The six thoughts you’ll have when upgrading your car

After months maybe even years of saving and having to deal with an older car that’s caused you more headaches than you’d like to admit, that endless search for your perfect set of wheels has concluded.

It’s particularly exciting when you’re upgrading to something more modern, having spent years behind something that struggled up hills, or that needed the occasional jumpstart to get going!

I owned my first car for 10 years, I bought it when I was 17 years old, and it was a 2004 Hyundai Getz. And while I loved that car more than anything, in the final couple of years, between services costing more than it was worth, and realising, maybe cruise control WOULD be handy on long road trips and drives home, the minute I upgraded to a 2017 Volkswagen Polo, I didn’t look back.

Whether you’re upgrading out of necessity, or you’ve saved for your dream car, these are some thoughts you’ll definitely have running through your head once you’re in that (new) driver’s seat.

Let me tell you, there is a world of difference when it comes to comfort of a car made in 2004 and a 2017 European car. But it’s almost like, every car I’ve sat in since getting rid of my Getz is comfort city. However, it’s small creature comforts that are probably the most noticeable.

No surprises here but my old car wasn’t stellar on fuel consumption and I’m guessing if you’re in for a major upgrade, neither is yours. And while I’ve never been one to pay too much attention to this kind of stuff (even though, maybe I should!), you do find yourself noticing and paying attention to how far you can get before needing to fill up. You might even find yourself secretly stoked you can get further and not having to hit the petrol station when fuel is extra costly.

There’s no better feeling of knowing the new set of wheels you’re behind is the result of hard work and maybe even harder saving. There’s more than a ping of pride, and you find yourself being super careful when parking, and heading to the car wash more than usual. You’ve worked hard for it, so enjoy all the luxuries having a new car brings!

A particularly relevant thought when you come speeding into the 21st Century and you need to remind yourself which side the windscreen wipers and indicators are on. While those are little things you eventually get used to, getting behind the wheel of an unfamiliar car can leave you wondering if you’re even able to start it, let alone drive down the highway.

This one seems to be the major panic point for any new car owner, and for good reason. Imagine the horror of coming back to your park in Westfield’s only to find a massive dent or scratch down the side from another driver! You’ve spent way too much for that to happen, so it’s understandable that for the foreseeable future after your new purchase you prefer to park faaaaaar away and walk to the shops.

You’ve worked hard for this! So go and show off your new car to everyone you know! You’re proud and ready to hit the highway! Throw on your favourite playlist, pick up your bestie and get on the road! You and your new car deserve to be very happy together.

Related: New car inspiration guide

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Related: My car buying story