Car buying....

Is probably the biggest adventure I've had in a while!!

I went along to Turners Car Auctions in Penrose today for the auction at twelve. My best friend Rose's dad Terry accompanied me to the auctions and helped me look through the assortment of cars in the car yards. There were so many different kinds and I thought I was prepared after my hours of sifting through them on the turners website. But oh no... No way was I prepared. Luckily I had Terry there with me who is mechanically inclined...being a car enthusiast and a train driver to boot! (Yeah...I know a train driver. Cool right?) What was most helpful was knowing exactly what I wanted, and also what I knew I didnt want...ever. It kind of felt like searching for a new man... And then picking out of two you'd fallen for.

Unfortunately for me, the car I'd fallen for had gone back to its owners and I had to go hunting again. But...I was determined to leave turners with a car. Partly because I needed one, but also because I didnt want to leave and go home in an expensive taxi!! So. There I was... Searching through the lanes of possible candidates. Many tried to impress me with their beauty like the Holden Vectra's while others basked in their ugliness, showing that strength had nothing to do with beauty. I was pretty well undecided.

Then it finally dawned on me that I needed to find the right car before 12pm when the auction would start. So I put more effort into it then I ever had and drove car after car until I found it.

The one I'd been waiting for.

Now it wasn't exactly perfect. It had an indicator light that was barely stuck on with cellotape. (Which I've since lost on my trip from Morrinsville to Opotiki-I thought it was a rock from a passing truck...turns out it was just my light.) But it was a gorgeous colour. Like the tips of the greenest pine tree. Dark and rich and beautiful. I kept making sure no-one else was looking at it. They weren't which made me happy! But until the auctions started, I really had to have a good look. The pulsar and primera caught my eye, as did the honda civic...until it started smelling like an oily rag.... One girl told her mum "No ..Mum. I'm NOT buying an oil leak." Good advice really which soon turned me off of the civic.

My thoughts turned back to the Green Machine. Although it was an 1998 version, it was in good condition despite the indicator light. It had nice seats and a flash cd player. Central locking and lots of cool little buttons.

So by the time the auctions started, I had my mind made up. I told my new friend Jaques (my consultant at Turners) my highest price and the car I wanted. He sat with me and helped me bid. Rather he did it. But in the end... Despite the nervousness and anxiety, I knew I'd get it.

So. I won a 1998 Mazda Familia Hatchback. For $4,000 + on road costs and insurances/warranties. I was pretty stoked. She drives beautifully and most of all has the ability to go fast. And has the sweetest cd player ever!

Yay me!