Hold your ground

I recently bought a new car. I had been driving my old car for about a decade now and it was a second-hand car. It was going very well (being Toyota) and I would be lying if I try to justify my new purchase by citing any major issues with my old car. The reality is I needed a change and there are few features that I had started looking forward to, especially after having started a full-time job and knowing that I can afford them now. Earlier being in graduate school, it was a luxury to even have a nice, reliable car. Also, having driven my old car for a while now, I had the satisfaction that I have enjoyed my old ride and was making an informed decision about the change now. 

So, what is it that I am trying to get to by sharing these details here, you may ask? Well, I want to share one principle that got reinforced in my mind as I reflect on a decision I took based on it. And as you might guess, the decision is related to my car buying experience. 

I was being nudged frequently by friends and family to consider switching to a new car since I started my job. And it was all well-meaning and coming from a place where everyone felt that I  have earned it with all the hard work and accomplishments, I should celebrate my new beginnings in my career, and have resources to go for it. I was encouraged to consider Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and I did go for test drives for all of them. But along with them, I also tried Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Basically, two different leagues - German vs. Japanese brands, different price points, the driving experience they offer, the longevity and reliability, upfront purchase cost, and maintenance, to name a few. And depending on whom you ask - you will get different advice on which one to go for. And that's the essence of this post - listen and get perspectives from people you trust, know what actually matters to you, and make a decision. The second step is critical and it is easy to get tricked by your own mind there. 

For some of us, clarity on what truly matters to us, can come very loud and clear but not for everyone and not all the time. I am someone who enjoys driving but I am also not into cars to the point where having a German car would excite me beyond a few days. I actually considered buying a certified Mercedes at one point but after a little introspection, I knew clearly that for the initial few days, I would feel absolutely amazing driving it. But this feel-good factor will not be rooted in my love for the car but more in a boost of owning a high-end brand. And that won't be a sustainable feeling. There are other aspects that would have come with it including maintenance cost, higher insurance and if I am not someone who can truly enjoy the excellent driving experience that these cars are known for compared to other non-german brands, then I am just getting carried away. And with that thought, I went ahead with Honda Accord. 

And it gives me immense joy and satisfaction reflecting on that decision. So, am I rooting for one brand of the car vs. other? Absolutely not. 

I am using my car buying experience as an example where I felt that holding my ground and staying true to myself brought a lot of happiness and a sustainable feeling of contentment and that is what I would like you to take note of reading this post. 

If you are someone who enjoys it and it is your dream to buy a certain car, and you can afford it, go for it by all means. But do not let any comparisons, peer pressure, instant gratification influence your decision. 

The societies and times we live in - we have to exercise a little extra care to take note of our core values from time to time, what is it that actually matters to us, and let that drive our decisions.

I went for Honda Accord by following this philosophy and I can say with a hand on my heart today that owning a Mercedes would not have made me any happier! 

Signing off with a fun memory with the new car. Let me know your thoughts on the post and if the message resonated with you. Thanks for reading!

First drive.