I Bought a Car!!!

Actually, I bought the car 40 days ago! The Dallas rain was non-stop and it didn’t allow me to get a car wash for some photos. Finally, the rain is gone and I got in a few photos! I hope you enjoy this girly car review that I wrote starting November as I went through the test driving and elimination process of vehicles 🙂

I had my eye on a VW Tiguan for obvious (aesthetic) reasons. IT’S SO CUTE! That’s basically it. My big brother (18 years older than me) talked some sense into me and got me to test drive a few cars. All I wanted was for my vehicle to be an SUV. I’ve driven an SUV since high school and didn’t plan on making any changes now. Frankie’s lineup: Lexus NX, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and the Volkswagen Tiguan. 

Lexus

For some unknown reason, Frankie insisted I start with the Lexus NX. I went to Sewell after work. The dealership itself was beautiful, and the salesmen there were all very professional and dressed nicely. It was a quiet, #classy place – definitely my kind of place! The woman helping me pulled up the NX for me. The vehicle was striking, but a little smaller than I thought it would be. On the road, the NX was quiet. It was like I could hear my thoughts! Haha it really was so quiet, I could have taken a nap. My drive was smooth, even on the uneven roads I drove on. The buttons in the car were overwhelming. There were so. many. buttons. What do they do? I couldn’t tell you, but my seat ventilator was on and it felt amazing! A must-have for Texans in the summer months! The test drive was over and I scoped out the car once again. Definitely small, especially in the back seat. Like, how’s a blogger to change outfits in the backseat if I can’t stretch my legs??? Only con: the rear window was smaller than what I am used to and I felt like I could hardly see anything. 

Toyota

Two days later I made a visit to a Toyota dealership. Totally different vibes from Lexus, with a lot of desks and noise, which was a little distracting and overwhelming. The guy who helped me pulled up a RAV4 for me with upholstered seats. I’ve seen the RAV-4 on the road before so I was curious about it, but I honestly didn’t expect to like this car so much! It was very roomy in the back and the front, and felt more “open” than the Lexus NX. The test drive was great, but not even half as quiet as the Lexus NX. I hit the gas on the RAV4 and was quite impressed with the vehicle’s ability to accelerate with ease. Because no one ever got anywhere driving slow right? The rear window was not an issue in this car, with adjustable headrests that flip down for more visibility to the back. The drive ended and the sales guy did his job, but then he and his manager BUGGED me about buying that day. They were the only ones that did this!!! And the only salesman who called me for over a month every day until I finally answered and told him I already had a car. Yes, I liked the car but I honestly showed no intention or excitement of purchasing a vehicle at 6:00pm. They wasted my time and the entire situation left a bad taste in my mouth. 

Honda

I made my way to the Honda dealership after work and it was a spine chilling 28 degrees. I like to call this dedication. Ha! The young man who helped me was a zero fluff guy. He wasted no time and after a few simple questions we were out in the CR-V. I’m currently in a 2011 CR-V and I’ve been happy, but my goodness this is one heck of an upgrade. It had several of the features I liked in the Lexus NX without the price tag. It automatically felt comfortable and homey like the CR-V I’m already in. The test drive ended way too soon and before I knew it the sales guy rushed me out the door. 

Volkswagen

I intentionally saved the “best for last” thinking I’d fall head over heels for the Volkswagen Tiguan. I walked in and not one person greeted me… at a car dealership!!! Aren’t these guys commission based? Customer service was not the best. Eventually I was taken care of and I got into a Tiguan. Again, a car SO cute my heart was nearly melting. I took a look around and learned that the car had a third row – a cool feature even though I’m not an Uber driver. I hopped in for a test drive and the car was very underwhelming. The Tiguan has the same engine as the Jetta and I could feel the car’s weak attempt to accelerate when I’d hit the gas. I quickly knew this wasn’t the car for me. 

Back to Honda!

Immediately after leaving the VW dealership I drove a block down to the Honda dealership where I was the day before. I wanted another test drive since the young man rushed me out the door. Luckily for me, he wasn’t there so another man helped me out and was by far more helpful than the first young man! We talked trim levels and colors and he pulled out a vehicle that was close to what I was most interested in. This time I took my time walking around the car (even in 32 degree weather), opening doors, pressing buttons, asking alllll the questions. This man showed me how to use the Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist System, both features that I had never heard of or used before. Before I knew it, the drive was over and I was so bummed! The decision was an easy one and I decided to go with the Honda CR-V! I’m beyond happy to be driving this car!

Thanks so much for reading! And a BIG thank you to my big brother, Frankie, who held my hand throughout the entire car buying process. I love you!

XO, Vivian