The features we love. It amazes me how long this list can grow with the passing of each year. As technology pushes what we thought impossible, the bigger our wants can become. There’s a happy balance with trade-ins and selling off your ride when its deemed necessary to move on.
The No Nonsense Buyer
The no nonsense buyer wants practicality and simplicity in a smart package. This vehicle will last for years on end. The value is there in the sense that the economic impact will decrease over time. The core features “should” be easier to maintain and not dependent on external systems such as satellite, or information services that require the pairing of a smartphone or the like.
Cons: When the wrong vehicle is selected, this category of buyer can have their choice back fire on them after dumping untold thousands of dollars into their vehicle. There’s a time to hold on, and there’s a time to let go. Sometimes money can be better invested in a newer used model that’s more reliable.
The Constant Buyer
They're the dealership's favorite customer. Enter the tech junkie, or the young professional looking to score the nicest package their budget will allow. Sometimes there’s no help for this one. They crave the best. Other times, they just know what they want and will not settle for less. This category of car hunter will scour every nook and cranny of information that can be found as they go through their exhaustive buyer’s checklist. Car forums, newspapers, press releases, and video feeds will be their steady diet until a decision has been narrowed down to the one must buy vehicle. You will find these drivers parking from the farthest parking spot from the store entrance to avoid door dings. They will also turn to give their car a glance with admiration while walking away.
Cons: OCD may be the least of the worries here. A constant car payment can definitely burn the bank account. A sensibly lease may be better than constant trade-ins if this habit of have the latest ride doesn’t subside.
The Non-Conformist
The non-conformist. The hipster. Public transit, check. Van pool, check. Bike to work, check. Flex car, or other alternate transportation can be found readily for this resourceful persona. This non-driver or part-time driver can be found living in the heart of today’s cities. If they do choose a vehicle, it may be many of the egg shaped contraptions on wheels that are becoming more and more visible on today’s roads. There’s the Prius, the Car2Go, SmartCar, Chevy Spark, Honda Fit, and the list goes on.
Cons: These folks may be at the mercy of the bus schedule or vehicle availability if they don’t ready anytime access to an “owned” car.
What’s your story? Where do you fit in? We’d like to hear about it. Have you created a whole new classification of driver? Let us know! Your story could be here next.