buy a new car

Yesterday we drove to see two cars. One sold as we were turning into the street. Darn! The other took us another hour to get to (in total 2.5hr drive) and was absolutely perfect. My boyfriend’s dad is negotiating on my behalf and if all goes to plan, I’ll be picking it up on Wednesday. I’m very, very excited.

Even more stoked that getting back on the road took me two months thanks to a busy period at work and some savings I already had.

Today I did a little hunting and came up with about 5 prospective cars. There are two I’m absolutely smitten over. One of them is quite expensive but oh so darling! The other is more affordable and has done quite a few miles. I’m not really bothered by that since I’m not really doing many myself.

I am proud to say that after the first payday in July, I’m now sitting pretty on $3000. I’ve already started hunting around for the Barinas that I’m thinking about but the lowest price of those is $4,800. When I get my tax refund back in a few weeks time, that will pay for my registration. I’d really like to have my insurance premium saved as well and I’ll borrow the rest if need be.

It would be positively lovely to be back on the road before my birthday (September 6) or the end of September.

As much as I would absolutely love a Hyundai Getz, they are just too damn expensive – especially in an automatic. I’ve decided to stick with the Holden Barinas especially since I’ve had one before. Not to mention they were readily made in automatic and since 1996 had power steering, aircon and dual airbags as standard. Plus, they run off the smell of an oily rag. I’m going to hunt for 4 door versions, anywhere from 2000 until now.

Sean said I can borrow his car until I can afford to purchase my next car, which is incredibly generous. I’m saving as much money as I can each pay-cheque and should be back on the road by December, if things continue to look good at work.

On paper and in photos the car was absolutely perfect. It was 1999 Diahatsu Sirion, automatic, airbags, low miles, logbooks. The seller is leaving the country and was looking to sell asap. They wanted way too much for it for the condition it was in and it didn’t have power-steering. I just couldn’t drive it.

I felt bad for making Sean’s parents drive all that way. They were good about it though. I was a bit disappointed but at least I have Sean’s car to drive. It isn’t the easiest car to drive but I’m slowly becoming more confident.

After a rocky few days or so, Sean lent me his car to ensure I make it to work on time. It was incredibly frightening driving on my own again but it is something I need to get over. We’re going to look at a car tomorrow. I don’t quite have the full amount but that’s okay, Sean’s parents have generously offered me a loan.

My darling man is far too good to me. His parents have currently bought a new hobby car (used to be automatic, damn) and are currently working out who drives what amongst themselves. Both my man and his dad are leaning towards me driving my boyfriend’s car while I save up and purchase a car under my own steam. Most likely by the middle of next year if I play my cards right. Right now, I just want to be driving again.

The magic number is about $7000, which includes all on-road costs such as registration and insurance. Only $4580.86 to go.

Yesterday was the last payday for the month and I’m now sitting on $2419.14! Still not even close to affording anything. It’s very discouraging.

I found a few leads but they were plagued with problems. I just want my own wheels again. Every day I’m reminded of how irresponsible I was. People keep telling me how quickly I’ll have a new car. Hahaha, no, wrong. There are no cheap cars in my area due to the January flooding and I officially can’t afford comprehensive insurance, even paying by the month.

This pay was a lot smaller than I expected but that can be expected after I had to cancel some shifts immediately after my accident. I put away $179.70 towards a new car.

Current total = $1,880.00

I found a possible contender for a song only a few hours drive away. Still expensive as all hell to insure but this time I’m doing it. I’ll have to see what my car-people think about it first.