Further to my posts a week or so back about possibly dodgy 4WDs, I went today to reputable (?) Perth car yard to see an auto 3l turbo diesel 09 Colorado, 40,000km, good price. Looked great, had a drive. First class. Drove like a new Mercedes. Just what I want. Will buy it.
Back to yard for haggling about price. Boring, even though I was offering a cash deal (after rejecting their generous trade-in offer for my 2003 Magna stn wgn of $1000). One offer from them was for a full tank of fuel. As the 70 litre tank was already half full, this was worth about $50. Their generosity far from overwhelming. Finally, grudgingly, agreed on price. Like pulling teeth.
Bottom line, the log book had no name of original owner and servicing intervals were not stamped until 20,000km and 30,000km. Surely the owner had the early servicing done . . . didn't he? Even the staff member trying to sell me an expensive extended warranty admitted this was odd and offered to investigate further.
Paid a holding deposit (to the 25-year-old female business manager who, while not unattractive, had all the personality traits of a pit bull terrier and a voice to match) and later tried to do a REVS check, but REVS seems to have some strange time limits on it and would not work at 10.30pm Perth time. Will try again in morning.
Can see new vehicle deal looming. I have always avoided this for obvious value reasons, but fair dinkum, these people really try my patience. Stay tuned.
Cheers, Tony
