At the main Nissan dealership, I picked up our new car today. Bizarrely, it had been covered with a big red cloth sheet and I had no idea it was ours until the car salesman, Andrew, unveiled it when all the paperwork had been done. "It's not every day you buy a new car!" he explained.
Minus the red cloth, our vehicle looked very handsome in his metallic gun metal grey livery. He was spotless and manufactured in England too - up in the north east near Sunderland.
Like Old Andrew in Melbourne, Young Andrew was a nice guy and I was happy to deal with him. He talked me through most of the car's main features without boggling my mind. The new motor is a different kettle of fish from Clint entirely.
To begin with, there isn't a key and there's no traditional handbrake either. There's a touchscreen with satnav and camera functions. There are switches for heating the seats and the steering wheel though today in northern England such facilities were most unnecessary as it has been sweltering with temperatures into the thirties.
Driving the new car home through rush hour traffic was a little stressful but I only stalled him once and managed to park him on the paved area at the front of our house without incident or damage.
He is sitting there now, looking elegant and well-designed - just like his new owner! I may not drive him again for a few weeks now while I familiarise myself with the manual which seems to require the kind of technical knowledge and natural car fascination which poets and former English teachers just do not possess.
When I drove away from the showroom, I noticed that there were just eight miles on the mileometer. Being in a position to buy this fine car, I appreciate that we are very lucky compared with most other humans on this planet. Below, you can see our new car's identical twin - David. Ours will also have a name soon - I am mulling over a few ideas.
That's a very handsome car. Having to learn all the different bells and whistles puts me off when I start thinking I'd like to have a new car.
ReplyDeleteNothing beats a new car! It's exciting as you try to learn all the new STUFF! I have one that we bought 13 years ago and I'm still learning. (What does that infernal beeping mean and how can I turn it off!
ReplyDeleteIt can get complicated buying a new car. It sounds like you've done your homework and will enjoy your new car.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to need an entire college course these days to figure out all the bells and whistles on a new car!!
ReplyDeleteBut your newbie is a beauty!
David looks a bit Sporty and altogether very nice. Perhaps you could name yours Jukebox? Or Jack. But not Wilfred, that's a terrible name for a car.
ReplyDeleteHours of endless enjoyment in the new car, well that is after you have learnt all its magical touches. Bit worried about not having a hand brake. What do you do on a hill?
ReplyDeleteWill Shirley be allowed to drive it?
ReplyDeleteA neighbour has that same model in bright yellow.
I was the same when I got my new car - the manual took weeks to read through. Even now, i still have to look up stuff, like, where's the fog light.
ReplyDeleteTake it back. They forgot to put handles on the rear doors.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what the buttons on my steering wheel do.......I use the other ones in the middle!! Still have to ask the husband to change the clock. My previous Nissan ( Note) just needed about one press of a button to change from GMT to summertime. You will love the heated steering wheel in the winter!
ReplyDeleteA bit disappointed that you got a grey car.......nearly all cars these days seem to be grey, white, black or silver.....so boring!
We bought a shiny new car a few years ago. It, too, had lots of wondrous bells and whistles... and many, many annoying beeps and warnings. It was, alas, too overwhelming..and too bulky for me so it had to go. Our smaller Ford is easier for me...although we hardly ever need to drive these days. More economical that way too!
ReplyDeleteDoubtless you will entice us with further drip-fed details. First question is, obviously, did you get the hybrid version?
ReplyDelete