Back in the Roger Smith days of General Motors, he of “Call me Roger” fame,
when the press asked what he had to compete with foreign imports at a certain
price level, he answered “a used Buick.” It seems for the money GM couldn’t
compete, and Roger’s answer told us more than we needed to know, what car buffs
thought, and what we already knew, that GM was in trouble. It had started its
downhill slide, read avalanche back in the late seventies, and by the nineties
the cars reflected it. Also giving a new twist on their age old motto “Wouldn’t
you really rather have a Buick?” But what Roger had also said, maybe not
knowingly, he had to have some brains to run the largest car manufacturer in the
world was, that used cars are a great bargain. And soon became known as
pre-owned in our politically correct jargon infused world. If you cannot sell
them new, sell them used, and roll them units. And from Mercedes Benz to Toyota
to Kia, today all manufacturers, or rather their dealers sell used cars, excuse
me pre-owned cars that have been certified, and come with a better warranty than
a new car.
When with Mercedes Benz the techs were put on a revolving schedule so they
could certify cars, it was easy money and they would fight for the position.
Essentially the cars were refurbished to like new condition, then resold with an
extended factory warranty for 100,000 miles. And priced way below the original
retail price, we all know once you drive off the lot with a new car it starts to
depreciate, here was a chance to get a good deal, on a like new car, and with a
factory warranty. And that is exactly how Theresa got her new Mustang, excuse
me pre-owned Mustang for her 60th birthday.
With GM announcing last week their average car sold new for $43,988 most of
us are in sticker shock. But we can ease the shock of our monthly payment by
buying pre-owned, which we did. When new a Mustang convertible like hers was
over $35,000, way beyond our ability to pay, but not desire. The car we bought,
certified was almost 40% less, we saved on tags, and on tax. It is factory new
except for the miles, and has new tires, brakes, been thoroughly serviced, and
detailed....it is new! And with a 100,000 powertrain warranty, and an
additional 12 month, 12,000 mile bumper to bumper, we can drive secure in the
fact the factory is there when we need, if we need it. Comparable used
Mustangs, non-certified were $2000 less, and without the warranty or
certification, if it breaks, who you gonna call? The same store that would fix
it under warranty....maybe Roger was right after all. And no, we never
considered a Buick.
One thing among many I learned from our auction buyers was that the cars at
auction were passed over if they thought they couldn’t be certified, or made
money on. The lesser cars, the not primo cars went to used car lots, and sold
for less. Same car maybe, but one was good enough to sell for more, to be
reconditioned and sold with a warranty, another wasn’t. Now I am not saying buy
only certified, or don’t buy at a used car lot, but for my money, piece of mind,
and follow up, pre-owned certified is the way to go. And I can use the money
saved on motorcycles and trips. And now in our new Mustang convertible, race
red of course, aren’t all cool convertibles red? Would you buy a Ferrari in any
other color? So why not a Mustang?
After my open heart surgery, they were amazed I was still alive, I should
be dead, but could offer no warranty. I was released as is, no warranty
expressed or implied. But I had, and still have a guarantee from God that when
I die on earth, I will be instantly in heaven. I may be the worst used body, an
amazingly bad sinner, but since I came to Jesus, I am saved, and am heaven bound
when I leave earth. Which we all will do some day. Some of us were not good
enough for church certification, some carry about a membership card to show
their allegiance. The day I accepted Jesus I bypassed all that religion had to
offer, and got a factory warranty, a new make over from the inside out by the
creator himself. I was born again, with the word written on my heart, so it is
with me always. No number to call, no card to present, I have the spirit with
me always, good or bad times. And I can call him Jesus, for he knows my name,
and I know his. He is Lord, he is God incarnate, he is the prince of peace, and
wonderful counselor, the great healer and physician. I just call him Jesus,
because he wants it that way, he wants it to be that personal. And he chose me
from the pit, and daily for over 40 years now is working miracles in me and
through me. His love and grace never go out of style, and he accepts me as I
am. He includes me in decisions, but still gives me the insight to make the
right decision, and forgives me, doesn’t give up on me when I don’t. If you can
find a better guarantee, take it, but you will never get the deal you will other
than from Jesus. Others may offer goods, position, peace of mind, and wealth,
only Jesus saves. By no other name can we be saved. And he calls me
friend....
Jesus took me on trade when I had nothing to offer him but brokenness and
strife, and like the song, he made something beautiful out of my life. You may
be the used car in the back row no one wants, Jesus wants you. You may have
high miles, been rode hard and put away wet. You qualify under his terms of
forgiveness. You may have it all, have lived a good life, maybe even be a pew
filler once a week, but don’t know God, you qualify. No one will ever outbid
Jesus for your soul, and today many things try. And will. Today you can get the
deal of your life for all eternity, to be saved, to go to heaven when you die.
But the choice is up to you, perfect love demands a choice, it doesn’t force
itself upon you. And he knows what it takes to put you into heaven
today....such a deal he has for you. What say you?
Cars, motorcycles, houses, and other things will wear out, even go out of
style. Salvation doesn’t, and with no end. A covenant with no end date,
instead of a contract with a specified date. Every day is a new day on the
calendar of forever, at 100,000.1 the Mustang warranty ends. Time to buy
another....make one purchase today of Christ, and be set forever. And enjoy the
cars and bikes of life, a red convertible may change your attitude, only Jesus
will change your life. Top down, wind in your face.....now about your next
motorcycle.....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25bker.blogspot.com