Back In the Market

A few years ago, I wrote a post which consisted of a quote from Erwin McManus' An Unstoppable Force (still one of the best books about leading a church that I've read), followed by a quick thought about the cost of the assumptions we make. I called the post Assumptive Language. The post has ended up being one of the top 3 most visited posts here on this blog. Why? Because of the title. It was entirely accidental, but I ended up using a phrase that was connected to something entirely different than my intentions: Sales.

In the sales world, assumptive language is the practice of speaking to your prospect as if the deal is already done, as if all obstacles will be managed. It's touted as a good closing strategy. (The quote I used in my post spoke of the way we speak to people as if they understand what we're talking about even when they don't.) The term "assumptive language" has been the number 1 search term that's brought people to my blog - even though my blog has nothing to do with sales. I'm not search engine savvy enough to know exactly why this is true, but at this point, I feel an apology is owed to the misled masses of used cars salesmen and realtors looking for a quick tip. Sorry.

Your industry had a bit of a chance for revenge this weekend however, as we are looking for a replacement for our oh so tired mini-van. 

At the first dealership we visited, I already found the perfect vehicle. LuAnn's not convinced, though, that you can replace the family Caravan with a 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 (which is #689 or something of about 1100 if anyone's interested). White with blue racing stripes, 6 speed manual transmission, 6.4L V8 cranking out more horsepower than any Caravan will ever dream of, (not to mention the sweet blue stitched leather interior)... This car had my name on it. Alas, the bank account with my name on it doesn't have $48,000 sitting around.

I really don't like shopping for vehicles. There were two lots we looked at and we actually were able to wander around unaccosted for quite a while. At 35, we still don't look like real buyers, I guess! That's part of one of my least favorite things about car buying:

• You either can't get help, or you can't get rid of help. I realize this is a no-win for the salesmen, too.
• The 'right car' is never the right price. Car loans are stupid. I hate that I may have to get one - should've saved more, should've got a better paying job, should've planned better, blah, blah, blah...
• Staying content in a culture that does everything it can to make me discontent so I'll spend more money.
• The unknown. We're not looking at new cars. Whatever we buy, it will be something that someone else deemed "not good enough to drive". Why wasn't it good enough? What gremlins are hiding underneath the hood?
• Assumptive language. When I sign, and my name's the only one on the title, then it's my car. Until then, let's not try manufacturing emotional attachments, ok...

So what are your least favorite aspects of buying a car?