Well I just must be odd, because the gentlemen that I bought our toad from today did little of nothing to get it ready to sell. When I drove it earlier in the week, I was surprised with how dirty it was inside and how much personal stuff was still in it. I figured when we made the deal on the telephone and I told him that I would pick it up this morning at 9:00am that he would make some effort to clean it up and clean it out...I was wrong.
I was very uncomfortable driving the sidekick knowing that the tires were old and sun damaged. I drove at the speed limit in the slow lane on the 101 and could not believe how aggressive the drivers were. I have to admit that I am not use to driving the actual speed limit myself, but I don't think that I drive like the crazy people that were out this morning.
I decided to head straight to Discount Tire to buy a new set of tires. It appeared that my timing was good and they were not busy. By the time we decided on which tires to go with, because I wanted something larger than stock, the waiting room filled up and there were five people in front of me. Two hours later I was heading out and boy did the new tires make all the difference in the ride and in my confidence driving it.
I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning, vacuuming and removing all of the prior owner's person affects. I was absolutely amazed at the number of gum wrappers and used Kleenex that I found. I don't know if this guy had a sinus condition or what. I also found a full role of toilet paper in a back storage compartment. I could see where this could be beneficial when you are out in the back country for the day, but I decided to throw it away with all of the other stuff.
Tracy reminded me that I didn't have to do everything today, but I just had to get the dirt and grime out of the vehicle so that I could be comfortable. I should have done some before pictures, but I think I was too embarrassed that I bought a vehicle that was so dirty.
So I will leave you with an after picture with all of the dirt, grime and personal stuff gone, a set of new tires and a clean interior and exterior. I still need to replace the soft top, which I will have to order and then detail the engine, before our next outing.
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| Making Progress! |
So that is it for today. It is cold and rainy now so I am glad that I am inside, next to the fire with the heating pad on my back watching ASU football. I hope your day was great and thanks for the visit.
Hey, the new ride is starting to look pretty good. I could never sell any a vehicle full of garbage!
ReplyDeleteI think I can relate. I'd be too embarrassed to sell a vehicle with my personal junk in it, let alone not clean?
ReplyDeleteTakes all kinds I suppose.
I probably would have haggled him down in price if the thing was dirty when I saw it. But I'm funny that way.
Bob - I did bring him down on price based on a couple of mechanical items like tires and the need to replace the soft top. I also asked the folks at Discount Tire for their Friends and Family discount which I wasn't sure existed and they gave it to me. Don't know if you don't ask I suppose.
DeleteA great way to check put a vehicle is to detail it and looks like you did a great job.
ReplyDeletegood looking toad
ReplyDeleteThe 101 is nuts all the time. We usually drive the speed limit - probably really stupid of us but that's what we do. So we try to avoid the 101 and the 60 as much as possible. 202 is a great road to drive. I can't imagine selling something that wasn't cleaned out or up. But it sure is looking good now.
ReplyDeleteNice work with negotiating, purchasing and sprucing up the little sport ute. I cannot imagine ever selling something to anyone that was not cleaned and detailed. I am, however, not surprised by the state of your purchase. Some folks have little (or no) pride.
ReplyDeleteThe guy didn't even clean out his trash?? That's just gross.
ReplyDeleteI understand the feeling. I test drove 2 Class Bs last week. I can't beleive how dirty some people can be. The first one was so filthy I wanted to run. The curtains looked original to this 1986 van and I just felt like if you touched them they would turn to the dust they seemed to be covered in. The rug crunched under my feet. The front passenger side tire had a huge gouch in it and she tried to tell me it was sun rot. I came home and took a shower. The second one was better but still needed a good cleaning. How do they expect to sell these filthy dirty Vehicles? And whats worse is they were using the first one. No telling I guess.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Tracker
Jo - I agree with you, especially on the shower part. I know that there is often debate about how much detailing a person should do prior to selling something, but not evening cleaning personal stuff was a new one for me.
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