April 26th marked the 1 year anniversary of buying my first new car – a Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition. Like most [young] people I’ve owned old cars all my life. Maintenance on them has just been a way of life. New transmission here, replace the shocks there, etc, etc. I’ve owned great used old cars mind you – a 1986 Honda Accord and a 1996 Volvo 850 Turbo. These are two car manufactures where you see many many relics still on the road, especially out in California where the weather is kinder to old cars.
But buying my first new car was quite an experience! By chance I went to the dealership in National City and the salesman there didn’t even try to sell me anything – he just showed me what I was interested in and let me drive the makes and models. Then with the day coming to a close there was not pressure, I basically had to ask him what the cost and monthly payments would be. He came back with an offer I couldn’t refuse, no need to haggle (I am not a haggler anyway). Included in the price was the first two service appointments (oil change, tire roations, etc). I ended up with a black Jetta Wolfsburg edition with sunroof, 16 alloys, black leathernette seats (better than leather and loved by vegetarians), power everything, MP3 jack, heated seats and much more. And the price? $20k!
When I received a letter from the salesman a year to the date thanking me again I was amazed at their level of customer service. VW is an experience company, not just a car company and it shows through their style, attention to detail and price model. And as I reflect over the the past year with my first new car the lack of additional expenditure brings a smile to my face. Besides gasoline I have not had to shell out a single penny for maintence. That’s quite a feeling, definitely new to me, and I know know why some people do the trade in every couple of years. If you can afford of it, it’s quite a piece of mind.
