How Did You Choose Your Current Car?

[sunny-dave]

I've just changed cars - after 15 years and three consecutive Saab Aero Estates it was a difficult choice to make.

Made a list of my criteria - must-haves, nice-to-haves and definitely-must-not-haves.

Did loads of research online and in magazines, got a short-list together.

Found garages within 30 or so miles of me that had an appropriate vehicle in stock.

Test drove over half a dozen cars, went back and drove a couple of them a second time.

Got down to a choice of two and then haggled for the best deal on both ... then made a decision.

So far I am absolutely delighted with the Audi Q5 - I hope it will do me for a good few years now.

Have I over complicated it though - would this have worked just as well?

http://oi57.tinypic.com/14o3k0j.jpg


So - how did you pick your car/bike/whatever?

top gear dave :)

[Zacs-Master]

Knew what I wanted. Mileage. Good tyres. Colour (although not vital). Engine size. Saw one rejected it. Saw another, test drove it. Bought it.

[sunny-dave]

You have a large one then Scriv?

[paddywak]

We had a large hairy GSD so all we did was updated the estate car we had before,sadly we lost Max the week before we collected the new motor.

[woofgang]

Pretty much the same as you Dave, except I had narrowed it down to one car before I went test driving. I was going for brand new so once I had test driven there was the question of packs and extras. The dealer gave me a price for my existing car and told me how much cash I needed to add. It was less than I expected so we closed the deal.

[tonyav]

I did what I usually do when I buy a car, decide what I want then look at some and test drive, do the usual checks and buy the one that ticks the right boxes.

[Baldric]

Dave the dealer(s) in your link would be Ok for a Lady of the Female persuasion!

[sunny-dave]

I understand that you referred to my new beast as a "Gangsta Car", Mr AV ...

... the chaps with the baseball bats and balaclavas are on their way :)

[Jeza]

I wanted a new Peugot cabriolet coupe, I think that's what it was called. This was 6 years ago. I booked a test drive and was smitten. When I asked about delivery dates, engine size etc. the guy laughed and told me to send a man to sort it as he would know these things. I was furious and told him I would take my cash sale elsewhere. A couple of days later I received a bunch of flowers and an apology offering me a good deal. I threw the letter away and gave the flowers to a neighbour.

[tonyav]

LOL, wonder who grassed me up ;-)

[gness]

Well....I didn't exactly choose the car I drive now....

We had a really fast car...fantastic acceleration but then MrG became unable to drive it and, to be honest I think because I do like to drive fast...in the right conditions....I scared him....wuss.

So...on the pretext of buying a new and very reliable car as I was doing lots of late night lone driving he bought a Honda Civic for me.....

I do like it....it will go fast and I have grown to love the gear stick which is fantastic for hanging a handbag on.....☺

[Jeza]

Baldric, It's a good job you posted before me or I would think you were having a go.♥

[grasscarp]

A friend showed me how with a press of a button the roof of his Mercedes SLK stowed itself neatly in the boot in seconds and that was the turning point in 1996. Now on my second one. I will never be normal again.

[tonyav]

***, Jeza. That car salesman doesn't deserve to ever sell a car, perhaps he needs a change of career.

[gness]

Arrgghhh..I know nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Baldric]

The Beemer, 320d, we've had nearly 4 years, bought it 'cause it's a Beemer, we like what they do!
The Yeti, 2.0ltr TDi, 170bhp + 4x4, we bought 'cause OH wanted something higher to get into which still had a bit of life in it.
The Octavia Estate, 2ltr FSi, 220 bhp, was bought as an Ex demo 'cause it is a great Dog Carrier, and a lot of fun to drive at any time.

[tonyav]

The starred out word was only b l o o d y

[Baldric]

Don't worry Jeza, would never do that!
;-)

[Prudie]

Gosh Dave, that is impressive preparation. I knew what sort of performance I wanted, what colour and what price. I got the same as grasscarp. Can't imagine not getting another one when the time comes.