Leasing vs. Buying – Top Five Things Women Need To Know About Acquiring Their Next Vehicle
27702 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite D4
Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
Contact: Michelle Patterson, CEO
(949) 892-8181
michelle.patterson@eventcomplete.com
Leasing vs. Buying – Top Five Things Women Need To Know About Acquiring Their Next Vehicle
I can remember going into a dealership with my husband to buy my first luxury car fifteen years ago. The salesmen spoke directly to my husband giving him his entire focus and eye contact throughout the entire two hour presentation. At one point my husband told the salesperson, “This car is for her – really, it’s up to what she wants.” He still didn’t get it. It wasn’t until after I submitted my earnings, and the fourth time my husband said, this will be her car, I am not even on the paperwork.” did the salesperson start asking me what kind of car I was looking for. Amazing, clearly he missed the sales 101 class, and definitely did not understand women purchase cars too! Since that experience, and as much as I love the help of my husband to get the best deal, the last four cars I have owned have all been purchased on my own. Here are some top tips from my friends in the industry on Leasing vs. Buying all my girlfriends should know about before acquiring their next vehicle!
Check out what I learned from Cedric Volk at Infiniti of Mission Viejo before you go buy or lease your next car…
- Vehicle Ownership is not like Home Ownership. While writing a check to your mortgage lender every month lets you feel like you’re investing into something, a vehicle will never keep or increase in value like a home will – it is destined to depreciate.
- “Vehicle Equity” is a Myth. It’s really your own money riding around with you, locked away in the glove box. If you were to sell your car today and pay off the loan – and ended up with a profit left over – that’s money that you could have had in your bank account throughout your ownership. Think of it like a tax return – sure you might get a tidy sum every April 15th, but that’s 11 months that the government was probably taking too much money out of your paychecks.
- Own a Vehicle, Own a Disaster. If you are ever in an accident (knock on wood), the value of your car will go down – a lot. Imagine yourself looking at buying a $30,000 used car private-party. Would you still pay the same if you knew that the car had been in an accident that cost $10,000 to repair? Of course not. What if you’re the seller and you owe your bank a $30,000 balance on that car loan? What if your buyer is asking for a $5,000 discount because of the accident repair? From whose pocket does that money come out of at the end of the day?
- A Long Way Goes A Little. Cars are getting more expensive every day. New techno-gadgets, improved safety features, and more luxury appeal are driving sticker prices up across all makes (even the “cheap” ones). In order to mitigate monthly payment inflation, lenders are extending terms into the absurd. An 84-month payment, once unheard of, is now making its way on to the negotiating table – which means you could be locked in longer than you want to be.
- You’re the Decision Maker. No married man in his right mind would come home with a brand-new vehicle for his wife these days without warning or consultation. Since most homes of today are dual-income, ladies typically have the equal or lion’s share in the decision process. We don’t like to admit it, but we men just aren’t the autonomous decision makers that we used to be. In fairness, your being informed helps your team succeed financially – so be prepared.
Join us for our free community workshop and I’ll show you everything you need to know to make an informed decision on your next vehicle – no matter the make or model. We’ll discuss how leasing and buying a vehicle are different – and how making a smart decision can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Save yourself the time of endless internet research and ask an expert face-to-face. RSVP requested – please email: rsvp@infinitimv.com.
My goal is to give back what a decade of dealership experience has given me – valuable information to make smart decisions. When I started in the automotive business at 18, I didn’t have a clue how buying or leasing a car worked. I just knew that cars were cool and people disliked going to the dealerships. All of the faces of the patrons I would see generally had more frowns than smiles on them and I couldn’t really figure out why. After some time in the trenches I figured it out – it’s confusing! The whole buying process can be really complicated and doesn’t inspire confidence in our industry.
True, the automotive industry has traditionally been predominantly male. Gathering around your new car with one’s drinking or poker buddies and bragging about zero-to-sixty times and features that will likely go unused was a time-honored tradition of the past that the automotive industry has never really been able to shake loose.
Consequently, the traditional connection between automobiles and testosterone had a tendency to attract sales representatives to work at dealerships whose ethics were questionable – I remember hearing stories from old co-workers about “the good old days” of the car business where one could stock their own personal liquor cabinet to ‘kick back a few’ with prospects when negotiating for a car. These slimy old dogs could get away with childish tricks like throwing the keys to a shopper’s trade-in up on to the roof so that they couldn’t leave (in anything but that brand new car). Unbelievable.
Not surprisingly, those old co-workers aren’t in the auto-biz anymore – the industry is finally evolving to meet our information-rich, instant-answer lifestyle. Our workshops are aimed directly at changing the general consumer perception that ‘car people are sleazy’ and that ‘buying or leasing a car is unbearably confusing’. I invite you to come and learn what you need to know about getting your next car – no strings attached.
Join us Tuesday, March 13th at 6:30PM for this free, one hour of question-and-answer that could save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars – and plenty of time on your research. We are located at Infiniti of Mission Viejo, 28471 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692. Valet parking, refreshments, casual dress. RSVP requested – please email: rsvp@infinitimv.com.
Free Live Webcasts w/ Teri Hatcher, Tony Bennett, Brad Garrett…
Join our media partners, producers of THE STRIP VIEW LIVE! positive tv show, Maria Ngo and Ray DuGray as they host a daily free live global webcast where they bring you the up-close and personal moments from their show with some of the best success stories, advice, tips, & teachings.
The daily webcast schedule features an amazing line-up including Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Michelle Patterson, Larry King, Sammy Hagar, Donald Trump, Dr. John Gray, Tori Spelling, Jaime King, Bob Proctor, Teri Hatcher, Brad Garrett, Gary Payton, John Assaraf, Sean Astin, Shannon Elizabeth, Wayne Newton, Les Brown, Char Jackson, Ali Landry, Jack Canfield, and so many more!
Register for Monday’s free live global webcast:
>> Date: Monday | February 13, 2012
>> Time: 5 PM PT | 6 PM MT | 7 PM CT | 8 PM
*Global live webcasts run Monday – Friday at 5 PM PST. (Schedule and guests can change at any time.)
“Women of Goodwill” Event
Michelle Patterson, CEO for Event Complete and TouchPointe, and Kathy Bronstein, Goodwill Board of Directors member, are forming a group called the Women of Goodwill. The organization will raise funds and awareness for Goodwill’s education, training and employment services for the thousands of women and men who turn to Goodwill. Through their collective efforts, they want to help Goodwill find employment opportunities throughout Orange County for 650 individuals this year.
On Saturday, February 25, Kathy will be hosting a private brunch at her home where they will launch the Women of Goodwill and discuss the impact the organization will make in 2012. Please RSVP no later than Wednesday, February 15, to kathybronstein@ocgoodwill.org. For more information visit http://j.mp/WomenOfGoodwill or send questions to info@eventcomplete.com.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
11 am – 1 pm
Newport Coast
Private gated community. Map and directions will be provided to confirmed guests.
Click here to view the information flyer for Women of Goodwill or click here to view the Women of Goodwill pledge form
Parents As Career Coaches Workshop
Please join Jan Slater of the Baldwin Group, for this very informative workshop on teaching parents how to guide their children to make successful career choices.
March 1, 2012
6:00pm-8:00pm
University Club-UCI Campus, Irvine
Admission is free with preregistration
TedxIrvine
TedxIrvine is almost here – just finished finalizing the schedule with Steve aka Ted! We have only a handful of tickets left before we are sold out!
TEDxIrvine: November 17, 2011
TEDxIrvine is approaching fast!
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.
TEDxIrvine, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxIrvine event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.
Do you have a TED-like experience? Reminiscence and share with us!
Stemulance Skin Care Products are now on Groupon
Want to have celebrity skin? Now you can with this Groupon from Stemulance!
Here’s a testimonial from one of our valued customers. “Well, from a sceptic such as me who has been through 29 operations on my face to reconstruct it after a horrific car accident some years ago, I am delighted to say that after trying a sample of the Stemulance serum for ONLY 3 DAYS I have seen a marked improvement in general. Lines are just fading away and a dark spot has almost vanished – in 3 days that’s not bad is it? So many of the skincare serums on the market promise so much and deliver so little – this I can tell you is NOT one of those!! 
”
TedxIrvine Is Almost Here!
TEDxIrvine is an evening that brings together thinkers and doers from the city of Irvine, surrounding Orange County and beyond who are doing ground-breaking work in the areas of technology, entertainment, design, entrepreneurship and the arts. The theme is “Change Agents”. In a world that has rapidly changed TEDxIrvine explores the kind of work that inspired people are doing to make their lives and those around them better.
Confirmed Speakers
- Robert Evans
World-Renowned Celebrity Photographer who has captured some of the most iconic photos of our time including those of Brad Pitt, Jennifer Anniston, Tom Cruise and Shania Twain. His work has been featured on the covers of national publications such as US Weekly and In Touch magazines and he has received numerous industry awards for his work. - Nithin Jilla
Student Philanthropist who co-founded and is the president of Kenya Dream, a philanthropy he helped establish at the age of 14. Kenya Dream raises money for schoolchildren in Kenya and has expanded to local chapters throughout California. He also co-founded Ken-ya Dance a dance competition with the same objective. Nithin is currently a sophomore at UC Irvine. - David Wolf
Computer engineer and tech entrepreneur with a degree in psychology, David is someone who has impeccable taste, a flair for user interface and an obsession with clean design. For over 30 years, he has been on the leading edge of technology, computers and communication. He symbolizes what Steve Jobs touted as great people and products springing from the crossroads of liberal arts and technology. - Jenny Ross
Author, Chef, and Lifestyle Coach, Chef Jenny is the creator of 118 Degrees in Costa Mesa, CA, a popular health foods eatery. Her products can be found in the aisles of Whole Foods Market and she is a leading authority in the living foods online movement. She is the author of books on how to live a vibrant lifestyle through living cuisine. - Luke Mysse
For over 15 years, Luke Mysse has been operating Crossgrain, a business-minded design firm with a knack for generating revenue for clients. He is a sought after speaker and has traveled the country speaking on a wide range of topics including creativity, branding, planning and life balance. His speaking style is both inspirational and practical while motivating his audience to get up and take action. Luke has been described as overly passionate, funny and engaging. - Sue Enquist
Sue Enquist holds more National Championships (11) than anyone in the history of softball. She is UCLA Softball’s first All-American, National Champion, and Hall of Famer. In 2006, Enquist concluded her storied 27 year career as head coach of the UCLA Bruins with a 887-175-1 (.835) record, making her the winningest softball coach among all active coaches. She is the only person in NCAA Softball history to win a championship as a head coach and a player. Hailed a “coaching legend” by ESPN, Sue Enquist’s tenure produced 65 All-Americans and 12 Olympians. She has been inducted into the Women’s Sports Foundation International Hall of Fame, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the UCLA Hall of Fame. Enquist is also the recipient of multiple National Coach of the Year and Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors.
Stemulance: The first natural anti-aging skin care product is now on Groupon
LAGUNA HILLS, CA – There’s a new buzz surfacing around Southern California. Stemulance is an anit-aging company known for their products that are based on real science and offer real results. These products, which were once used only by Hollywood celebrities, are now available at a price point for everyone through Groupon.
Stemulance products offer natural topical solutions for the largest organ in our body, our skin. Their product has been used by the stars in Hollywood for years. Now you can look and feel healthier without any medical procedures or chemical based solution creams and ointments. Stemulance has found a way to fill our curiosity about the amazing powers and restorative properties that human stem cells can produce in our body. Finally, this powerful product is being offered at an affordable price and available for your private use.
The Groupon will launch mid-week. Here’s your inside tip on what deals are heading your way. For $25, you get a VIP combinations set (a $49.95 value), which includes sample sizes of cellular therapy crème and facial serum. Or, for $212, you get a set of all six Stemulance products (a $540 total value).
Don’t miss your chance to shine like a star! Stemulance offers many elite products from cellular therapy creams to facial serums and body washes. These products have become the newest hype in Hollywood and you can be sure to find them in every top celebrity’s medicine cabinet.
Stemulance products have been acknowledged for their key actives that are based on real science and their strict manufacturing cGMP conditions. Dr. Alla Zander M.D. says “…The transformation of my skin was so amazing, people started asking me what rejuvenation procedure had I done to my face…I whole heartedly recommend Stemulance skin care products; it will be the best investment you can make for your skin.”
This investment is sure to excite you! Jump in and indulge in these exclusive, doctor and celebrity recommended, anti-aging products. Your skin will thank you.
Beckstrand Cancer Foundation
Event Complete was at BeckstrandCancer Foundation this year! The Beckstrand Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and enhancing quality of life for cancer patients and their families. At Beckstrand they help bridge the gap between research and conventional social services by providing financial assistance, patient advocacy, counseling and other resources.
CEO and Founder of Event Complete, Michelle J. Patterson ran into some of her favorite celebrities while there. Check out some of this years event photos at our Facebook page.