So, here's the story of how it was that we traded in Granny Towanda (GT) for a new car, after a month shy of 4 years!
Unbenownst to me, in European standards when you drive a small car like ours, 50K km is the magic number over which you don't really want to drive, if you expect a good trade-in value. Our Daihatsu Cuore was at 48K km (30K miles), so Astrid was already calculating in her head what that meant, especially with the government-required 4-year check-up coming in March. To say nothing about the potential repairs once a car turns "that old."
Like I said, totally unbenownst to me, because I thought GT was just getting started! So when Astrid opened her mouth in mid-January to say she was thinking it was time to trade in GT, I'm sure I looked at her as though she were crazy.
But she's not, of course. Europe is NOT America. The roads here are NOT American, when you consider all the cobblestones we drive over everywhere (apart from the highways). And besides...a small car does not have the long-term durability of what we're used to in America.
So, off we went to see Pedro, the same man who sold us GT back in 2010. When Astrid made the appointment he immediately asked, "Is Ginnie coming, too?!" Awww. After 4 years, he remembered...and that's worth a lot, you know.
Did I mention that Daihatsu, the oldest Japanese car manufacturer, no longer sells the Cuore in Europe...because it's not cost effective for them?
So Pedro sells Škoda's instead, manufactured in the Czech Republic.
We had already decided Sunflower Yellow would be our new color of choice before walking in.
But after driving this "silverleaf" demo car, we both exclaimed, "I like that!"
So much so that we negotiated for it on the spot, in spite of its 6,500 km!
Pedro gave us a deal we couldn't refuse.
A week later (this past Monday!) we were surpised by its unveiling when we picked it up.
Thank God for Pedro's handy iPhone!
Have YOU ever purchased or traded in a car to that kind of fanfare?
SOLD
Welcome
Ginnie and Astrid
Congratulations on your new car!!
We wish you driving pleasure.
On behalf of the De Waal workers.
And following the unveiling, we were presented with our keys.
You don't forget that kind of service!
The logo on the left was the Škoda logo til 2011. Now it's the one on the right (Wiki image).
It means:
as straight as an arrow
swift as a bird
with an eye to the future
And now for a bit of interactive fun. Remember when we asked you to help us name Granny Towanda? Well, it's time now to name this "silverleaf" Škoda Citigo. It's 100 kilos heavier than GT and with a wider wheel base, hugging the road better...and yet is "greener" than GT. It was crowned the Auto Express Best City Car of 2013.
When you see it up close, it has a bit of a sand hue to it, so I immediately think of a sand dollar. Surely there's a good name there?
The myth of the sand dollar.
The spiritual meaning of sand dollars.
For a small car like the GT, 48.000 km might not be much, but 50K is the big magic number. We had two options, drive until it 'dies' or try to make a good deal and try to get a new one, or like we did, a 3 months old Skoda Citigo.
ReplyDeleteAfter 3 days of driving to work and back home and finally having some frost. I have to say, it drives great, less sound, more power, even the lesser HP, but the RPM are higher. It gives just the little push I sometimes need, to get on the highway. Remember, others, most male, don't like those small cars on the road....... and they think they own the road. The heating works fine. I am very pleased with it, so far.
It was a big surprise to get the car like that in the showroom. Pedro did a great job with the pictures. A wonderful memory to add.
A new car, a new chapter to new adventures, starting with Münster, Gemany, to visit Philine, a dear blogger-friend.
I keep learning about American-European differences almost every day, even after 4 years. It's quite an education, which I love, as you know, MLMA.
DeleteI expect at least 4 years of great driving and wonderful photo hunts with this new car. It's hard to believe we already have one car and 4 years under our belt. How is that possible??
Next week...to Philine and Münsterland! Indeed.
Congratulations, you two. My car is younger and has more kilometers, 72,000. One suggestion for a name is Rhoda - Rhoda the Skoda, you know.
ReplyDeleteThe difference in mileage is partly because everything here in Europe is so nearby, Mary, I think. That 200 miles vs. 200 years dichotomy, remember?!
DeleteRhoda the Skoda. Now that's an idea to go into the hat! Thank you. :)
It seems to me it already has a name, "Great Granny Silverleaf." However, it sounds more Native Amer than Czech. Wear it in good health. I've never heard of any of the cars you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteWell, then, Ted. Another good name for the sorting hat! Actually, Native American sounds good to me!!! Right up my alley. Hmmmm. You've got my juices flowing. :)
DeleteAdorable!!!! Congrats you two! So deserving of all the fanfare. So special. Can't wait to ride in it! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd you were one who said "Say it's not so!" Well, even we are excited, without forgetting how GT served her purpose our first 4 years together. She'll always have a special place in our hearts. Our new Silverleaf will pick up from where she left off quite nicely...taking over the reins and saying "Thank You" for paving the way. :)
DeleteI always name my cars. I think they like it. My current ride is Bluebottle (blue Mazda 3). Previously I lived with The General (black VW Golf), Erik the Red (red Volvo), Beluga (white VW Beetle), Polly (red and white VW bus). YoungerSon drives Monty (Montana van). OlderSon drives Mustard (yellow Chevy) and his wife drives Ketchup (red Toyota). Hmmmmm.... there could be a blog post here.
ReplyDeleteSo I think your new car should be Sylvia Silverleaf.
OMG, Sham. Definitely a blog post there. Just do it! :D So, Sylvia Silverleaf...into the sorting hat it goes. Thank you.
DeleteWhen we bought our first Volvo it was a big huge affair when we picked it up...certainly nothing like that at other car dealers...very interesting how different it is in Europe.
ReplyDeleteIt really does make one feel special, Donna, doesn't it. But then, when you think about it, next to our house, it's considered our biggest tangible investment, right?
DeleteOh this is so sweet. I was really wondering how you could possibly be ready for a new car, but I had no memory that it was almost 4 years ago that you got Granny Towanda! Everything makes sense for trading her in now. It's strange what you say about American cars though, because I always think of "planned obsolescence" in this country. All the fanfare is very special, and she is adorable. I do love the color, and I love sand dollars. A name? Hmmm...
ReplyDeleteI am reminded all the time, Sister, that Europe is NOT America. But I was not prepared for this...so soon. Has it really been 4 years??? I know. It still surprises the heck out of me. After Ted mentioned that Silverleaf sounds so Native American, I've been really liking that concept for me/us...since Native American culture/art is soulful to me. Hmmmm, indeed. Maybe her full name will be Silverleaf Sand Dollar and we'll call her Silverleaf for short?
DeleteTimes sure flies – I did not realize you bought your car 4 years ago already. You did a bit of driving with it. My Scion, which you saw, is a 2007 model and is just at 38,000 miles after 6 1/2 years – but then I don’t like to drive with all the SUVs around here as it scares me, I rather fly or take a ship – I don’t think I’ll change it until it reach 90,000 miles!
ReplyDeleteYour new car is lovely. I really like the color but as for a name ….
38,000 miles is very low for Atlanta, Vagabonde, in 6 1/2 years. WOW. That amazes me. But, yes, in America we'd easily assume we'd drive at leaset 90,000 miles in one car, for sure.
DeleteWe have a feeling we'll just stick with Silverleaf as the name...because it sounds so Native American, which I adore. Thank you.
I think the name just slipped off your tongue early on! "Silverleaf".
ReplyDeleteIn New Mexico this plant has pale violet petals and sliver leaves.
The silver leaf nightshade … In addition to collecting fruits for use in decorative necklaces, Native Americans had a variety of medicinal uses for silverleaf nightshade from the treatment of toothaches, sore throats, and snakebites to use as a laxative and an antiseptic.
The meaning of stones: Silver Leaf agates are very grounding and balancing, they open the wearer for acceptance, protection and abundance. Brown, gray and creamy white with interesting patterns.
I think it is a gorgeous little car! Have fun putting miles on her.
…and we can interpret "laxative and antiseptic" to mean "relaxing and tidy". Ha ha
DeleteHow absolutely wonderful, Margaret, to have you come up with "validations" for the name we have chosen. See, we must have known! THANK YOU for doing all this research for us. WOWSER.
DeleteAnd yes, "laxative and antiseptic" can be as real or metaphoric as the moment necessitates. HA!
Though being a Czech, I had no idea that the Škoda car company had released this model until I saw it in your announcement of this purchase, Ginnie, so it’s a funny way to get to know it. Škoda cars produced in the last several years were of good quality but quite expensive here so when we were looking for a new car almost four years ago, we ruled this trademark out. I hope you’ll be satisfied with its performance and will cover many safe kilometres in it.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of that 50K kilometres rule so I asked my husband about how many kilometres he would regard to be optimal for trading a car in and we've arrived at the same conclusion. It surely depends on the model as the smaller cars with a weaker engine are less durable and have shorter lifetime. It also depends on the quality of the car, what kind of parts (cheaper or more expensive) was used. Then it’s the warranty period – when it expires, it’s a good reason to sell the car unless it was in operation just from time to time. Some people say that 5 years is a time limit for selling a car, e.g. because its leasing got expired. And then there are the kilometres covered which can be evaluated independently or in relation to what I mentioned above. All in all, it seems to me that Astrid chose the right moment for the exchange which will most probably save you from many possible technical problems on your travels.
As for that Škodo logo - you may know that, but this “winged arrow” (as it is called) is used by one more company in the Czech Republic which is engineering and metallurgic Škoda works in Pilsen. Originally the logo was created for Škoda works and was registered as their trademark in December, 1923. In the original logo which is blue the arrow symbolises progressive production methods and high productivity, the wing technical progress, production range and sale of products worldwide, the eye refers to production accuracy, technical sharp-wittedness and scope. The circle then is a symbol of production versatility and perfection, Earth and world. Since 1991, the Škoda Auto company has been allowed to use the logo as well, under the condition that its colours were changed and it is used just for cars (transporting people).
I declare, Petra. The things we learn from blogging. :) I love it. And of course I have thought of you a lot since buying this car.
DeleteThe Citigo is actually a "greener" car than the Daihatsu, even though a bit bigger. To win Auto Express Best City Car of 2013 says something, of course. So we know it's a good car. Years ago my past partner and I rented a bigger Škoda when we were either in Scotland or Australia (can't remember which) and we loved it. So, we're confident of a good choice! Thanks.
4 yrs wow! We liked Skoda while in Europe.
ReplyDeleteThe years really have flown, Jen, haven't they! And yes, we're really liking the new car! (Thanks for stopping by midst your busy schedule!)
Delete