How I Get Around

I purchased a used 2000 Toyota Surf. Which is like a Toyota 4-Runner SUV in the states, except it was built in Japan. And it was driven in Japan until it was shipped here just a few weeks ago. Japan’s driving is on the opposite side as American and DR cars, so everything in the front seats had to be switched. Some things were not switched. I still turn the wipers on when I want to turn my turn signal on (probably always will). The vehicle is diesel, which makes cars last longer, better mileage, and diesel is cheaper in the DR than gasoline. While it is 8 years old, the exterior body condition of the vehicle is excellent. Interior is also good. And, it came with a 3-month bumper-to-bumper warranty; with a 5-month engine/transmission guarantee.

The search for the vehicle was interesting. I know just enough about cars to be dangerous. But, in the looking at vehicles on the used car lots in Santiago, it was SO obvious that every single one of them (every one!!!) had the mileage odometer rolled backed. All of them probably had nearly 200,000 miles on them in reality, but all the odometers read between 70,000 and 80,000 kilometers. You think used car dealers are snakes in the US, you ain’t seen nothing!!! So, I ended up contacting the local mechanic that all the missionaries use, and some have used to purchase vehicles, and ask him to try to fine me one. He did. I still think the odometer was rolled back, but not to the extreme of the others, and having just come from Japan, it has never been driving in the country with its rough roads. So, all in all, I’ve been very pleased with it.

So far a few minor issues, but Henri (the mechanic) fixes everything, including replacement of the battery with a new one when it failed and left me stranded yesterday!

In this country, and most outside of 1st world countries, car problems are typical and expected (though unexpected). But everyone around is helpful and gets involved in solving the problem. It’s pretty neat in some ways. Strangers start the hunt for battery cables. You stand there looking ignorant, and others around start asking everyone passing by if they have battery cables to start your car. I’ve been stranded 3 times since I’ve been here for various reasons, and each and every time, strangers (from a 2 to 5) basically rally around me and get the problem solved.

One last thing about cars, if you had washing your car, the DR is for your. Granted, in the DR, you car gets dirty in one day, but for $3 dollars, you get it detailed. And I mean DETAILED. I sat there for almost 2 hours in amazement as this kid washed and detailed my car. Reaching all the way in the wheel well and washing behind the wheels!! Every inch of that car that he could reach was washed. Never seen anything like it. At first I thought, wow, $3 US, was high for washing a car, but then when I realized that it was a FULL detailing, I feel guilty. Ended up giving him a $3 tip. It was still only $6 and the kid was probably paid about $.25 of the base price. He then said “ask for me every time you need your car washed!” His name is Juan Carlos. I plan to.