle. My own journey from a problematic sedan to a reliable SUV was filled with research, tough decisions, and ultimately, a rewarding outcome. If you're currently navigating the car market, here are some strategies and tips based on my experience that might make your process smoother. First, let's talk about mastering your car research. It’s not just about browsing pretty pictures; it’s about understanding what truly matters for your lifestyle and budget. For me, reliability became paramount after my old Chevy Sonic constantly broke down. When comparing models like the VW Tiguan and the Mazda CX-5, I didn't just look at features; I delved deep into owner reviews and consumer reports on long-term reliability and common issues. This is where you uncover the real story behind a car – not just the showroom appeal. For instance, many people highlighted the Mazda CX-5's reputation for dependability, which was a huge selling point for me. Don't forget to factor in potential repair costs; a cheaper car upfront might cost you more in maintenance down the line, as I learned from my Tiguan research. Creating a checklist of 'must-have' features versus 'nice-to-have' can also help narrow down your options significantly, ensuring you focus on what truly meets your needs. Next, let’s discuss navigating CarMax and Carvana, which have revolutionized how many of us buy and sell cars. My experience involved selling my old car to Carvana and buying my new SUV from CarMax, and both processes have their nuances. If you're selling to Carvana, my biggest tip is to prepare your car as if you were selling it privately. While they often make competitive offers, a clean car with all its documentation ready can streamline the process. I had a bit of a 'wild story' getting my old car into sellable condition, which just goes to show that a little preparation can save a lot of last-minute stress! For buying from CarMax, their shipping service is incredibly convenient, allowing you to get the specific model you want, even if it's not locally available. However, always, always, inspect the shipped vehicle thoroughly. Even though it's certified, personal inspection for wear and tear, and checking for any discrepancies from the online listing, is crucial. Also, consider their extended warranty options like Maxcare; it can offer immense peace of mind, especially when investing in a new-to-you vehicle. Both platforms offer a transparent, no-haggle pricing model, which can be a huge relief compared to traditional dealerships. They also often provide a return period, giving you a chance to truly get acquainted with your new ride. Ultimately, the journey to a new car is personal. It requires patience, thorough research into reliability and costs, and knowing how to leverage modern services like CarMax and Carvana. With these insights, I hope your car buying experience is as smooth and rewarding as mine was, leading you to your very own dream car like my amazing Mazda CX-5!
👏🏽❤️🫶🏽