When it came to purchasing my first car I knew exactly what I wanted. It was a shiny Blue Mazda 3. Parking sensors, tinted windows, alloy wheels and an amazing sound system were all a must. I was still at uni at the time but determined to save up enough to fulfil my dream of having that ticket to personal freedom.
I worked and worked and worked and eventually, I had saved up enough money to start looking for that first ever car. I did all of the research, I asked all of the questions, I went to all of the dealerships, I looked at all of the online ads and I found out all of the information.
But then I quickly found as soon as I would step foot onto a dealership, I would be met with looks of confusion by the sales assistants, as though I was a sheep who had lost its way from the herd. One young gentleman even asked if I’d like to return with my dad or my partner or you know, any other MAN because I quite clearly wasn’t one. It’s safe to say that he didn’t get my business, not on that day or any other.
Women are buying and selling cars every day. That’s the truth.
Women are more often than not, the decision makers behind these big purchases. We’re making so many decisions on a daily basis and what we use to get ourselves or our families from A to B is no exception. It’s true for myself and true for many other women.
"Women are buying and selling cars every day. That’s the truth." Image: iStock
Speaking to mum of two, Daniela Da Costa, she says her input in deciding on a car to purchase with her husband was paramount.
“I knew I wanted a brand new car because with two young children, I was concerned about safety on the road,” Daniela said. “For that reason, I started searching for a trusted brand that had a good safety record. I compiled a list of all of the models I was considering in different brands and ran it by my husband.”
The mum of two even went on to explain that her husband didn’t feel he needed to test drive the car, giving her full reign over what car they decided to purchase.
“We went to the dealership together and I test drove it with my husband in the passenger seat. He didn’t even bother getting behind the wheel because we both knew I’d be the one who was mainly using it. He wanted me to be happy with the decision and gave me full autonomy,” she shared.
For Anita Byrnes, who recently purchased a second hand car with her husband, her expectations of a car were also crucial in the decision making process.
“My main factor in deciding on the right car was the ANCAP safety rating. I wasn’t going to settle for any less than a five,” Anita explained. “I was also looking for a style that was both modern and sleek.”
Anita was mindful of purchasing a car from a reputable seller as she and her husband were planning on going with a second hand model. The young Sydney woman gave her partner a list of specifications and went about searching for a new vehicle. With Anita’s comprehensive list they found a new car almost immediately and she gave the final tick of approval before the purchase went ahead.
“My main factor in deciding on the right car was the ANCAP safety rating." Image: iStock
Buying stories like that of Daniela and Anita are not uncommon. Women are often on the lookout for that perfect vehicle and they know exactly what they want.
If you’re in the market for a new car or even just enjoy taking new models for a test drive, MotorWorld Sydney is hosting the perfect event for you to attend. They are preparing to host a truly unique festival, unlike any other motor event from 1 – 4 December at Sydney Motorsport Park.
A ticket to the event will provide you with access to a wide range of fun activities, such as test drives, drive experiences, rides, competitions, live music acts, an outdoor cinema, on-track entertainment and live demonstrations from a range of major car brands. Plus, if you are on the lookout for a motorbike, there will also be a number of two-wheel activities available.
If you’re planning on attending with the family, there are heaps of events that will keep the kids entertained including a slot car track, drive simulators, a tyre changing challenge and much more. There’s also a ladies’ day sponsored by Mamamia where you’ll be able to catch inspirational talks from our team.
The MotorWorld Sydney tickets go on sale online today. It’s definitely an event not to be missed so make sure you get in early to secure your ticket and test drives. We’re sure to see you there.
What was your experience when buying your first car?
Top Comments
The Ancap stars only refer to the safety of the driver and the front passenger. Please don't think that it extends to the safety of passengers in the rear seat. It doesn't!
How do I know this? Through the serious injuries my 9 year old sustained as a rear car seat passenger in a stationary car, when it was struck at force ( 180km) by a speeding 21 year old. My son and the driver were faultless.
I have bought 2 new cars, one when I was single 20 something and one as a married 30 year old. I was treated just fine by the sales staff on both occasions and I went alone to the dealerships. My husband didn't even test drive the car I bought.