Scotty, a bit about my private sales.
Bought cheapest Tacoma on the lot, 4 banger, 5 speed, 2wd, extended cab via the cash for clunker program in 2009. Thad was salesman. Some times wish I had kept the jeep and just put money into it, but only seldom.
In 2012 bought a Tundra and Thad was salesman. Smooth deal. I sold Tacoma on Craigslist for near what I paid.
2016, looking to upgrade Sophie from her 2001 Sequoia. Texted Thad only to learn he had moved to Kona and it was his last day at Toyota, would be at Honda Monday. Bought the Pilot thru him a couple weeks later.
2019 ready to trade Tundra, txt Thad and made deal on Ridgeline. Dealership under new ownership. This was precovid but I never went to dealership. Negotiated trade via txt. He brought Ridgeline to house, did the paperwork in matter of minutes and left with my Tundra.
So in November when I was contemplating trading the Ridgeline I text Thad, only to learn he had left Honda, along with his manager as things had changed negatively under the new ownership. Had to agree given my own recent dealings. He and manager were operating a used car business, had been about 4 years. Told me they would be interested in buying my truck. And they did after a couple of txt and pics. When we did that deal he said when it came time to upgrade the Pilot to give a call. I did. In both cases I got a bit less than I would have expected selling myself, but more than any other dealer, and just as important, no hassle, just remove our personal items. I did give the Ridgeline a quick wash and vacuum. One of my basic shortcomings, not like many guys, my idea of a great afternoon never included detailing a vehicle.
So bought 4 vehicles via Thad and sold 2 back over 15 years.
tomorrow will be the same.