Auto Estrogen

The sticker on my windshield says time for an oil change. It was left on my car from the last oil change by the nice auto repairman to remind me of the next time I needed the service. And he made it really easy for me to remember —– he left it in the upper left corner of the driver side window (kind of hard to miss). All I have to do is match the numbers on the sticker with the numbers on my odometer and that’s it.

So the numbers match and I’m taking my car in. Why? Because I want to be a good steward of car maintenance. There’s a good reason for that, too — I want my car to last and an oil change is a really simple car maintenance task — inexpensive, takes very little time and can add years of life to your car. The alternative, not being a regular oil changer can cause havoc with your engine and cost you thousands of dollars for the oversight.

Now is a great time to get a grip on your auto maintenance. To help you keep track of everything, we’ve partnered with myEZ Car Care, which offers the Electronic Glove Box, a great online tool that helps you keep track of everything with email reminders, vendor discounts and more.

No wonder the auto industry is suffering. In an economy where people are losing their jobs and houses, not many folks are pulling out the dough to buy a new car. For those who are spending money, they’re more likely buying pre-owned versus new, at least until the economy becomes a bit more stable. If you happen to be one of the many that’s reining in on the spending, here are 10 ideas to get your current car looking and feeling like new.

1. Get your car detailed. There’s nothing like a good washing, inside and out, to get a car looking cleaner, smelling fresher and feeling more enjoyable to ride in.

2. Have your car waxed. Aaah, the shine.

3. Purchase new seat covers. Yeah, just think, with new seat covers you can change the color and the feel of your car and you can do it for little of nothing.

4. Buy an air freshener. A clean smelling car is always nice and if you like the new car smell that’s available too.

5. Replace the floor mats.

6. Install a new disc player.

7. Get a paint job. Nothing like a new color to give a car a new look. Try coordinating the colors with the interior.

8. Get a tune-up. You’d be amazed at how different your car feels and how different you feel in your car when it’s running properly.

9. Get some new tires. Same here. New tires give a car a totally different feel. You’ll thoroughly enjoy your smoother ride.

10. Get a new friend. Yeah, change out your passengers and enjoy some new conversation!

Happy riding.

I don’t know what’s on your Christmas list, but I can tell you what’s on the ‘Big 3’s” — $34 billion dollars worth of bailout money. Two weeks ago the “money elves” sent them home with little more than a request for a better detailed “Christmas List”, namely a clearer understanding of just how they
would be using this money.

There is no doubt the auto companies are in trouble and they have been for quite some time. So now the question is will the government bail them out? Is this $34 Billiion dollars the gift they need to restructure their companies? Will they include a plan for making more fuel-efficient cars? Or will the CEO’s continue flying around in big jets?

What do you think — will the Detroit Big 3, get $34 Billion Dollars for Christmas?

Interestingly enough, whether or not we really have a gas shortage or not is one to dispute. I guess it’s kind of like the question, Are we in a recession? Depends on who you talk to.

I just read an article where an expert stated we do not have a gas shortage, however if you were to tell that to those of us in Atlanta, we would beg to differ. Just this past weekend I was a witness to it and I can tell you it wasn’t pretty. Here’s how it started: Saturday afternoon I made the unwise decision of passing by a gas station that had gas because the lines were long. I needed to get home and then to the other side of town and I figured (mistakenly) that I’d have another opportunity to gas up —– wrong!

As I traveled towards my destination, gas station after gas station had the troublesome reminders — no “price per gallon” signs, covered gas nozzles, tapped off ribbons, and even staff members in drive-ways with signs — signaling they had no gas. I journeyed on thinking surely there was gas somewhere, but as I continued to drive, my gas hand got lower and lower, and I begin to get concerned. I was meeting my brother and decided the best thing to do was to stop looking and get to him in the hopes that we’d pass a gas station along the way. Needless to say I was angered. I had never seen anything like it and I wondered how had we gotten into such a mess. What was going on here?

I was only slightly relieved when we reached our destination and found that there was gas in the midst, but then we ran into another problem — no gas cans! Store after store gave us the unsettling news that they had just run out. Are you kidding me?! Finally, we stopped at a store and I was lucky enough to get the one (last) gas can on the shelf. I filled it with gas and ventured back to my car and then home.

The next morning, I got up early and went where? You guessed it! Straight to the gas station, which fortunately had gas, and a line I might add, which I happily waited in.

The lesson here ladies is not whether there is a gas shortage, how we got into this mess, or even who’s to blame. The lesson is as women we must be mindful, and cautious, and safe.

So I want to encourage you all to add a gas can to your emergency kit and make sure you’re equipped with the things you need to be in control when you’re on the road.

Buying and maintaining a car is, in my opinion more of a chore than anything for the average woman. For instance keeping up with maintenance records, maintenance logs, and just reviewing the owner’s manual is far more than most of us want to do. Putting all things aside, like our independence, we-can-do-it-attitudes, and gender-equility stance, I’d almost be willing to bet we’d just assume leave the car stuff to a man (yes, I said it).

But when those times come, particular that of maintenance, I have found it slightly simpler to dedicate a little time to take care of those minor things that have to be done to keep your car running smoothly and comfortably over the long haul— like your tune-ups and oil changes as an example. It’s kind of like the week I take off to celebrate my birthday, only I spend it with my car.

So here I am right in the middle of car-bonding week and I’m taking care of those “little” things. At the top of the list — the ever-refreshing oil change — that oh so simple, extremely affordable process that aids gas mileage and adds life to your engine.

A standard oil change (not your premium or synthetic) will run you upwards of $25 dollars, but have you ever wondered why, like most visits to the auto shop, when you go in for something as simple as an oil change, you come out with a laundry list of other needed services? Well, today I found out and I got it right from the shop owners mouth.

It’s because the oil change is the hook, the let’s-get-them-in-the-door-see-whatelse-we-can-charge-them for service. That’s the interesting little tidbit I learned today as I sat in the auto repair shop talking with the owner. And by the way, I wasn’t getting this information inconspicuously, this gentleman knows what I do and has supported our automotive educational efforts for women. The truth is he was just telling it like it is — straightforward and honest. The oil change, as he put it “doesn’t make us any money. We use that to get folks in and then find other things wrong with the car”.

Now before you get in an uproar, he quickly assured me that “they don’t look for things that aren’t wrong, just the things that are” in the hopes that once they identify the problem, then you’ll be back to see them. And the truth is, by the time we get around to doing those little things, there probably are a few other things going wrong or on it’s way to going wrong, hence my bonding week — “let’s take some time to see about that little noise I’ve been hearing” — you know how we do.

The trick is knowing what you really need and what you don’t. Often times the unsuspecting (females particularly) customer comes in the door pretty sure she needs something, but not so sure of what. So the next time you go in for an oil change, don’t be surprised when you come out needing something else.

I will admit, I never really cared for the SUV, in my opinion a large gas-guzzler that takes up entirely too much of the road.

Over the years though, they’ve gotten quite a bit smaller and much more quaint (e.g. girl term for cute). I imagine there are all types of reasons for the changes — gas prices for one, an attributing factor making the once overly popular gas machine far less appealing.

Just recently my mom opted to buy one, yes she finally made a decision (more on that later) and ended up with a Toyota Rav 4, and boy is it cute (e.g. girl term for well, cute).

While roomy enough for five easily, big bodied young men included, it still has a small feel. When driving it recently I didn’t feel at all like I did when I drove the Ford Truck I owned some years ago, which I loved by the way.

The difference is when I was in my truck, which was only occasionally as opposed to daily, I wanted that “big ride feel” as I manipulated the roads and dared others to challenge me on it. But when it comes down to car preferences, I still prefer the smaller sized car, although like anything else they have some advantages and disadvantages, so here I’ve listed just a few of the benefits attached to driving either, depending on Your preference:

Benefits of Driving a Smaller Vehicle
1. Small cars fit neatly and indiscreetly on the road.
2. Great for singles, loners, and those that travel light.
3. They’re the best things since sliced bread since gas topped $4.00 a gallon
4. They’re compact, cozy, and cute.
5. A small car does sporty much better than larger sized cars.

Benefits of Driving a Larger Vehicle
1. Larger cars work well for large families and socials that do most of the driving
2. They’re roomier and great for long-legged future athletes.
3. You don’t have to give up the front seat because those long-legged future athletes can sit comfortably in the back.
4. Large cars are great ego-boosters when you need to feel in control.
5. You don’t have a problem finding used tires — smaller used tires are practically obsolete these days.

If there is any doubt of the importance of the female auto consumer and her enormous buying power, one only has to look at the newest advertising campaign launched by Toyota to highlight its Camry. A top selling car, apparently among all except African American women, the manufacturer has launched a very expensive advertising campaign, which includes a digital reality program at www.iflookscouldkill.com.

I went over and took a look at the site since I am almost the demographic they’re targeting, professional African American women between the ages of 25 and 40. My goal was to do some “market research”, which prompted me to stay a while, but I’ll admit, I didn’t get it. I couldn’t help but think, I have more important things to do, which I imagine others might be thinking because women are busy. And while statistics have shown that women are online more, they tend to go online for research as opposed to other things like playing games. But I don’t know, like I said I’m almost their demographic.

I can’t imagine women getting that excited about this game. And I really can’t imagine women getting so excited about a fictional character named Bianca who happens to drive; you guessed it — a Camry, that they start running out to buy them.

I’m just wondering if the manufacturers are getting it wrong. Wouldn’t it be a tad easier to pull together a focus group of this same demographic and find out why they see the Camry as “boring and suburban” and what might make the car more appealing? But maybe they did that. I don’t know. The bottom line is, I just can’t imagine a group of my peers saying, “I was online playing this reality game and I’m really thinking about buying a Camry”.

But there are two things we have to remember. 1. This is the first time Toyota has targeted African American women and 2. This is the first time I’ve been online to play a reality game. Could be we’re both wrong.

Whenever I see one of these car advertisements, I become a bit suspicious. I mean when you think about it, what does that really mean?

Bad credit. You’re a credit risk. You haven’t paid somebody or you’ve paid them late, consistently. No offense.

No credit. You’re young, inexperienced, and lacking in maturity. You haven’t had a chance to make credit decisions because you haven’t had one of those 3.5 x 2 inch cards that fit easily into your wallet pretending it’s the answer to all of your money needs, looking ever so attractive until the bill comes in and you suddenly realize that they want you to pay them back, with interest!

We Can Help! Why would they want to? They don’t know you and the little they do know about you isn’t so good, right? Yet, they’re right there willing to put you into a car. Are you kidding?

I’m sorry; maybe I’m just cynical. That can happen after you’ve lived a little while, but if truth be told, I’m mostly an optimist, but something here just smells a bit funny to me. And knowing what I know, which may not be a whole lot but I’m constantly learning from day to day, leads me to say no — they’re not really trying to help. They’re trying to sell you a car, in any way they can and they’re willing to put you at risk to do it.

Let me stop here and make a disclaimer: This is my opinion only. My 2 +2 thinking that looked at this picture and came to the conclusion that something indeed is not adding up here.

Let me ask you, logically, can you think of a reason why somebody that doesn’t know you — who doesn’t have the knowledge of understanding that you lost your job, bills piled up while you looked for work and you really are a hard working decent person or . . . . You’re young but have always been beyond responsible, graduated college, made good grades and you’re just really looking for someone to put a little trust in you —- why would someone that doesn’t know all this great stuff about you really take a risk on you? They wouldn’t right? Unless of course they had a hidden agenda, which really isn’t so hidden: WE WANT YOU IN ONE OF OUR CARS. WE NEED SALES. AND WE’RE WILLING TO MAKE YOU OUR GUINEA PIG.

Here’s my suggestion to you if you see the ad above — Bad Credit? No Credit? We Can Help! —-and it happens to speak directly to you.

1. Bad Credit – Give yourself several months, 6 – 12 maybe, some time to rebuild. I know you really need a car, but others have survived without one and maybe you can too. It’s probably well worth it to put yourself in position to buy the car you want, down the road, at a better interest rate, without people judging and taking advantaged of you for a few past mistakes.

2. No Credit – Take some time to build a little credit and let people know that you are trustworthy, can and will pay your bills. Finish school, get a job and start with a small credit card – a gas card, or a card like American Express (where you have to pay the balance at the end of the month). Then buy a car you can purchase with the cash you’ve saved up. Hey, it may not be so pretty, but as they say, don’t despise small beginning. Pay less and fix it up. You’d be amazed at what a paint job and a good detailing can do.

3. We’re Here to Help – Hey, look to your family and friends, those individuals that do know you and really want to help. Ask around and see if anybody has a car for sale. Find out if anybody’s working in or near the area where you are. Have you heard of carpooling? Listen, gas is high! They might be elated to have someone to share the gas expenses.

Happy Mother’s Day - Here’s our Mother Daughter Car Buying Video Journal - Part I

I don’t know about you, but the more choices I have, the harder it is for me to make a decision. Restaurants with extensive menus, while appealing, are often problematic, especially if I don’t have a taste for anything in particular. As much as I enjoy eating out, having a meal at home gives me far less to think about. And then there’s car shopping. When I was looking for my car, my first obstacle, outside of my lack of knowledge was figuring out what type of car I wanted – so many choices, so many styles, and so many brands. If it wasn’t for the extended time I spent driving my brother’s car during his time overseas, I might still be pondering. But the experience made me all the wiser and I’ve started an informational and educational business and website that educates women on what I learned to boot. I’ve become a Car-Buy-Her, informed and empowered and am championing other women to do so as well, so there have been some benefits.

But now here I am, smack in the middle of my mother’s car search. While tackling robust restaurant menus are no feat for her, the sampling of dealer menus has had her vacillating and it’s time to make a decision. It’s been almost five years ago since I was looking for a car. I was challenged, frustrated, and overwhelmed, mostly of my own doing, but I have some knowledge now and have happily passed it on to mom, but things haven’t been as simple as they might seem.

Your first thought was probably, surely things are easier, you guys know what you’re doing, the internet is packed with information, and there’s plenty to choose from, not to mention the current state of dealerships and their need to move cars off the lot. I know. I know.

But in some instances, therein lies the problem. And then there’s the ever so slight issue of the age difference and the car shopping approach, and well, let’s just say we’re still looking.

So since it’s May and Mother’s Day is coming up as well as my mom’s birthday, I thought I’d chronicle our journey of mother-daughter car shopping. Mom has given herself a deadline to have a car by her birthday. It’s coming up in just a few weeks, so we’ll see how it goes.

Stay Tuned . . . . .