Tag Archives: test drive

Car Buying Tips For Beginners

July 2, 2024 The Silo Leave a comment

Buying a car is an exciting journey, filled with possibilities but also peppered with potential pitfalls, especially for first-time buyers. The process can seem daunting, given the vast array of options, financial considerations, and the long-term commitment to the chosen vehicle. This guide is designed to simplify the car-buying journey, offering practical tips to navigate the market, make informed decisions, and ultimately find the perfect car that meets your needs and budget. These strategies will help ensure a smoother, more enjoyable car-buying experience.

Know Your Budget

Before diving into the sea of car options, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your budget. This includes not only the purchase price but also the ongoing costs of ownership such as insurance, maintenance, and fuel. A realistic budget will narrow down your options and keep your financial health in check. For instance, opting for a used Hyundai Sonata in Saskatchewan might offer the balance of affordability, reliability, and features you’re looking for, without stretching your budget too thin.

When considering your budget, also think about financing options. If you plan to take out a loan, get pre-approved to understand how much you can afford and to streamline the buying process. This can also give you leverage during negotiations, as you’ll be seen as a serious buyer with financing already in hand.

Research Thoroughly

The importance of research cannot be overstated. Start by listing what you need in a car: size, performance, features, safety ratings, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Use online resources, consumer reports, and forums to gather information on models that fit your criteria. This is also the time to read up on common issues or recalls associated with models you’re interested in, which can save you from future headaches.

Next, explore ownership costs for your shortlisted models. Some cars may have a lower purchase price but higher maintenance costs or less favorable fuel efficiency. Websites and tools that calculate the total cost of ownership over time can provide valuable insights here, helping you make a more informed decision.

Test Drive and Inspect

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to get behind the wheel. Test driving is not just about seeing if you like the car; it’s about ensuring everything works as it should. Pay attention to how the car handles, brakes, accelerates, and how comfortable and intuitive the interior is. For those considering a used vehicle, such as a used Hyundai Sonata, it’s advisable to bring along a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection. This can uncover potential issues that aren’t visible to the untrained eye.

Don’t rush this step. Spending ample time test-driving the car and inspecting can prevent buyer’s remorse and ensure you’re truly happy with your choice. It’s also a good opportunity to check if the car’s space and features meet your practical needs.

Negotiate the Best Deal

Negotiation is part and parcel of the car-buying process. Armed with your research, you’ll be in a stronger position to discuss prices. Know the market value of the car you’re interested in and don’t be afraid to negotiate based on that knowledge. For new cars, this might mean working on the price down from the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). For used cars understanding their market value can help you negotiate a fair price.

Remember, negotiation isn’t just about the sticker price. It can also involve terms of the warranty, interest rates on financing, and additional perks like free maintenance or accessories. Be clear about what you want, be prepared to walk away if your terms aren’t met, and always keep the conversation respectful and professional.

Finalizing Your Purchase

After negotiating a deal you’re happy with, it’s time to finalize the purchase. This involves reviewing and signing paperwork, including the bill of sale, warranty documents, and financing agreements. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions before signing anything. It’s also a good opportunity to review any additional offers for extended warranties or service packages, weighing their costs against the potential benefits.

Before driving off the lot, ensure you have all necessary documents, such as the vehicle registration and proof of insurance. This is also the time to ask any last-minute questions about the vehicle’s features or maintenance requirements. Taking these final steps seriously will help ensure a smooth transition to becoming a happy car owner.

Smart Buying Leads to Happy Driving

Embarking on your car-buying journey with these tips in mind will set you up for a successful purchase. From understanding your budget to negotiating the best deal, each step is crucial in finding a car that fits your life. Whether you’re eyeing a brand-new model or a used car, the goal is to make an informed decision that you’ll be satisfied with for years to come. Remember, a little patience and a lot of research can lead to many happy miles on the road.

Transportation

Thrilling Test Drive Of Rolls Royce Wraith

October 27, 2022 The Silo 2 Comments

Now THAT'S how you launch a new Rolls....and especially one called Wraith- smoke, vapor, mist, theatrics and a spooky performer. All images A. Maughan/The Silo — Now THAT’S how you launch a new Rolls….and especially one called Wraith- smoke, vapor, mist, theatrics and a spooky performer. All images A. Maughan/The Silo

A Silo look back article 🙂

It’s Fall 2013 and the “now brand new” Wraith from the Rolls-Royce car company is not something I get exposed to often. Let’s face it, I’m a mid size car guy. Not high-end luxury. I rationalize my affordability factor by saying that high end’s are too ‘heavy’ and shee-shee poo-poo. Up until now, that may have been as true.

Rolls had an unveiling of their new car The Wraith the other week here in beautiful Vancouver. And well, like the locale, the car itself did stand out even beyond the scenery. The Silo was invited to attend and I earned the assignment. Life is hard 😉

After entering the front doors of the party where a silver painted goddess of sorts and a sleek feather black wraith slowly and elegantly moved around the scene, one can only be sure to expect nothing short of the best attention to these prospective buyers.

There was jewelry set to the tone of $425,000 (Canada’s biggest pink Diamond); a price tag similar to the cars standing right next to them. The food was excellent and the company certainly discerning.

"Emily" or the Flying Lady is the venerable hood ornament for Rolls-Royce automobiles. The live actress seen here on the right captured the mystery and drama behind the creation of the emblem. — “Emily” or the Flying Lady is the venerable hood ornament for Rolls-Royce automobiles. The live actress seen here on the right captured the mystery and drama behind the creation of the emblem.

There was not shortage of demonstration of other models and those with mostly older not only in lineage but also in style, heralding a tradition one has come to know of Rolls Royce. Which is why when the time came for the unveiling of the new car, there was nothing short of a surprise. The car looked sleek and modern while maintaining the more discernable feature Rolls is known for. It looked like, well, not quite a Rolls. It seemed sporty even.

For those who wanted performance but still the luxury that comes with expectations. People actually gasped and well, they should have.

Once the shock settled opera singers belted out a song of elegance that matched the vehicle’s looks and appearance. I became transported and wanted to change careers all of sudden.

On hand for the North American launch of the Wraith? Only, the largest pink Diamond in Canada.

The show was a success, so now came the long shot that I would get to test-drive one of them. I am not a buyer, no sir.

“So when can I test drive one, ahahaha”

“Are you free tomorrow at 3pm?”

Ummm….yeah maybe sure….oh look at that I am free. Perfect” Gulp.

So on to the test drive.

I show up at the Rolls dealership in Vancouver and was met with nothing but interest and enthusiasm for someone who clearly was not in the market for such a car. That didn’t matter much as they were very excited to show off their new marvel. Ha! I thought. No way this thing can actually drive as cool as it looks. Well, my dear readers, was I wrong.

0-100 in 4.4 seconds. Quite. Handles like a dream. Smooth. Great suspension. 14 speaker sound system. Crazy navigation. Just crazy. The holographic road map was floating next to a virtual speedometer in/on (?) the windshield. Touch sensitive screen for drawing on. I mean the whole thing was about performance from interior to engine.

"There she is!" My first look at the Wraith and I'm getting ready to test drive this gorgeous machine. It looks fast. — “There she is!” My first look at the Wraith and I’m getting ready to test drive this gorgeous machine. It looks fast.

The camera system is a cool feature, however at the end of the experience I didn’t really know how to use them. What happens is a 5-camera system captures unique perspectives and through an algorithm creates a bird eyes view of the car. Very cool. However, I just used my mirrors and the over–the-shoulder-one-arm-on-the-back –of-the-passenger-seat to look behind me for the approach in backing up. Technology is great but it has to actually be effective or helpful. Give the user a certain level of confidence that she or he would never have alone otherwise.

And boy did I check my mirrors often when driving. I didn’t want to risk a dent or a scratch.

Just pulling out for the first time was nerve racking, but once you got the feel for it, which happens quick, you are instantly spoiled as a driver which is of course the point when dealing with luxury cars. And it seems Rolls still has been able to retain the ability to spoil its driver no matter what. The wraith delivers. For the Silo, Arthur Maughan.