To any of my readers who have succumbed to temptation and bought something
when they were “just looking,” it will come as no surprise to learn that,
although only two weeks ago I was “just looking” at new cars, I am now the owner
of an ice-blue Honda CRV, which I have named Bonnie after Scarlett O’Hara and
Rhett Butler’s daughter, Bonnie Blue Butler.
Although my purchase wasn’t
completely spur of the moment, as I had practiced due diligence and checked on
prices and reliability, I wasn’t really thinking of purchasing for several
months.
I had narrowed down the choices to either a Honda or a Subaru
after also considering Toyota and Hyundai. As someone who has been in one form
or another of sales and sales training most of my life, I found it interesting
although somewhat disheartening to find that almost all of the salespeople I
came in contact with, although courteous, did not take the time, initially, to
find out the driving needs and car features that might be important to
me.
I was looking for ease of entry, safety features, good visibility and
comfort on long drives. One salesperson jumped right in and was extolling the
virtues of the large cargo space. Now, how many single women in their 80s are
lugging home lumber or furniture? My usual quart of milk, TV dinners and some
cat litter require very little room.
Visiting the Honda dealership in Branford, I was disappointed when the
saleswoman informed me rather coldly that all the 2012 models had been sold and
immediately started to push the more expensive 2013s.
Although
technically knowledgeable, she also kept saying, “No problem” every other
sentence, which I found annoying. While previously looking at Toyotas in
Westbrook, I had visited the Honda dealership across the street and found the
salesman, Don Shepard, to be gentlemanly and helpful.
When I called him,
he confirmed that there weren’t any 2012s available, but suggested a 2011 CRV
that had all the extras I had requested, very low mileage, and, of course, a big
savings from a 2013. I went to look and purchased it that same day as well as
trading in my 11-year-old Toyota Avalon.
I almost felt as though I was
betraying a trusted, dependable friend, and I do hope the next owner is kind and
considerate.
By the time all the necessary paperwork was completed, it
was late in the day, and although Shepard had spent a great deal of time
explaining all the features of my new car, after driving home at 3 miles an hour
and picking up some groceries, it had become dark. I parked the car, but could
not find the latch to release the hatch to get my groceries. Trying to read the
instruction book by flashlight in the cold, I was wondering what I had gotten
myself into, but suddenly my fumbling fingers found the latch, almost by
accident.
Another day, attempting to start the windshield wipers, the
radio came on at such volume I was nearly blasted out of the car. Now, after a
few drives, I’m finally getting past that “first date” like stage and beginning
to feel comfortably familiar.
Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.
