08-04-2021, 07:54 AM
So, this morning I got bored waiting for my turn to talk during the weekly conference call, and was cruising Craig's List as I like to do. Found an oddly good deal on a Honda that would be a great starter bike for Mrs. Gone. Mind you, we haven't gotten past the "I think I might want to think about riding" phase.
I text her the listing, and she asks a bunch of questions - would it fit in the garage, what would the insurance and annual registration cost, etc. I tell her everything will be so cheap, we wouldn't even notice, of course. She sounded hesitant, but said that if it was such a great deal, that I should at least investigate it.
What made it particularly attractive was that it was within fifteen minutes of my office, so it wouldn't be a huge time-suck to at least go look at it. The ad said it ran perfectly, had a clean title, and current registration.
Conversation 1:
Ad says it runs perfectly. Is that true?
Well, we lost the keys...
When did it last run?
About two years ago.
Ok, let me think.
Conversation 2:
We found the keys!
Huh.
And it runs perfectly!
Hasn't started in two years, but it runs perfectly?
Yes!
Conversation 3:
I'd like to at least come look at it, if that's ok.
Well, now that we have the keys, we're only entertaining serious people who are willing to pay full cash price. No discounts!
I'm a serious buyer if, like your ad says, the title is clean, and the registration is current.
Well... it's so old that it's probably out of the system by now, I think. Let me go look to see if I have the paperwork, and I'll call you back.
By the way, are you bringing a truck?
Why do I need a truck if it runs perfectly and is registered?
...Ya know what, don't bother. Thanks anyway!
I text her the listing, and she asks a bunch of questions - would it fit in the garage, what would the insurance and annual registration cost, etc. I tell her everything will be so cheap, we wouldn't even notice, of course. She sounded hesitant, but said that if it was such a great deal, that I should at least investigate it.
What made it particularly attractive was that it was within fifteen minutes of my office, so it wouldn't be a huge time-suck to at least go look at it. The ad said it ran perfectly, had a clean title, and current registration.
Conversation 1:
Ad says it runs perfectly. Is that true?
Well, we lost the keys...
When did it last run?
About two years ago.
Ok, let me think.
Conversation 2:
We found the keys!
Huh.
And it runs perfectly!
Hasn't started in two years, but it runs perfectly?
Yes!
Conversation 3:
I'd like to at least come look at it, if that's ok.
Well, now that we have the keys, we're only entertaining serious people who are willing to pay full cash price. No discounts!
I'm a serious buyer if, like your ad says, the title is clean, and the registration is current.
Well... it's so old that it's probably out of the system by now, I think. Let me go look to see if I have the paperwork, and I'll call you back.
By the way, are you bringing a truck?
Why do I need a truck if it runs perfectly and is registered?
...Ya know what, don't bother. Thanks anyway!