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.
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
ReplyDeleteFuel costs will certainly be much less.
DeleteNice ride Lloyd.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Love it.
DeleteGood choice. Is the back long enough for us shorter folks to sleep back there on occasion such as an overnight hike?
ReplyDeleteThat was part of the plan for the Highlander in the outside chance that I would car camp in the future.
DeleteI like the new ride....let us know what you think after a bit....bet you love it!!
ReplyDeletepapa
www.papas-travels.blogspot.com
I already love it!
DeleteI've owned nothing but Toyotas for years and find them very reliable. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteAfter many years of Volvos, that was followed by Toyotas until I hit the road and the bought the truck.
DeleteIt's a beautiful car - great choice. :)
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteA year! Wow. That is not too encouraging.
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