I have been going nonstop for the past few weeks. A friend was coming out from Rhode Island, which meant cleaning the house, car and getting the car serviced. I took the car in and they offered to purchase it, at a good price. They gave me until the end of May to decide. I went home and began a search for a vehicle. My friend arrived which cut into my searches.
We went to Santa Fe and Taos, we spent two days at the Crawdaddy Blues Festival. Then it was time for her to leave.
Then two days at the gallery, we no longer have access to the internet, so, no searches at work.
My evenings were spent doing research. I finally determined that a Toyota Highlander 2007 or older would be best for my needs.
Rodents have damaged my current vehicle on many occasions. Last fall this result in $5000+ in damages. I decided on a vehicle with minimal electronics.
There was listing for a 2006 Hybrid at a really good price, just under 200,000 miles, unfortunately someone called just before me and ended up purchasing it.
During my searches, I not only did in-depth research on the vehicles, but also so on the dealers,
Widening my search I found a few in Albuquerque. I was settling on one that had over 200k miles. I was starting to run out of time.
I took the car in on Wednesday to sell it and then go to Albuquerque to check out a vehicle. They informed me that they could do the paperwork and I could get the check the next day. Of course that would mean they would take the car and I would have no way home. We agreed to meet the following morning at 8:30 get the paperwork done and they would give me the check.
Arising early, I do a search to see if any more promising vehicle has been listed.
I arrive at the appointed hour and we go through the paperwork. Screws up the first batch and has to start over. Print and sign the second set of papers, need the middle name spelled out. Repeat. Then he says to me, "you can pickup your check tomorrow morning". I give him the "don't F--K with me look", and said "Do you remember why we made this early morning appointment?". His response was that he would be right back with the check.
During this time I am continuing to search and I strike Gold. Yes, the vehicle is "Gold" colored. 98k miles, minor ding in the driver's door, I have a guy who can fix it. Clear Carfax and title, well maintained and serviced. Less than the other vehicle.
Sent a message and called them. They had been getting a lot of calls as soon as it posted, minutes before I saw it. I was intelligent enough to request to lock it in with a deposit to guarantee that I have the first test drive and right of refusal.
They are awaiting delivery of the vehicle, so I am without transportation for a few days. My sister picked me up at the dealer, since we weren't going to Albuquerque, we went to our favorite breakfast restaurant.
Since I am stuck at home I cut up a pile of wood and fired up my Hot Tub.
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| Moon setting in the Ortiz Mountains Cerrillos, New Mexico |
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| Sunset Ortiz Mountains Cerrillos, New Mexico |
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| Sunset Ortiz Mountains Cerrillos, New Mexico |
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| Sunrise over the Sangre de Cristo Cerrillos, New Mexico |
