(Editor’s note: Written Friday, but not published until Saturday.)
Friday started out slowly, tying up a few loose ends at work before checking out of my hotel. Evan and I both stumbled onto a listing for a blue Izuzu Trooper that looked promising. He wasn’t sold on it because he very much wants a manual transmission, but I’m starting to waiver on that preference, so the Trooper caught my eye. And it’s blue. What’s not to love?
It was for sale at a dealership not too far away, and I had time to kill, so I went and kicked some tires. After a thorough poking around, this became my solid second choice. Had I not been pining after the Red 4Runner, I would have been happy in this vehicle. It was cheap! One thing that did worry me was the potential to deal with a dealer. They would have to file for the title on my behalf, meaning I would likely be without one when time comes to sell in Utah.
I spoke to the dealer and said I’d call him back in the morning, then went over to grab a bit of lunch and hunt for more cars. Reams of Craigslist ads later, I was still unattached. I longed to hear from Red 4Runner, but he didn’t text me back.
We’d discussed the possibility of meeting up in Roseville after his workday, so I headed up early to beat the traffic and be ready. While I waited, the other three departed from Tulsa, though Charlie ended up on a three hour delay in DFW with engine troubles. I surely hope that isn’t going to be a theme of the next two weeks…
Finally, I just called the guy. Josh answered and was clearly at a job site. He apologized profusely and asked if we could meet up tomorrow, and I agreed, nervously. That left me nothing to do, but the AirBnB was ready for check-in, so I drove off. On the way, I passed by the Roseville Auto dealer to look in on the black Grand Cherokee from yesterday. I was pleased to find it still there, in case I needed to take another look. Then I headed over to the house and took a nap.
At about 8, Josh texted me and apologized for “being the worst salesman ever.” I can’t blame him, he’s workin’ 14 hour days. He asked if tomorrow would be okay, and I confirmed but added that I really need to wrap this up tonight or tomorrow. That was my attempt to weasel him into inviting me over now. Heart pounding, I waited.
Wanna come check it out now?
A million times yes. So I sped over there in my Rental Chariot that I longed to be rid of.
We met outside and I started poking around. This was exponentially better cared for than Grey from yesterday. Josh is definitely a little younger than me, but not by much. We had a great conversation while I looked everything over. Though previous sellers and dealers I’ve spoken with didn’t get too personable, I learned that this 4Runner was this kid’s first car. I ended up telling him our story (though I didn’t correct him when he assumed the group would only be taking one vehicle).
Finally, this was a car I actually wanted to test drive. We hopped in and went around the block. He lives in an area that has some long wide roads so I got it up to decent speed. The transmission is less of a gear stew than Grey, but I’m really glad I’m not new at it this time. And it’s a 5-speed! (My truck is a 4-speed.) I remain unsure what faults lay in the depths of this vehicle, and I did inspect it in late twilight with my little theatre flashlight, but driving it just felt good. I had to do it.
So we went back to his house. I asked him how much he wanted for it, and he said he’d take $500 less than his asking price. That was not a strong negotiating starting point for him because that was lower than I’d assumed he’d be willing to go. So out of bewilderment, I accepted his first offer.
So I hopped in my new 1995 Red Toyota 4Runner and drove off, leaving the Rental Chariot on the side of the road. (I should go back for that…) I’ve just arrived back at the house, and the other three are on their way over from the airport now.
So I’m a little sad I didn’t poach someone else’s ride, I think that would have been fun. But this worked out even better than I’d hoped. Now how should I rub their noses in my victory when they get here?