Parking Lot Paradise

Acres of cars of every make and model. All right outside my office door. The perfect car shopping experience: No pressure. No gimmicks. No haggling. Just the setting to find my new ride in a place I call the Parking Lot Paradise.

I was approaching year 9 on my well-heeled automobile. It had served me well until I realized I had taken it in for servicing three times during the past year. The maintenance costs were rising and I knew it was time to consider an upgrade. The thought of taking on a new car payment was not appealing at all. What should I do?

I considered the options, but either way, I faced either high maintenance costs on my current auto, or a high monthly payment on a new one.

I knew that funds for a decent down payment would make the vehicle purchase the better option. I decided to open a separate savings account dedicated strictly to the down payment. After reviewing my monthly expenses, I directed a fixed sum to be deducted from my paycheck into the auto savings account. After a few months, I was impressed with my balance. I set a two-year goal of accumulating enough for a 50 percent down payment.

As I strolled through the parking lot during lunch, I brimmed with confidence over what I was accomplishing. I began thinking of what type of vehicle would suit my needs. I realized I had access to a great car inventory right in my own company parking lot. It was truly a “Parking Lot Paradise!”

During the next 24 months, I checked out and researched all kinds of cars until I finally decided on what I wanted. When the time came to move forward with the purchase, the hard work was done. It was an easy process at the dealership.

Thanks to planning ahead, saving for a down payment and taking advantage of the “Parking Lot Paradise,” I made a smooth transition to my new ride!