My Humbling Experience with Salvage

Back in May I was very excited about getting a used Prius. I was actually planning to get a 2005 Salvage/Repair w/120,000 miles for 10K. I thought it would be the perfect car. For months I kept hearing it would only take a week or two to get it ready. I thought the deal was made but here it is November and no car. I passed by numerous other Prius because of this supposed deal. It just made me sick. I should have listened to Patrick Wong's advice.

The only positive is that when I initially planned to buy gas was nearly $4/gal. and demand for the Prius was driving prices to incredible heights. I have finally purchased a used 2004 Prius package # 9 with leather 70K mi. It is a beautiful car. This one I will pick up on Saturday.

The salvage incident and the one I describe below have really tested my faith in man.

Yesterday there were a couple of kids riding bikes in my neighborhood. When I pulled up to my house they asked if they could rake my leaves (in the front yard). $35 seemed very reasonable. I was impressed that they had taken initiative to make some money. They started doing a great job. I had to leave and paid them on the way out. I said, "Gentlemen, you are on your honor." My wife said the minute I they were on their bikes and gone. Because of this my standard answer will be no to any pitch offerred at my door. I really want to trust who I am dealing with and I no longer feel that this is a viable option.

What has happened to honesty and hard work?

 

$14,800 was the price. Car-fax clean and Toyota Certified Pre-owned.

I probably won't let it really have an effect on my views of human nature. It was just damn disappointing.

 

I think salvage is a viable option. I would have bought it if it was delivered. I really liked the guy I was buying from (and still do). I just wasn't a priority. I'm happy the way things worked out though.