Saturday, January 25, 2014

Change In Transportation

The trailer Wandrin Wagon is gone. There is a deposit to hold Silver Slug -- the 2000 Ford F-350 -- for about a month. When the buyer has the cash, Silver Slug will be gone.

Considering that there is a buyer for Silver Slug, it was time to start shopping for a car. Last Monday, after my usual huge salad lunch I headed out to the nearest Toyota dealer. With my Costco membership, once I had selected a vehicle the purchase price was based on the invoice price plus a percentage. No need to negotiate or haggle. By five that afternoon, I drove away with a 2013 Toyota Highlander.


Driving Oyster (my name for the car) is a really different experience compared to Silver Slug. The Highlander's V-6 is much quieter than the eight cylinder diesel in Silver Slug. Oyster is more responsive to acceleration. Also less weight to stop when braking.

As I turn the ignition in the Highlander, I am trying to break a habit formed with the Silver Slug where one waits for the glow plugs to warm up before starting the diesel engine. I don't need to wait for the Highlander gas engine. Might take a few more days to break that habit.

The change in transportation is wonderful.

13 comments:

  1. your fuel costs will be a lot lower too! I think it's a rather stylish ride...but I hope you don't miss looking down at other vehicles

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  2. Good choice. Is the back long enough for us shorter folks to sleep back there on occasion such as an overnight hike?

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    1. That was part of the plan for the Highlander in the outside chance that I would car camp in the future.

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  3. I like the new ride....let us know what you think after a bit....bet you love it!!
    papa
    www.papas-travels.blogspot.com

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  4. I've owned nothing but Toyotas for years and find them very reliable. Very nice.

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    1. After many years of Volvos, that was followed by Toyotas until I hit the road and the bought the truck.

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  5. It's a beautiful car - great choice. :)

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  6. I know what you mean about waiting for the glow plug. After more than a year, I still do that in our gas pickup truck. It's a hard habit to break.

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