VLOG: car shopping + test driving, and my honest thoughts !

[@candicejohnson9094]

I know your Dad would be so proud of you for making such a smart choice and being honest with yourself! ♥️

[@thecuratedhome8595]

If you end up getting a new car I suggest test driving a Lexus! It’ll have the luxury you’re used to but is so reliable and will be less expensive to maintain in comparison to a Range Rover or BMW etc. just from experience since I’ve worked in the auto industry for over five years! Loved the vlog 🥰

[@Samdullard11]

I was coming to say the same thing! I have a Lexus and I love it! And they are def way cheaper to maintain

[@thecuratedhome8595]

@@Samdullard11 yes!

[@mariahteixeira1802]

Agreed!!

[@KBNielRHS]

Yes yes yes! Obsessed with my Lexus 260k miles and zero issues

[@danielleinfante5086]

Completely agree!!

[@candicejohnson9094]

I love how honest and realistic you are being about yourself and your style and comfort with the car. ♥️ go with what you love and feel comfortable with!! These cars some of them are insane $$ and it’s all for show for some people. You’ve always been humble and I will always enjoy that about you! ♥️

[@carliebaine543]

That’s honestly why your my favorite KZbinr. So many other KZbinrs just want all this luxurious stuff to act like they’re billionaires, just to show all of it in their videos and to impress other people!

[@zoerichwine6437]

I would highly recommend looking into volvos!! They’re ridiculously safe and super luxury feeling but not nearly as expensive as a range or Mercedes. They are very reliable with great customer service. The Volvo xc 40 (probably about the same size as BMW X3), xc 60 (size of the BMW X5), and the xc90 (which is pretty big) are all worth looking into! :)

[@sarabernal6955]

yes!! and so beautiful too ugh i love then

[@sydneyk8779]

I absolutely love my 2012 Volvo XC60, it's older but it's so worth it. Plus my sister and parents have XC60's and don't regret it. Yeah, they can be expensive sometimes but from a safety and style standpoint, Volvo is a good way to go! :)

[@itslucien]

I have a new xc60 and it's really nice! however it's sized more like the BMW x3 or Audi q5 the xc90 is q7/x5 sized and the xc40 is q3/x1 sized

[@jill5006]

I have a Volvo and love it!

[@Rocyyyyyyy]

As a young professional in finance who’s pretty frugal and trying to build wealth, the thought of leasing a car after you just paid yours off is making me cringe. You can obviously afford this luxury and it makes sense for you since you’re on social media, but please don’t let the car shortage situation give you a sense of urgency to make a decision. You’re a smart girl and I’m sure you can make the best decision for yourself based on your financial and life goals.

[@jemmlizzerz7823]

Leasing is definitely a good idea, but you have to watch with some leases because they usually limit the amount of miles you can drive each year. Xx 💗

[@GretchenGeraghty7]

I drove almost 60,000 miles in the last 3 years…

[@jesusloveyouxoxo]

@@GretchenGeraghty7 If you drive that much leasing might not be a good option for you!

[@carolschmitz927]

@@GretchenGeraghty7 I lease and it’s usually no more than 15k-18k miles a year! I only use it driving locally! Any out of town or long distance trips we use my husband’s car

[@AmieOlsonalo]

I have a Jeep and absolutely LOVE it. Also, there is so much room if you have groceries etc and also with having a large dog as well. They also last so well, they usually run great into the 200,000 plus miles.

[@kaylastannard4098]

I hope you’re doing well, Gretchen. I pray for your peace, mental health, and physical well being in the months ahead. I am proud of you for everything you’ve done and continue to do. I wish you the best 💗

[@sarahh658]

I just bought a Lexus NX300 and am so in love!! perfect midsize car that still feels sporty and lux. If you are still shopping around deff test drive one

[@jbedard]

Omg please don’t lease!!! It was the worst financial decision I ever made when I was 22. There are lots of hidden fees when you go to turn the car in. And it’s very stressful to have to constantly think about your mileage. It’s honestly my biggest regret.

[@GretchenGeraghty7]

this is good to know thank you!!💓

[@Maroon5Lover15]

Yes you definitely should wait until the prices go down! Cars/SUV’s are wildly overpriced during this time because of the car chip shortage

[@frankiechen3733kkjhb]

When will car prices go down ?

[@megdewsnap]

girl I felt the same way shopping for my new BMW, the first dealership I went to, no sales person approached me they just stared at me prob cause I was a young girl so they didn’t take me seriously. I went to a different location and it was SO much better and ended up buying my new car, but i feel you about them not taking you seriously leaving a bad taste in your mouth - doesn’t make you want to buy a car!! their loss for not giving you a good experience and making a sale, but it sounds like you love your current car best anyhow :)

[@egandunne7892]

Be cautious when buying a car. Salesmen will always try to take advantage of young people who are inexperienced when it comes to buying cars. I used to work at a dealership outside of Boston and I can tell you from experience.

[@emss003]

Range Rovers are huge money pits. Don’t recommend!

[@WiiKitty]

You just paid off your car a few months ago. Call me crazy but I’d just take some time and enjoy life with no car payments! Right now is the absolute worst time to get a car unless you have no choice but to buy.

[@GretchenGeraghty7]

this is exactly what I realized hahaha💓

[@courtneynicolesolem9712]

I highly recommend a Volkswagen. I have the atlas and it has three rows, but if you’re looking for a five passenger car they have an atlas cross sport. I would recommend it to anyone who asks! The trunk space is amazing.

[@kittyp979]

Yes! I love my VW too, and it basically is an Audi but without that huge price tag! 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@KBNielRHS]

I can 1000% see you in a Lexus. Great cars, mine has 260k miles on it with like zero issues that whole time. It’s a Toyota base so they’re easy & affordable to repair.

[@MackenzieM1797]

Look into Mazda!!! I have a Mazda CX-5 and it feels luxurious without the high price rage of a luxury car!! Highly highly recommend. I also have a lab and she fits perfectly as well as her cage

[@zpuccia]

Such a good reminder with all things in life to “check yourself before you wreck yourself” love that !!

[@sydneymoore6013]

I got a Mazda CX-5 last summer and I’m absolutely obsessed with it. Luxury feel without the price!

[@abbygirl4567]

Yes same here!!!

[@americangirlrock2002]

Although range rovers are sooo nice, the rover family is very hard to maintain. I had a Land Rover and my dad had a Range Rover and they both had many problems and very hard to maintain despite the very nice drive. We ended up getting rid of both around the same exact time!

[@greef_karga6402]

I’ve had my Range Rover for 5 years and so far its holding up well! Newer ones seem to be far more reliable than before!

[@samanthamace1236]

I have a Mazda and love it, they look a little weird though lol. With the amount you drive I wouldn't recommend leasing and to me it's such a better feeling truly owning your car! If you can also go to various dealerships to see what they will give you for your car b/c I'm sure there's a range with the shortage!

[@MSkp4wo]

oo haha why do they look weird??

[@raekwonpipkin]

As someone who is currently on their 3rd BMW. I will confirm your feeling is understandable. I have rented many cars (especially when I travel) and everytime I get back in my car, I fall in love all over again. The bmw is just special. From the chime to the beautiful wooding and the crayon smell that the leather seats have lol. Even my friends say they have fallen in love with my cars just by the way they feel when they sit in them. I’ve had experiences with my 1st one where it was super unreliable; got my 2nd one and it was crazy reliable; now I’m on my 3rd. It just all depends. But regardless I’ve encountered those prices/maintenance tags a good amount of times but for some reason my love for those cars outweighs it. So I get it. Specifically bmw, I’m not really a fan of any other luxury car. When it comes to bmws People will say it’s not worth it, but the way those cars will make you feel, to me it’s worth it. I’ve tried liking others. I just simply can’t. Lol.

[@morganpatterson222]

would not recommend a luxury car especially after the problems ur bmw has had!! honda and hyaundai cars are just as cool :)

[@celestesilva1124]

I would never recommend Hyundai! Or Kia. They are very bad brands and have a big history of engine fires and malfunctions. Honda and Toyota are great cars!

[@quon535]

screaming lol 😂😂 she’s such a brand girl

[@TokoyoMoneyHeist19]

Toyotas are pretty good cars too

[@baileydiorio4893]

I just bought a new car at the end of June and had a similar experience. I'm a 31 year old woman and did not feel like I was taken seriously at all. I even had an appointment set up to test drive a car and then the salesperson I had been in touch with called me 5 minutes later and said the car had been sold so I couldn't test drive it. I called the dealership and spoke to someone else who said it wasn't sold so I went and test drove it, loved it, bought it, took it home the next day. I received no explanation for why the first salesperson told me I couldn't drive it but I can't help but feel like he was discriminating against me as a younger woman without a husband to do the negotiating for me. Even though it worked out in the end, it was an incredibly stressful situation that really left a bad taste in my mouth. I hope whatever you decide to do, that you have a better experience moving forward!

[@oliviaoistad372]

My mom got a Acura RDX and it’s simple and fancy/up to date, without being over the top! Just got a new 2021 Toyota rav4! Love it I got the XLE and it is great

[@jessicatwelve]

Yes! I have an Acura RDX and LOVE it!!

[@amandahilsinger3991]

I know it’s not luxury but I SWEAR by the 2022 Hyundai Tuscan! It’s an incredible car and drives SO SMOOTH. I did a 4 hour road trip in it and was so comfortable and the tech isn’t crazy fancy ya know

[@rachaelmccabe7027]

I had a similar experience at car dealerships this year when I got my new car. Since there is such a car shortage the salespeople may feel like the cars are selling themselves so they don’t need to put in as much effort to be helpful/make the sale

[@loveaziz1]

You don’t need to justify your subpar shopping experience! They clearly didn’t take you seriously due to your age. Which is unfortunate because you are in a position to buy any of the vehicles. Don’t give up on your car search!! Im sure you’ll find the perfect Vehicle. 💖

[@camera0bsessedx]

hahah when you said "i cant believe they just let you take it for a spin, i cant believe they just trust me cause I have a license" thats so true tho

[@chloebutcher2502]

Toyota RAV4, I love mine! Super reliable, my last Toyota has 300,000 and still going as my dad uses it as a daily driver! Toyotas really run forever and very reliable!!

[@oliviaoistad372]

Yes! Toyotas for the win!

[@MSkp4wo]

range rovers always looked like one of those valet limo car service cars business ppl get picked up at the airports lmao

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

Yessss girl I'm excited and your vlogs is sooo beautiful Gretchen and congrats on your new car and you are grateful

[@randomkevinislasok]

Don't feel bad about your experience!! Its valid and being honest is always best!

[@alexeltringham1998]

I love leasing cars! Lower monthly payment and you know exactly what you are paying every month. While you have the car it will be under warranty and you wont have to have thousands of dollars worth of maintenance. Also kinda its fun to get a new car every 3 years!!

[@vialaneyb]

I agree completely! I leased a 2022 Hyundai Tuscon earlier this year and I love it!

[@alexeltringham1998]

@@NBean90 Yepp your insurance rate depends on your car (and your driving history)

[@JuliaSpraggs]

The level of cars she’s looking at are around a thousand a month to lease if you want enough mileage.

[@mikaelamarquez445]

I just bought a Mazda CX-5 in May and highly suggest checking those out or the CX-9 for a little more size! They feel luxurious and use the same entertainment system as Lexus but for less! They also have such good safety ratings and drive great!

[@brookegeffken4620]

Call me crazy but teslas are the best!!! My family has invested in so many of them- actually the first cars we actually bought instead of leased. Best cars, absolutely no issues, and when there is, service is amazing. Highly highly recommend

[@abbygirl4567]

I have a 2020 Mazda CX-5 and it would be perfect for you and *so* much more affordable! Mazda doesn’t have a “luxury” brand like Honda/Acura so their baseline is basically luxary! My 5 seater white SUV with a Bose sound system, light sand leather seats, incredible safety features, and sporty look was only $32,000 out the door brand new!

[@carlyshocket9806]

I've had an Audi since I was a sophomore in high school and now I am senior and college. I love everything about it and I think based on the size you're looking for you would like the Q5♥️

[@oliverburton8486]

I think max has a Q5. I think a Q8 is better option

[@lakinboyer2979]

Wait until the market is better to buy! You car is paid off so you won't have to worry about trade in or private party sale value so much. Enjoy until you find something you loveeee!!

[@jordantaylor2239]

I have an Audi Q5 and the size is perfect! I like a medium sized car and it’s so easy to drive! I highly recommend Audi

[@loganehickey]

Acura’s are also awesome! They’re the luxury Hondas and are super reliable and safe but have some sportiness to them! And if you love Audi’s, they are the luxury VW’s!! I also think Porsche partnered with VW to create an SUV in the last few years!

[@peakster753]

I just got a new car this past January and one thing I did to help narrow things was to go on a Sunday afternoon since the dealerships are closed…I finally got a Trailblazer…I also felt our salesman was good to work with and that’s something else I think you need to consider…

[@jillbrandenstein6740]

Gretchen and Max.... Im 52 and I can tell you that in todays market professionalism is very absent and I don't know if its Covid or what but sales today sucks especially in the car dept. We just recently bought a used BMW for our condo in Florida still pricey and had terrible service. People don't work like they used to from my experience these days.

[@gabbycabaron1075]

The Mazda CX-5 has the same light and black combination interior I have the grand touring. I love

[@bpal5644]

I had the opposite experience and to be honest I was surprised. I got a brand new car last year, I rocked up to the show room in my piece of crap Toyota 2000 with dents in the back from reversing into things 😂 and I was treated so nicely and was actually taken seriously. Needless to say I bought a new car from the dealership. I had to wait 6 months for it to arrive in the country though. It’s crazy trying to get a car at the moment. Gretchen, my advice, if you don’t want to get a new car and you’re getting back into Coco and loving her so much then don’t get rid of her - you don’t want to regret it.

[@Hanneblack]

I could see you driving a Volvo! They are so safe and have bigger suvs that feel smaller inside! Check out the Volvo xC90 or the smaller xC60, it is similar in size to your BMW.

[@graceballard-128]

I think you should check out a Volkswagen Tiguan! It seems perfect for what you’re looking for. I love mine!!

[@CgL13girl]

You have to remember that all of the new bells and whistles are usually just more things that you’ll eventually have to fix and are costly

[@kmback25]

Try out an acura! I have an rdx & love it. Still a luxury car just more practical & runs rly well

[@kellyahmadi6298]

K this isn’t related but the Yerba Mate factory/ hq are in the town next to me and I want to send Lucy some swag because everyone here in Sonoma county is addicted and I know why she loves them so much lol

[@JaydenCrome]

I hve been looking too , try testing the Jaguar F-pace , Lexus Rx350 F sport , or range rover sport (white with the black looks amazing with the red seats) 😍💕

[@ackamazing]

Love my Lexus RX 350!! My mom loves her Acura RDX def worth checking them out 🥰

[@Lisamarievalerio]

Acura RDX is always a great option!

[@jillrbenner]

Lexus RX350 is an amazing car.

[@elviraalemanvieyra4546]

I agree with you some sales men are very rude but Theres others that do listen and ask what your looking for thankfully when I was looking at cars the salesman was very helpful and understanding

[@georgettegonzalez6225]

I had a similar experience, I wanted to see a Jeep Wrangler as I always wanted one and the people there were so rude, they wouldn’t let me see it because they said I couldn’t afford it which I thought was really rude and the girl who was helping me was so unprofessional, all she kept saying was “my manager said this”

[@imarisampson4129]

Gretchen you and max are so amazing. I’m from the Poconos so one of these days I hope I can see y’all in person! Also I’m biased but I love my BMW lololol

[@Lisamarievalerio]

Okay don’t get a Range Rover. They are in the shop more than you will actually drive it. I just got an Audi Q5 and I used to have an X3 and a Lexus 350 prior. You can’t go wrong with Lexus or Audi in my opinion. The BMW was great but once warranty wore off it was like a couple grand in the shop whenever something went wrong.

[@Lisamarievalerio]

The new Audi Q5’s are perfect! It’s like you’re driving on a cloud.

[@zyciewusatvbygosia8880]

my bf have toyota camry and it was never in shop besides small accidents he did on parking lots and his mom had toyota corolla and it also didnt have problems but they are not so fancy cars lol

[@Nicolelynnn]

people have such hard opinions about leasing vs. owning so just make sure to do whats best for you and your lifestyle :)

[@jill5006]

Range rovers have a lot of issues, my dad had one and hated it. I recommend Volvo, my family owns 5 of them. They’re great cars

[@bryantapuy6720]

everytime i see a GLB I always think of the old gg😂its perfect

[@jeannemazzotta2406]

On my 2nd BMW X5 (2008/2015). same color and everything. Obviously love the way they drive - funny that I've named them both "Lucy". xoxo

[@ytcinnamonplayz2550]

That is very true my dad owns a car lot I’m obsessed with cars

[@suesmith9321]

Since you drive a lot, leasing may not be your best choice since a lot of times the lease limits how many miles you can drive in a year.

[@HannahOToole]

I had a 2014 BMW X3 and just got a 2020 Mercedes GLB! I love it. The GLC is more similar of a body to the X3 though if that's what you're into :) the interior is just so nice! (It was a lease return! So not new but certified)

[@katieboss3]

I really liked the look of luxury cars, but didn’t want the expensive repairs and extra bells and whistles that cost so much. I got a Mazda CX-5 and I love it! I think it looks nice and drives great for a fraction of the high-end luxury price!

[@abbygirl4567]

Same here! Brand new 2020 last year with light sand leather seats for $32,000 out the door price! I love my little white sporty Mazda!

[@Kristina-sp6mc]

Gretchen you should honestly look at the newer Bmw X3s I had a 2014 and then got a 2018 X3. It’s really nice and it’s a little bit bigger then the older models with even better fuel efficiency then the lower models.

[@lilylitvany2603]

Excited for u!!! Yayyy

[@carmencarrillo7699]

The only downside to trying to sell your BMW is that they might not give you a lot because of how many miles it has. Leases only let you drive a certain amount of miles and will charge a hefty price if you drive above the limit. I would suggest to buy and finance it at the shortest length to avoid the interest that builds up. That is where dealers get you because they want to make that $$$.

[@kaitlynyoung4601]

Range rovers break super easily and are expensive to repair, I would suggest any other car besides that brand. Volvo, lexus, and Audis are all great choices!

[@PrincessJacklyn333]

Highly recommend a Subaru

[@KenzRebecca]

To all my new fellow KZbin content creators. We got this! 2022 will be our year 🙂

[@kait5853]

Volvo!! Understated luxury!

[@chavezjesseca14]

Omg this happened to me recently at the dealership with my boyfriend! My boyfriend was soo happy to find his vehicle but left upset from bad vibes!!

[@MikesVegas]

Look, Coco loves Gretchen. So please keep her. She’s my kind of gal. 🇩🇪

[@Nicolelynnn]

i think you would love an Acura RDX or MDX suv

[@colee2743]

You should check out Volvo XC60 and XC90. The new BMW X3’s are also amazing they drive so nice too! You might like The Range Rover sport better if you go that route it’s not as big and definitely more sporty than the full size Rover.

[@nidhimehta6323]

if you’re still looking around- test drive the F -Pace 🤤 think you’d loveeee

[@averygaming8707]

Come to Lehigh Valley Ironpigs game this weeks starting Wednesday night

[@coreychatman6332]

Love your outfit and your car. Thanks for sharing this girl.

[@MaggieBradyQ9]

I have the 2021 Range Rover you test drove and I upgraded from the 2019 sport and honestly it def feels like a truck but you learn it so fast. The thing is a money pit though for sure

[@kahlymerin4882]

Huge purchase. You should feel 100% happy. Weather they have 1 or 100 cars they should act professionally and feel what you want.

[@the_dailymel]

Whatever you do please not the Range Rover. A true trashcan on wheels 🥲

[@taylor5501]

2015 X3 gang!!! they’re awesome, what about just getting a newer X3 or X5 if you’re looking for an update? :)

[@abigailgreene9980]

You should check out VW’s!! They are so cute and I love my tiguan since it’s a smaller suv

[@misslotje101]

I love my Renault car!! You should definitely try it!

[@sherriallen6033]

I just love you and I totally get what you are saying. I hate going into a car dealership because I rarely feel respected or taken seriously, especially at first. Luckily you have Max. Anyway, if your current car is having issues they are only going to get worse or hit you more frequently. If you love the feel of your BMW you should check out a NEW BMW as they are fabulous! Truly fabulous and similar to what you have, but more fabulous! LOL You can probably get a lease and won’t have to worry about your car breaking down and the expense of that. I am partial to BMW since I’ve had a few. Love you!! ❤️😘

[@Alexatylersmith]

Luxury cars are very nice but I suggest looking at reliability reviews and research before even considering a certain lux car. Ie) Audi porsche and Volkswagen all are owned by the same co. both can have issues even tho one is more expensive etc etc

[@caseymilton442]

Look at Cadillac! They have nice sized suvs

[@danirenteria77]

Check out Lincoln’s!! They are SO comfy!

[@zyciewusatvbygosia8880]

I think when they see young girl they want to screw her and put her on credit with some expensive car tbh as they want to earn the % from sale. A friend I lately met she said when she moved here to Usa few years back they give her expensive car on lease and she not even knew what was lease and they used her inexperience and for 2 years she was paying like 750 with insurance.

[@someonethtlikestoeatsnacks]

test drive the new mazda!!! also love hyundais

[@breannacrotty]

I think it’s very obvious you love bmw! Go get a newer X5!! Don’t over stress yourself :)

[@azilizc]

I had the worst experience looking for a new car. I knew the salesman and things were great with him but his colleague (the one that does the financing) was so condescending and sexist. He only asked questions to my husband even though we told him I am the one buying the car and I am the one in charge of the budget. I left mad and without a car.

[@13yorkdukes]

I know you decided to keep your car but remember that a lot of times the car dealers will have you test drive cars with lots of upgrades to make you fall in love with them, doesn't mean you have to take them

[@baileeclemmer49]

What about a jeep grand Cherokee?

[@Paige-cd9vo]

wait for black friday deals!

[@mias5674]

Acura MDX/RDX are great luxury SUV’s!

[@Michelangelo-m1o]

You are beautiful and talented, Gretchen!