Hey everyone. Hope you all are doing well! Recently,I have come across so many funny memes about adulthood, particularly ones discussing the roughness of life experienced during the early 20s. As someone in my early 20s, I am looking forward to finally getting my life together. At 23. I can personally attest to the many trials and tribulations that I have experienced in my 20s so far. These lessons are difficult but necessary for our development
My dear sweet Ebony ( yes, I name my cars) passed on January 4th, 2016. Due to improper maintenance on my part, an oil leak caused the motor to lock up. I hated going to mechanics and car related businesses to get check ups because they’d try to get over on me. Any who, I was in dire need of a new method of transportation.
Initially, I browsed a few dealerships before I knew for sure that I needs to purchase another vehicle. First, My parents and I went to Carnival Kia. Since my dad has a 2009 Kia Rio, I thought that I’d look at Kia’s first.
This dealership had a first time car buyer’s program. To qualify, I had to purchase a brand new car which I wasn’t ready to do. I test drove a 2016 Kia Rio.
The salesman didn’t listen to me when I asked to look at used cars.
Next, we tried Nissan. Ebony was a 1997 Nissan Sentra. She had a long life. She was a good car. If not a Kia, I thought about getting a Nissan.
My dad and I went to Nissan. The newer cars were EXPENSIVE! The sales rep showed me this 2015 Mitshubishi. It was push to start, had nice features. Unfortunately the size was terrible small. My parents are handicap. The would have much difficulty attempting to enter and exit this small car. Plus, the truck space was too little. I did not care for the hatch back style. Honestly, I was hoping to get a older vehicle.
My main boss suggested CarMax. My dad and I went there to see what we could find.
My sales rep was a lady! She was my age. Plus, she took me to used cars instead of forcing new cars on me. I found a car here that I liked but I wanted to check out another dealership before I made a decision. After going to the other dealership, I realized that I liked the car at CarMax best. New cars are expensive. I don’t make enough to have a new car.
After intense searching, I ended up with this 2013 Ford Focus. Before, I wanted to steer clear of Ford because I’ve heard terrible things about them. This car is awesome. It’s spacious. The features are up to date. I have blue tooth connectivity, heated seats, and my brights work on this car.
Everyone, meet Shadow. Isn’t she purrrty???
Here’s what I learned from my first major “Adult” experience:
With any new car purchase comes increased insurance rates. You have to have full coverage. Bye Bye to liability. No matter how good your droving history is, if you are under 25, you will cry when you see your new insurance rate.
When financing a car, banks prefer to finance newer models. In the eyes of the banks, it’s harder to make payments on time if you are spending so much on upkeep, fixing broken parts etc.
Put on your poker face: Sales Reps can go lower and make better deals than the initial deals that they give you. Say no. be stern. Be willing to walk away if the deal doesn’t suit you.
Pay attention to your Manuel. I will do this more than ever. Know when to rotate your tires, and change the oil. If a light comes on, get the car checked.
Be happy! You’ve made a major step in your adult life.
Be cognizant of your credit score.
Monthly payments: Pay extra when you can. I plan on paying extra to lower my interest rate.
Also, I’m highly thankful to everyone that helped me in my time of distress. My dad drove me to work, picked me up, and went car hunting with me. My boss came got me when I was stuck on the side of the road. My big boss brought me to work when my dad couldn’t. Everyone game me suggestions on places to find affordable cars. I definitely felt the love.
Most importantly, I’m thankful to God. I kept saying that I wanted a new, reliable vehicle. I wasn’t expecting it to happen so quickly but God kept me through the process. I’m super happy with Shadow.
Hopefully a new place to call home will be next up on my list of first Adult experiences!
Tell me about your first adult experiences! What lessons have you learned so far? Do you have any advice to share?
I can’t wait to hear from you!
Until next time,
-Nora
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Nora Zaneta 
What a great looking new car. The name is great too. You will love driving it every second. My wife has a similar model and she absolutely loves it to bits. The car gets great gas milage and really is a pleasure to drive, also long distance. Great post keep up the great work. Look forward to seeing more soon.Jeromy @ Fiesta Kia
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Thanks so much,Jeremy! I'm glad that your wife likes her car! I LOVE my ford. I was hesitant to switch from Nissan to another brand but it's been a nice shift so far. My dad is a KIA man now. He loves his 2009 Kia Rio. It gets great mileage as well
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I really love your new car. I have driven a Ford Focus on several occasions and I really enjoyed it. They are very easy to drive. I agree that new cars are just too expensive. I bought my car used as well. I think that as long as it is in good condition, it's the better decision.Jon Max @ Dicks Hillsboro Hyundai
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