Auto Estrogen

Buying a new car, like a new relationship is filled with excitement and thrills. The beginning of a new relationship often brings ideologies and fantasies of the perfect situation. Everything’s new, everything’s good, and everything’s perfect. Likewise, when buying a car there are many romantic notions, especially on the dealership lot. You see that new car, purchase it, and plan to live happily ever after, until the day-to-day reality sets in. New cars, like new relationships are great, but here are a few things you want to be weary of:

1. New Cars Last Forever. Unlike, diamonds, this is not the case with your new car. As a matter of fact, it’s the exact opposite meaning the minute you drive it off the lot it depreciates, losing its initial value. That’s why it’s important to know and buy the car you want because if you find yourself unhappy and wanting or needing to sell, it might not be so easy to get rid of.

2. It Smells So Good. You remember in the beginning of your relationship when your guy always smelled and looked fresh and then one day you looked at him and thought, “You stink”. Sadly but true, the new car smell does wear off and then you’re left with dangling scents of uneaten food, dirty shoes, musty laundry and who knows what else. Not to fear though. There are plenty of products that help eliminate this problem.

3. It’s Pretty and New so it has No Flaws. Outside of just wanting and needing a new car, many buy new because they don’t want to deal with the hassles of maintenance. They assume cars straight from the manufacturer with warranties equates to no-fuss driving. Not necessarily so. New cars have their share of maintenance issues as well, thus the warranties. Sometimes there are manufacturer’s issues; recalls for example, are certainly possible. So keep in mind that buying new is not an absolute or your guarantee that you won’t spend some time in the service department.

4. The body will maintain itself. A nice body is usually an easy sell. I mean who doesn’t like a shiny, buffed body, right? Just remember, the shine and body will not maintain itself. It has to be taken care of. Unless you plan to sit your car in the garage somewhere and not drive it, there is the distinct possibility that over time you will see some wear and tear on it’s body. Unexpected and unexplainable dings and scratches to the paint and a general wearing down of the original color are to be expected over a course of time.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Have you ever been taken advantage of or scammed at the car dealership? It’s every woman’s nightmare, but you can prevent this from happening to you. Noted columnist Laura Coffey will join Sheronde Glover of Car-Buy-Her on Auto Estrogen Live! on Thursday, January 17th at 12:00 noon Eastern.

Ms. Coffey will share automotive money saving tips and why she started her crusade to help consumers make smart financial decisions after falling victim to a car buying scam.

Ms. Coffey is a veteran journalist with 20 years of newspaper experience, she has written and edited for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Prague Post in the Czech Republic, the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, the Peninsula Clarion in Kenai, Alaska, and the St. Petersburg Times in Florida. Her column “10 Tips for Keeping Your Money in Your Wallet” is featured weekly at msnbc.com

To hear the show live, visit www.blogtalkradio.com/auto-estrogen

It’s 2008, a new year filled with new and wonderful possibilities. You’ve resolved to get into shape, take that class you’ve been wanting to take, and be a better person. You’re taking on the challenge of improving both your professional and personal life so why not take it a step further and improve your car life. In 2008, we have to get into 5th Gear and to do that I want to extend 8 automotive challenges to you:

1. Become an official Car-Buy-Her – This year Car-Buy-Her is launching it’s 5th Gear Challenge for women. You can join the challenge and become an official Car-Buy-Her in 2008.

2. Become more empowered as a consumer – Knowledge is power! Everything you read pertaining to car buying and maintenance will inevitably point you towards the importance of doing your research, getting as much information as you can and educating yourself. I believe an educated consumer is a better consumer, all the way around.

3. Get to know your car –Whether it’s driving to work, kids activities, social gathering or for travel, we spend a considerable amount time in our car. Don’t you think we should take the time to get to know it a little better? I know ladies that name their cars, but don’t know what an alternator looks like. Not that this would be on your top ten list of “need to know information”, but considering it’s a major part of the workings of your vehicle, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to at least have an idea of what it looks like. You don’t have to put on overalls and get up under the car, but the next time you have a little time, why not pop the hood and learn a little something about the floods that go in your car?

4. Put together your emergency kit – Learn what ten things you need to have in your car. You really don’t want to be driving around with these.

5. Review your Owner’s Manual. Stop ignoring the most important thing in your car. Open up the glove compartment and take a look at what’s inside.

6. Get more involved in automotive areas – Most women don’t get really excited about car stuff but it’s important that we get more involved. There are small things you can do to get more involved, for example learn to purposely ask more questions. When getting quotes for auto repair, ask them to show you what they will be doing to your car, what their hourly labor rate is, and if you can purchase your own auto parts (if feasible).

7. Pay more attention to maintenance needs. Don’t wait to take your car in when you know you’re having a problem. Think of your car as your child. If one of your children were ill, would you wait two months to take them to the doctor? Of course not! Well, why do you do that with your car? Don’t make a minor situation major or turn a little problem into a large one.

8. Attempt one maintenance task on your own. If you’ve never popped the hood on your car, checked the oil, or tire pressure, this is your year. You’d be amazed at the things you can do and you’ll feel better knowing how to do them.

It’s 2008 and the challenge is on! Car-Buy-Her is challenging 2008 ladies to join our 5th Gear Challenge to become engaged, educated, enlightened, evolved, and empowered in car buying and maintenance.

It’s time to take control of your car life and you can do that by joining the challenge. Car-Buy-Her is offering monthly teleconferences, webinars, workshops and clinics to provide information and resources for women.

It wasn’t that long ago that I was left on the side of the road, literally, and overwhelmed and frustrated by the car buying experience. There were so many things I could have been doing to prepare myself — but I didn’t know that at the time. So, I’m on a crusade to develop Car-Buy-Hers, not automotive experts because here’s what I discovered: You don’t have to be an automotive expert to get a good deal, you just need to be a Car-Buy-Her.

Here’s a definition of an expert: Having, involving, or demonstrating great skill, dexterity, or knowledge as the result of experience or training

Here’s a definition of a Car-Buy-Her: informed, in control and ready to buy

In my honest opinion, women don’t want to be automotive experts, but they do want to be informed and in control.

And if we really want to make a case towards the experts, let’s first determine who’s the real expert — is it the dealership or auto repair mechanic or would it be you?

Who knows best about your lifestyle, your needs, wants, and current situation? Who drives the car, takes care of it (or not) on a regular basis? That’s right, you do?!

So why then are we (women that is) relying on everyone else to make the deal and tell us what’s best for us?

It’s time to get into 5th Gear ladies! Join us, why don’t you . . .

Learn more about the 5th Gear Challenge

In an interview with Ed Brown, the founder of Core Edge Image & Charisma Institute, an educational company that helps individuals develop charisma, Brown states that there is a connection between the car we drive and the perception people have of us. “Your car goes where you go and is an outward expression of who you are. The world revolves around style and substance, but it’s not enough just to have substance you must also have style,” states Brown.

With that being said, what does your car say about you? Consider the color, the style, the make and the model all as an outward expression of who you are. People buy cars because they need them, but when they’re in them they usually want to make a statement, “I’m fun, outgoing, successful, thoughtful, considerate, powerful, etc.

What we drive offers, if nothing but a superficial glimpse of who we are, what we like, and how we expressive ourselves outwardly.

When we go out we want to look our best, from the clothes that we wear to the bag that we carry. We understand the importance of our accessories, the image we’re portraying and what we want to say to the world around us. The car we drive, our largest, mobile accessory, portrays a significant image.

Research shows that when it comes to car buying, women in general, consider affordability, security, and safety in their purchases, while men think power and luxury.

Cute, practical cars such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Saturn L300, and Toyota RAV4 where among some of the top sellers for women while high powered cars like the Acura NSX, Dodge Viper SRT-10, and Mercedes Benz S55 AMG are among some of the top sellers for men according to the Forbes.com article, What Your Car Says About You.

See my full article Cars, Image & Style: Are You What You Drive and listen to the interview with Ed Brown on Auto Estrogen Live!

At the dealership that is. A conversation with a young lady prompted this question. She had recently purchased a car and had a really good experience, but only after visiting a total of 10 different dealerships. How many dealerships does a woman have to visit before she’s satisfied enough to buy? That’s the specific question to the general one: Are women satisfied with their dealer experiences?

I don’t know the full answer to that, but I can tell you that I’ve talked to a lot of women. Just yesterday I was having a conversation with a woman who is interested in hosting a Car-Buy-Her Auto Clinic for Women. After we finished our talk regarding the clinic, she shared her experience with the dealership she purchased her car from. Do you have training for them too, she asked, because I walked our of their dealership. She went on to share that the services department was really good but there was certainly some needed training when it came to the sales staff. I understand. I’ve heard it before. And yes, we do offer training for dealerships.

A recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports National Research Center found that overall car buyers are largely satisfied with their dealership experiences when buying a new or used car. Fifty-seven percent of respondents said they were very satisfied with their experience, with another 31 percent saying they were somewhat satisfied. The survey noted that satisfaction rates increased with age and household income, which are probably influenced by the consumer’s accumulated experience with the car-buying process and possibly by the purchase of higher-end models. The same survey found that ten percent said they were somewhat or very dissatisfied. This was a random, nationwide telephone survey of 2,000 households conducted during October of this year.

However in a poll of 12,000 women conducted by Car Max, car buying was found to still be a hassle for women. When it came to Ms. Alexander, the enthusiastically determined car buyer that visited 10 dealerships, the majority of her dissatisfaction was from her interactions with the sales staff. At one dealership the salesman yelled at her and at another dealership, the salesman kept showing her models she wasn’t interested in then walked away.

Why is that I’m hearing the same complaints from women? Why aren’t women getting the satisfaction at the dealership they should when clearly they are a huge buying force within the industry? I’m still asking this question. I’m yet to find the answer.

Don’t like going to dealerships? I understand. Many women don’t. But you need a car so what can you do about it? There are some alternatives that you might consider. In our latest segment of Auto Estrogen Live, our extended radio version of our blog, I discuss several considerations to help you stay off the dealership lot.

Here’s a list along with a podcast of the show for you to listen to:

1. Shop online- Make your car buying experience less frustrating and more convenient by spending more time online before going into the dealership.

2. Consider an Auto Broker- Consultants that help you buy a new or used car or help you get into a lease. These individuals can save you time, money and frustration if you can find a really good one.

3. Buy Private Party - Talk to friends and relatives, take a drive around your community,
and look in the classifieds of your paper. There are always individuals looking to sale a car and you can often get better deals shopping this way than with the dealership.

4. Visit a car auction - Auto auctions are interesting and exciting ways to purchase a car. A unique experience that has to be carefully facilitated.

If you’re the parent of a teenager, there will come a day when you have to address the issue of driving. When that day comes, you will begin to consider things like: when should they get their driver’s license, are they ready to be on the road, can they handle a car, do they need a car, so forth and so on.

For the teen it’s one of the most exciting times in their life. It symbolizes maturity and basically says to the world ‘I’m trustworthy, so much so that I’ve been given the keys to a car.’ The problem is teens don’t always do so well when it comes to driving. Statistically speaking, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for 36% of all deaths in this age group, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). Of course there are methods to counteract these statistics, safe driving courses for one. And we can’t lump all teenagers in a category of irresponsibilty. As a matter of fact, for many parents, putting a teen behind the wheel is a welcome relief, freeing up schedules of chauffeuring to and from practices, ballet classes, sporting events, work, and the like.

Whatever stance you happen to take, there’s still the inevitable act of buying that first car and I wondered what specific considerations a woman might have when it came to purchasing that first car for a teen. It just so happens that a good friend of mine is preparing to purchase a car for her daughter. She gave me a little synopsis of how things are going, some of the decisions they’ve made and just how harmonious the idea of car buying for teens might or might not be.

1. They’ve opted for a cash purchase on a used car.

2. Although her daughter had originally saved some money towards the car, she’s since spent the money and now the parents will be making the purchase, while her daughter will be responsible for her own gas money — no money, no gas, no driving.

3. Insurance is a concern as it will increase their premiums by upwards of $3,000 annually, so they will look into insuring her separately.

4. It seems that both my friend and her daugher are quite ready to move things along, although her husband is moving very slowly. According to her, the only car that pleases him thus far is a Toyota. Her daugher researched almost 200 cars and he wasn’t pleased with any of them.

5. Her goal is to have a car by the end of the year. At this point, her daugher doesn’t care what model or color, just a reasonable sized car, with good gas mileage, that’s a two or four door automatic.

As I inquired about how things were going, she did let on that the whole car thing is now a very sore spot at the house. So to answer my own question, Do Teen Driver’s Cause Havoc in the Home? Looks like the answer is no, it’s the teen father’s that do!

Stay tuned for the article, Things to Consider When Purchasing a Car for a Teen

Auto Estrogen goes live today. I just taped the first show of Auto Estrogen Live! We’ll be talking about everything automotive as it relates to women and their cars as an extension to our blog. You can check it out here www.blogtalkradio.com/auto-estrogen

Our introductory show covered a few of the mistakes that I made when I was shopping for my car several years ago. We have some exciting ideas, topics and speakers for the fututre as we help you manage your life as a woman on the road.

So if you’d like to hear about car buying and maintenance in addition to reading about it, then by all means subscribe.

Listen to our Introductory Show:

There’s value in education. When you know better, you do better they say and that goes for car buying as well. So I was just sitting here thinking how challenging things were for me 3 years ago when I was trying to find a car. I didn’t know what kind of car I wanted to drive and what kind of car I needed. I didn’t know where to go or what to do because I really didn’t know anything about buying a car. Now I know so much more about car buying and I have such a better understanding of the process. I planned on purchasing used — hey, that’s something I knew, but outside of that if I knew then what I know now . . .

- I could have saved myself two months of frustration. Looking for a car should be a fun experience and can be when you don’t have an immediate need.

- I would have planned and prepared a lot better by looking around and visiting dealerships before I really needed them.

- I would have had a better understanding of what I wanted and needed in a car (for example, I’d be driving a four door instead of a two door, only a recent discovery that I’m a four-door kind of gal).

- I would have explored more options because I would have had the time to do so.