hitting the brakes

I decided to make a big purchase.

There was someone who wanted to see the car today, but the seller suggested that we could meet last night, and I agreed. I met with the seller and the first thing that he did was to open the hood. That thing was funny, when I saw it, I just thought it was dirty and lacking any colors.

He expected me to check the engine, and pull up the dipstick to check the oils, perhaps? But before now I had no idea what a dipstick was. So, all I did was look at it on the surface. Never touched anything. Then I did a test drive. The car’s dashboard was too wide. I had to slow down and gauge whether I can fit into double parked cars in our street. Then I told the seller that I can hear a noise, but he said, we should try it on the highway. He drove. I can’t hear anything.

The seller might have thought I know about cars because prior to the meeting, I asked him several questions. I just asked him the things I remember from reading on the internet like the VIN and Carfax. Then he said, I do not have the Carfax. I told him that was okay. I might have been willing to shed out $ for it if it was the only way to check if the car is working. Then hours later he said, “I just paid $70, here is the Carfax” However, I have no idea what to check in this document. But I am surprised at his responsiveness. He complied with all my demands without qualms about it. I could say I am a little bit impressed. 

While on the drive, we talked about his job. His Hollywood moment. He was in Planet of the Apes. Believe me, I am unbelievably ignorant about films and movies and if there was one question about it in “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” as a contestant, that might have been the reason for my failure. Anyway, I just pretended I knew what Planet of the Apes was all about although I have no idea. LOL.

After that, I was and am convinced that he is such an interesting persona. I could feel that he is a good person. When we got back to the parking, I was excited to make the purchase. I had no cash with me and the banks as well as the auto plan were closed. We decided to do everything today.

When I told my dad last night, he said, “Are you sure about it?”. Well, I won’t lie and say that the purchase itself never kicked some thrill. It did. “I’m sure” I replied with a smile. Then I went to bed. An hour or so later I couldn’t help but think, “Is this right?” “Am I making a sound decision?” “Really Labli, buying without a mechanic inspection? Pure Genius.” I couldn’t sleep because my gut was telling me that while I believe the guy, I might have to pay a handsome price for maintenance later. The car and the guy are two separate things.

You know, I always pride myself as someone who reads and research about stuff and somehow makes it on the practical exam. But with cars, I just don’t know anything about it. So today, after my conflicting thoughts, I messaged the seller and honestly told him that we may have to do a PPI. He agreed. While I do not like last-minute changes, I have been glad to hit the brakes before the grand acceleration. Until then.