Going to Dallas
Well, that election thing was a big bust. Welcome to four more years of ‘merica.
In better news, I’m going to Dallas. Now, I know that wouldn’t normally be considered ‘good news’, but in this case, it is. I’ve arrange to purchase an automobile there so I’ll be taking the train down, picking it up, and driving home.
The vehicle is a silver ‘82 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Turbo-Diesel Wagon. AKA, mighty luxo-cruiser. However, the efficient diesel engine gets a modest 25-30mpg, and will run happily on just about anything (including biodiesel and vegetable oil, as I am planning). The vehicle has 246,000 miles on it, which seems like a lot, but these older diesels are tremendously reliable, and their engines tend to last far longer than you would expect. A lot of good work has been done on the car recently, and it is in great running shape. The previous owner is a mechanic for the local dealership, and seems to be a good guy. When I get to Dallas we’ll take the car to the shop, put it up on a lift, and I’ll take a look around. I’m not the best with car stuff, but I know my way around the underside of a car, and have a list of some things to look for. If something is terribly wrong, I’ll renegotiate, or just take the train home. However, I’ve gotten very good photographs of the interior, exterior, and engine compartment of the car, and feel pretty confident about its issues. Since I’m only paying $2400 for the car, there is a little ‘wiggle room’ if it has problems.
It’s always a risk buying something from a distance, but I feel that the benefits can be worth the risks. I had pretty specific ideas in mind when choosing a car, and a wagon of this make and era was just what I wanted. However, since the car is 22 years old, it is worth finding a good one. St. Louis is in the ‘rust belt’ of the US, the region where the combination of weather and road salting is perfectly coordinated to consume cars with the cancer of rust. You don’t want to buy an older used car from the rust belt unless it has been immaculately cared for. A Texas car, on the other hand, has not been exposed to the severe weather and salt conditions of a rust belt car, and will usually have a much better body. People talk frequently about being fortunate enough to bag a southern car. If I expand my searching horizons, I find much better prospects.
I leave on Amtrak at about 9:00pm tonight, and will arrive in Dallas at about 1:00pm tommorow afternoon. The seats are comfy though, and I can sleep through the night. If all goes well in Dallas, I’ll just drive the car home, stopping to sleep partway through if I need to. That will put me back in St. Louis on Sunday, possibly Monday morning. Wish me luck!
Friday 05 Nov 2004 | Sam | Personal
I’m jealous. But I’ve been trying to get your grandma’s benz for many years. Recycled cars are characteralicious and have comfyability. They speak to those of us who listen. I’m glad you choose to listen.
Sam just called me a little bit ago. The car meets all his expectations, plus a third row of seats, which apparently is rare and highly desirable. He is giddily driving home, and isn’t too far away now. It seems to get a little under my subaru’s mileage, but of course, once transferred to biodiesel will be much cheaper to run. Of course there will be things to fix, but as you know, Jana, that’s part of the relationship with these old cars…how are Pearl and Ruby doing, btw?
Pearl and Ruby are just grand! Pearl had a bad habit of turning off when she shoulda stayed on, and then not restarting for a bit. I think my ubermechanic has fixed it though since it hasn’t happened in a week or so. Something electronic…who knew. Ruby is cruising right along, she’s a great car. Thanks for asking, I’ll let Pearl and Ruby know you inquired about their health. They’ll be pleased.
I do like a nice old car… 246,000 miles means lots of experiences. Who knows where this car has been? Plus, these old diesels take a long time to break in, people say tha with good maintainence, they just keep getting smoother and smoother as they age. This one idles great, and feels like you are driving a train (in the good way). Reminds me of grandmas, which is also a good thing. She’ll be pleased that I chose this car, I think.
Glad the bugs are OK. When people say ‘wow, what is it like to have such an old car’ I tell them, “Oh, its a new car, I learned to drive on my mom’s bugs, which she still drives every day.”
Glad to hear you got a benz. i hope it all works out well for you. Are you and madalene coming back for xmas?
‘82? that’s not old… try ‘54!