I spent 3 years looking for a car my grandfather would approve of after he left me money
I found the perfect used car after years of searching. I drove for four hours to buy it, and saved $4,000.
Chris Astrella spent three years looking for a car that would meet his needs and honor his late grandfather's memory. Upon inheriting $25,000 from his grandfather, Chris knew he would eventually need a new vehicle, so he decided to use this money toward a car purchase. After researching 25 different vehicles, including hybrids, Chris ultimately decided on a hybrid car as his primary requirement.
He tested the Hyundai Tucson twice, but the dealership refused to negotiate on the price, and Chris walked away from the deal. He then expanded his search to include the Ford Maverick, finding a perfect 2022 Maverick Lariat First Edition hybrid with a sunroof, heated seats, and only 9,000 miles on the odometer. The car was $4,000 cheaper than similar models near the Las Vegas Strip and located in Flagstaff, Arizona, a four-hour drive away.
Chris drove four hours with his wife and dog to see the car, which matched his expectations from the photos. He paid about $31,500 out the door, using $25,000 from his grandfather's inheritance, some of his own money, and the value of his old Chevy Equinox. The Toyota dealership called about three months later, asking if Chris was still interested in the Tucson, to which Chris replied that he had taken his business elsewhere.
Chris believes his grandfather would be proud of his decision, as he focused on finding the right value, staying within his budget, and ultimately purchasing a vehicle that suited his needs.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
