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Finding the SUV sweet spot

After 9 years in a Ford Escape, Ajax PR consultant was ready for the more luxurious BMW X3

VAWN HIMMELSBACH SPECIAL TO THE STAR

As the owner of Get Ink PR & Communications — a public relations consultancy specializing in hospitality, tourism and consumer lifestyle products — Melanie Greco usually uses her car to meet with clients and attend meetings. But currently, driving is “mostly for the purposes of chauffeuring my 13-year-old son to his various activities,” she said.

Greco needed to replace her previous vehicle after racking up 215,000 kilometres and decided to go with the one she’d always wanted: a BMW. More specifically, a 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30i in dark graphite with contrasting silver trim that she got from BMW Durham in Ajax. She tells us what she loves most about her vehicle.

“Previously, I had a 2013 Ford Escape SEL model. I had it for almost nine years. I loved my Ford Escape, but I purchased it more for utility than anything else. My son was only four when I bought it, and at the time I was looking for something that was safe, reliable and big enough to hold all of the gear that comes with having a young child,” she said.

“We live in Ajax, but my mom lives about an hour west, in Carlisle, and we racked up over 215,000 kilometres travelling back and forth over the years to see her. While the Ford was a great car, it was starting to show its age and needed some major repairs, like new air conditioning, which is non-negotiable during our humid Ontario summers. The Escape served its purpose, but it was time to buy a new vehicle.

“I’ve always looked at car purchases from a very practical standpoint. What do I need to get me from point A to point B? I think this is especially true when you have a young child and you’re constantly finding toys, food and other interesting things wedged between and under the seats. But now I don’t have to worry about those little surprises — well, not as much anyway — and I could buy myself a car that I truly enjoyed driving.

I knew I wanted another SUV, so the X3 was an easy choice.

“I think as women and mothers we sometimes need to justify big purchases to ourselves. I’ve wanted a BMW since I was 16, but I just finally got around to buying one. My husband is always telling me that I work hard and deserve to treat myself … so I did.

“There’s a ton of cargo space in the trunk and I love that I can fit all three sets of golf clubs at once — which is a bonus when you’re married to a golf professional.

“My recommendation to anyone buying a new vehicle is to buy the car that you want and get the features that are important to you, even if they seem silly at the time. The cost difference for features that you want are fairly insignificant in the grand scheme of things, and a car is a big investment — so be happy with your choice and don’t regret your decision.”

This article was edited for space and clarity. Want to be featured in Why I Love My Vehicle? email us at wheels@thestar.ca.

WHEELS

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2021-07-31T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-07-31T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://torontostar.pressreader.com/article/283467849313812

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