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I am looking to purchase a new car when mine is paid off in September 2017. That gives me just over a year to figure out what type of car I want, what works for our family, and get all of my ducks in a row. While we have 3 children, which is not a large family by any standards, it does seem that families of our size (and larger) are no longer the target audience of most auto manufacturers. I want to prove that belief wrong and feature a variety of vehicles that could meet our family’s needs.
What’s Your Dream Car?
Once upon a time, that was a really easy question to answer. My dream car is still a ’69 Camaro, and I love the ’72 Maverick, but let’s be honest, a muscle car as an everyday driver for a mom of 3 isn’t going to cut it. Someday I’ll own one, and then you can find me on the antique & classic car show circuit, but until then, I need to be realistic.
I’m 6′ tall so my first priority is leg room. The last time I shopped for a new car, having a tilt steering wheel wasn’t a standard feature. This is non-negotiable for me, especially since my husband is not the same height and prefers the steering wheel in an alternate position.
We have three children, and while most back seats can sit 3 across, I’d also like peace when I’m driving and not the crying and arguing that comes from, “he’s touching me.” We also really like family road trips, so something with a third row seat so we can have some room to groove would be ideal, and would keep us from needing a rental vehicle and that expense every time we want to go away.
Test Drive
So, now to start the year long test drive. I could walk into any dealership and get a regular test drive with one of their employees riding shotgun giving me the sales pitch for the 15 minutes I drive their vehicle, and then I have to go through the sales pitch multiple times even if I am only looking at this stage of the game. That’s not fair to the sales reps, because I’m not buying a vehicle today, and I can’t get a true sense of what a vehicle has to offer in only 15 minutes.
I’m trying to find local dealerships, as well as manufacturers and outside companies, that will allow me to have an extended test drive (roughly 1-2 weeks) in exchange for a review on my blog. My goal is to have this be a series over the next year (maybe a little longer) culminating with what vehicle our family has ultimately decided to purchase.
In addition, I have several conferences and big events I’m going to over the next year, and I would love to be able to share who my transportation sponsor is, and give them a little extra love across social media.
Do you think you can help us out by providing an extended test drive? Contact me at email hidden; JavaScript is required
And for those of you who are also shopping for a new vehicle … What features are you looking for? What would you like to see in my reviews and videos?
Looking to get rid of your car? Check out We Buy Junk Cars Fast to see what you can get for your vehicle.
Crunchy Asian Slaw
I just bought a new to me car which is a Chevy Impala. I was getting sick of my van but we are keeping it as a backup if needed. If I could have a specific car right now I’ve been really wanting a Jeep Grand Cherokee!
A 1-2 week test drive would be awesome. We have a GMC Terrain & a GMC Acadia and would recommend either but I love the Acadia best.
This really makes me want a new car! But hubby is next in line for a newer vehicle. 🙁
My FIL is a car salesman so when we where in the market for a new van he arranged for us to test one for a few days! It was perfect because we didn’t have the pressure of a car dealer breathing down our necks and we could really experience what it would be like to get our kids in and out of the van. I don’t know how common it is, but having the ability to test the car for a few days sold us on our purchase.
Absolutely! That is what we are hoping to do, and think a week test drive (when possible) would be idea because our weeks are pretty much the same and it would give us a good idea what it would be like to get the kids in and out, plus how we can maneuver in various parking lots, etc.
I like good air conditioning and enough room for all the kiddos
YES! Having seats for them is one thing, but they need their own space too so we have a more pleasant driving experience.
We love getting new cars! This sounds really cool!