By now y’all probably thought you’d never hear from me again. But I just had to communicate to you my impressions as well as my adventures. Here goes!
It had been over 10 years since my last vehicle with a manual transmission, so I was a bit challenged, at least for the first 30 miles or so. The only knowledge I had of this Celica was from the pictures y’all had posted on the Internet (Auto Trader). So when I first examined the car I was impressed by the fact that although it is over 12 years old, it is in really great condition. Before leaving Pittsburgh that Wednesday I had planned my itinerary with a AAA Trip Tik. I had a reasonable idea of the routes I would take. However I had no idea as to how much time each ‘leg’ of my journey would take. So when Marc said I could make it to Charlotte, NC in 4 hours, I was skeptical. I thought it would take about 6 hours. What you knew that I didn’t was that your speed limits are 65 and 70 all the way. You see, in Pennsylvania the roads are so, so bad that it is unsafe to drive that fast. And wouldn’t ya know it? It took EXACTLY 4 hours. I was amazed. So, I got some dinner late and found an affordable room for the night. By 7:00 am I was back on the road heading toward the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia. It began to rain, but did not last. It was much colder, however. I arrived home on Thursday by 4:30. I had driven over 9 hours straight
I was also amazed at how well the car performed. At those higher speeds it got 36.5 miles per gallon. So, at 55 mph I estimate the mileage to be closer to 40. The car I’m replacing gets 18 city and 22 highway. That’s one of the reasons I wanted this Celica.
I got the impression that y’all treat the cars you sell almost as ’family’, that they are more than just a product that can bring a profit. I am so grateful to ELK for making sure the tires were inflated properly; that all the fluid levels were correct; and that the car was so well detailed. He should know he’s appreciated.
So, I can’t tell you how incredibly satisfied I am with this car. My family said I was out of your mind to purchase a used car without seeing it or driving it. You see, because I’ve lived in Atlanta, I feel I know the people of the South, and I appreciate y’all much more than those in the North. Also, I was sure that if it wasn’t right, you’d make it right. IN addition, as I’d mentioned to you, I had owned 5 Celicas I a row over a 25 year period, so I am familiar with them. I can see now why others wanted this car so badly, too. I have already had an offer from a complete stranger to buy it from me for much more than I paid. But if I did that, I’d have to come back down to get another car from y’all. By the way, my older sister will need to replace her car soon, and has asked me to pick out one of yours for her. Imagine that! But I have no idea what you have in inventory, or what she would want. Who knows? You may see me again.
For now I’ll say, “Happy Trails!”
Roger.
Pauline