The house is wiped out, the dog is passed out and the cat is
hidden somewhere among the boxes as I hear rustling underneath them.
I took a 3 hour hour nap earlier from 3 to 6pm. I was whipped!
I guess mom called while I was asleep and talked to Tony about
me and her going after Christmas shopping tomorrow, lol.
I had no knowledge of these plans made til I woke up, lol.
So guess where I will be tomorrow? And I thought my shopping
adventures were over with, HA HA HA!
Mom wants to go to Kohls since they have some things marked 50-60% off
tomorrow. Then I remembered when me and Tony were there this past week
I signed up again with another email address to get a $5.00 off coupon from them.
Sooo I need to figure out how to go to the library first thing tomorrow and
get the coupon printed since my printer doesn't work.
Then I think I will make up a few more addresses for some more coupons to sign up
for when at Kohls. This will make the third coupon we've gotten from them!
Was sitting here this eve with Damien and Tony looking on Craigslist at vehicles for sale. It seemed like I looked through 10 pages of vehicles and only found three of interest. After being with my other half for 10 years who is a car fanatic I have somewhat good knowledge of what to look for in buying a used vehicle.
I wrote about one car and am awaiting for them to write me back to possibly go see
tomorrow if they still have it. It's a 2004 Dodge Intrepid.
Here are some of my tips that might help you when buying a used car:
1. DO NOT buy one that has a temporary tag! Obviously they bought it and
now don't want it for some reason.
2. Something that says "would make a good WORK vehicle/truck"
usually means it is beaten down, pretty much not taken care of.
3. Check for spots underneath vehicle. Could be leaking oil,
transmission fluid and so on.
4. Look under vehicle for rust!!! Could find rusted out shackles,
springs, exhaust and other things you wouldn't see from above
that would cause major problems.
5. Check the anti freeze overflow tank. If it is empty there is a problem.
Check for rust in bottom. Could mean it was never changed.
6. Check under floor mats for rusted out floor boards or evidence of
any wet spots which could be anti freeze meaning it needs a new heater core.
7. Bring along a clean cloth or paper towel. Check the oil. Is it low?
Is the oil really black? Once you clean dip stick on towel hold it up to
the light, is there any metallic flakes glistening. Not good if so. It means
there is metal breakdown in the oil.
8. Start it up. I have a nose for exhaust leaks as I can "taste" it in my mouth.
Sometimes just smell it. Is it smoking out the tail pipe. A blueish smoke
means it is burning oil. Any smoke is not good.
9. Hear a knocking in the engine could mean it could be about ready to throw
a rod. Run!
10. Dealers will tell you anything you want to hear to make a sale and they
do not know the past history of the car. I prefer private owners.
11. Do not buy a car with a salvage title. Who knows where they got it from
and what hidden damage may be done to the car. Salvage could be a wrecked
car, one from a junk yard, auction or water damage from a flood.
12. Check brake fluid. If it's low or empty it needs brakes or at least pads.
13. Check transmission fluid is pink in color and not burnt.
14. Look for uneven wear on tires. Is it worn on the inside or out. Are they
dry rotted with cracks.
15. Is there oil around the valve gaskets or anywhere else it shouldn't be on the
motor.
16. Check air conditioner, turn it on to see if the compressor is working.
17. Check heater to see that it blows warm air.
18. Check all lights.
19. Check gauges: any warning lights, speedometer and gas gauge working?
20. Check belts and hoses for dry rot. Are they cracked and corroded, leaking or
loose, making squealing noises?
House is wiped out, dinner has been ate
and I am glad it is over with!
I am so tired! I woke up a 2:40am to find Christopher up.
I think he's had about 4 hours sleep!!
Then I woke up again around 4am to still see him up.
He had gone to bed at 9pm. He has been up ever since!
The rest of us got up at 7:30am.
It is finally catching up with me at 3:02pm and I'm ready for a nap!
