Featured Image 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! Rex H.Rex works with the Membership Development Team at Virginia Credit Union. When he's not working, Rex and his wife practice the timely art of living below their means and paying cash for everything. This has enabled them to save for a secure retirement, take annual cruise vacations, and keep their cat, Gypsy, happy and content.Other stories by Rex H.