I take my car to the dealer for its annual inspection for the past 5 years because the dealer gives me free oil changes for life. In addition to the mandatory annual NC state inspection and oil change, I have them rotate the tires, do alignments and perform other routine Honda maintenance. Each year, I compare the dealer’s service rates to local shops to make sure I’m not getting overcharged. Surprisingly, the dealer’s rates are competitive.
My dealer is only a few miles from my house. Their staff are responsive and friendly. The waiting area is spacious and clean. So, I usually wait there while they are working on my car. For customers like me, this is the best way the dealer to entice me to consider trading in my car for a new one.
I can only spend so much time listening to podcasts, writing my blog and reading before I decide to check out the new cars. Since I’m there, I always do. I’ll wander the showroom and meander through the new car lot to see what Honda has to offer.
For the last few years, I’m pleased to report, they have nothing that I want.
Conveniently, my dealer also has a Toyota dealership in the same complex so I’ll check out the new Toyotas too.
I’m a big fan of Honda and Toyota. Some of their current models look really cool – like the tricked out Civic and the Corolla Hatchback. But when I spec them out, neither would be as good as my Fit less I spent more than $25K. Even then, I wouldn’t be getting much of an upgrade in terms of functionality, performance or mileage.
I have a great car. I don’t need a newer one. It’s nice to not want one.
