A major item left off my Friday morning post was the fact I needed to take the pilot for a safety inspection. Somehow I missed that it expired in November. Friday’s schedule was geared around that. About half way to town, Sophie remarks we ought to visit the Subaru dealership as it is same neighborhood as the inspection station. I agree. A bit of background we have been discussing upgrading her 2016 Pilot for several months. That meant several website visits for research. I’ve never gotten the feeling that she has completely forgiven me for selling the 2001 Sequoia when she got the Pilot. So much so that after getting my Tundra we actually “ordered” a 2025 Sequoia. Such “orders” have no timeline, with the dealer saying it could be a year. The order itself is kinda lose, nothing signed, no deposit. If you’d like to shock your system, price an upper trim level Sequoia. I’ve bought houses for less. So more recently I think her sense of frugality took hold, lots of questioning/doubts, leading to exploring alternatives, another Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, Subaru Ascent. The Subaru made the list as her sister has had one 3 years and every visit evoked affirmative comments. No new Grand Highlanders to be had in the state, Pilot available but so is bad taste from recent Ridgeline dealings. Local Subaru had appropriate model Ascent on website last week. Her 1 hard requirement was the 2nd row captains chairs.
Strike out on Pilot inspection, inspector on vacation until after New Years. Stop at Subaru dealership before heading for next inspection station. Way in back of the lot was a Limited Ascent, with the captains chairs. This vehicle was still wrapped up from shipping, inside stuff still in bags, not in place, gas gauge on empty. Salesman got the keys and Sophie took test drive. She liked it. Minor discussion, got the price. Only a single dealership on island so no haggling, and left to get Pilot inspected.
2nd reason to be in town was a DMV appointment to get Sophie’s Handicap plates switched to Pilot, having decided against putting them on the Tundra. But can’t do that without current, valid safety inspection. Enroute to inspection station positive comments about the Subaru, at that point I tell Sophie, it doesn’t make sense to switch the plates only to trade cars and have to repeat. She agreed. Told her if you what the Subaru call the Saleman and tell him. She did, Pilot passed inspection, I cancelled DMV and back to dealership. Call it a packed 2 hours counting grocery stop. Made the deal, minus payment with arrangements to pickup Monday afternoon. Did get a tradein # on Pilot that he phoned while enroute home. We had a bunch of frozen food to get in freezer.
Back home wheels are turning, money to pay Monday, how to sell Pilot (trade offer too low). Texted the guy that actually sold us the Pilot 8 years ago and arranged to buy my Ridgeline and told him Sophie’s Pilot was available. Pics sent, offer, counter offer, agreement. Price close to what I would have expected of private sale with none of the hassle. Rather than drive the car to Kona, like we did Ridgeline he suggested his boss would meet us in Hilo late Sat morning as his son had a baseball game here. Wow. Called salesman and asked if we could get car Sat instead of Monday. He checked, as they had already started prep it was doable.
Subaru dealer only 3/4 mile from meeting place to sell Pilot. Decided we’d just walk. Took maybe 5 minutes to transfer Pilot and get check. Asked where my truck was to get home, told him we were walking to Subaru. Nope, I’ll drive you. Dropped us off. Completed Subaru purchase and on our way. All in all, an eventful, but totally unforeseen 26 hours. Even the salesman expressed surprise how quick.
Sophie let me drive home. Nice vehicle. I think we’ll keep it. But guy who bought both Hondas suggested maybe he’d see us in 5 years.
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They are still waiting on my parts and the heat pump is limping. 50 in here when I woke up.