From Leasing to Buying: My Journey with Cars
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Chapter 1: A Shift in Perspective
In my earlier career in financial services, I was often advised by my manager to project an image of success.
"The impression of prosperity is crucial; no one will trust a financial planner who doesn’t appear successful," he would insist. "Wear a tie and jacket for meetings, and drive a new car—these things matter!"
His belief was that the outward appearance of success would foster genuine financial achievement. I found this notion reasonable.
The Leased Vehicle
With limited savings from my previous job as a middle school teacher, purchasing a new car seemed unrealistic. Instead, I gravitated towards leasing. After considering various options for both price and prestige, I decided on a Ford Mustang, which I felt aligned perfectly with my youthful, ambitious image in the finance world.
Affording a BMW, the preferred choice among seasoned brokers, was out of reach. I visited a local Ford dealership, where I was charmed by a salesperson who whisked me away for a test drive in a shiny new Mustang. I was hooked.
I opted for a 36-month lease, convinced that in three years, I'd be in a position to buy a more luxurious vehicle like a BMW or Mercedes.
The salesman finalized the deal and introduced me to the agency owner, who explained the lease terms.
"Brian, we’re offering you 12,000 miles per year before any additional charges apply," he assured me. "As long as you stay within this limit, and your car remains in good condition, you’ll receive your full deposit back at the end of the lease."
However, he cautioned, "We closely inspect for any exterior damage. Any scratches or dents could result in a deduction from your deposit."
The Conclusion of the Lease
Three years flew by, and I managed to stay within the mileage limits and avoided any accidents. The Mustang remained in pristine condition, which made me quite proud.
On the final day of my lease, while driving to the dealership, I passed a Little League game in progress. Suddenly, out of nowhere, WHAM! A baseball struck my hood—apparently, some kid had just hit a colossal home run!
What were the odds?
I parked the Mustang at the dealership and entered to claim my deposit. The friendly owner came out to inspect the car with me.
"Hey, Brian, there's a dent on the hood," he said, gently touching the affected area.
"It looks like it was struck by a baseball," he noted.
What?!
He withheld my deposit, stating, "The car needs bodywork."
Years have gone by, and I've often pondered:
Was it possible for a Little Leaguer to hit a 400-foot home run?
OR
Do Ford dealerships have a secret protocol to throw baseballs at returning leased Mustangs to justify keeping deposits?
The mystery remains unsolved.
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Chapter 2: Insights from the Car Buying Process
In this video titled "Buying a Vehicle in NY State, from Out of State | Everything You Need to Know," viewers gain comprehensive insights into the nuances of purchasing a vehicle across state lines, focusing on essential regulations and tips.
The second video, "DON'T BUY A CAR Right Now! I'm A Car Dealer, I Know," offers a candid perspective from an industry insider, detailing current market trends and advice for potential car buyers.