Car Purchase

This blog will be a record of the ownership of my 2009 Hyundai Accent 5 speed hatchback. In it I want to record some of my impressions and experiences with this car as my past cars have been important to me. Not just as transportation but also conveyors of memories. I have owned many cars in the past and each one has its its various idiosyncrasies and positive attributes.

So, without further ado...

I was in the hunt for a used car and my main focus was on a used Toyota Matrix. I had owned an 1988 Corolla wagon and had gotten great service from it. My family almost all drive Toyotas so this type of purchase decision was a no brainer to me.

But, on the suggestion of my father, we went over to Cambridge Hyundai to check out some deals on 2008 Hyundai models. All of the featured 2008s were rental models and since I have had some experience with how others treat rental models there was no way I was going to buy one. Not saying that Cambridge Hyundai would not sell or support these cars but there is used and there is used.

Long story short - We saw a Space Silver 2009 Accent Hatchback aggressively priced and went in and talked to Mike. Mike was personable and very friendly and we talked about the options in used cars in comparison to new, especially the Accent. It was evident from our inquiries that the Accent was the best value.

So we took it for a test drive. Up until that time I had road tested 3 Matrixs and one Toyota Yaris and I can tell you that the ride and fit and finish beat the Yaris hands down! The Accent is, by far, the superior car in fit, finish, and ride. The Yaris is a good car but there is something very entry level about it. It felt tinny and vague driving it (automatic) and the interior sort of yelled, "Buy and Corolla/Matrix." It seemed like a deliberate attempt to up sell customers to the Corolla based product.

So, after a 10 kilometer circuit mostly on rough roads we parked her and dickered. I have owned base lever cars and decently equipped mid-level priced cars and I have driven Mercedes, BMWs, Rolls and various other cars so I think after a million plus kilometers I have a feel for mechanical stuff. Plus, I was an aircraft mechanic so technical stuff is kind of in my blood.

There was not much dickering. The price was right, already discounted as the 2010s were being sold and it was the 2nd last 2009 Accent. It had what I wanted:

• A/C
• Manual 5 speed
• Full warranty
• Right price

Cambridge Hyundai was very accommodating and willing to listen to my offer and we struck a deal in record time. They did the usual dealer prep and licensing and had it done a day earlier than I needed which was nice.

Finalizing the deal on pick up was easy and Mike was great at showing me the service department and filled the car to the brim with gas for me. To date apparently this is the fastest he has sold a car.

So, in summary, Mike was awesome. He is attentive and low pressure. Ferd, the Sales Manager was more assertive but willing to take my one minor concern into consideration and addressed it to more than my satisfaction. Chop who is the Business Manager was totally focused and moved the after-sales process right along.

So, I have a new car. It looks good, works great, and I hope it gives me as good service as the best car I ever owned before the Accent; the 1988 Corolla Wagon.