something like an ad

Dec. 3rd, 2006 at 2:11 PM

I need a car. because my credit cards don't work anymore I can't rent from a regular rental agency. I have, however a stellar driving record--I actually do drive fairly often with citycarshare; I just don't own a car of my own.

I have about $300 that I'd be happy to pay anyone who would let me take a car of theirs approximately 2000 miles (to the mojave desert and back) sometime during the first two weeks of january. I can't deliver anyone's car to southern california; I need to be able to drive while I am there and then get me and all my camping gear back here. I'd return the car with a fresh professional wash and a full tank of gas. the smaller the car, the better.

anyone have an idea? or a car?

would craigslist be likely to yield me what I am looking for?

I don't quite have enough capital to just buy a very used car and then sell it when I returned, although I am considering trying that.

Current Mood: hopeful

Comments

( 13 comments — Leave a comment )

mactavish

Dec. 3rd, 2006 10:20 pm (UTC)

I wish I trusted my car that far. Its primary issue is overheating, thus getting over the hills into the desert might be the end of it.

Link | Reply | Thread

mactavish

Dec. 3rd, 2006 10:21 pm (UTC)

(Also, sadly, I need it that week, as

deyo no longer can take public transit that week, and we have to do two cars.)

Link | Reply | Parent | Thread

eriktrips

Dec. 3rd, 2006 10:26 pm (UTC)

alas. thanks for the thought, though. I wonder if I should just buy a $300 car and hope it makes it there and back.

Link | Reply | Parent | Thread

yangming

Dec. 3rd, 2006 11:40 pm (UTC)

You know how I asked you about when you had a winter break...well I was thinking that if I get a decent rig, I'd come by and steal you away to the desert. I don't have one yet, but I am working on it.

Link | Reply | Thread

eriktrips

Dec. 4th, 2006 02:19 am (UTC)

that would be quite swell! I need to be back by the weekend of 1/13, but can leave anytime after sandy comes back, like new year's or maybe the next day.

being the person I am, I'd have to bring my own tent of course. I drag so much garbage into my tent with me that there is no room for another person. somehow I suspect you would understand and not mind at all.

anyway, keep me posted.

Link | Reply | Parent | Thread

yangming

Dec. 9th, 2006 10:10 pm (UTC)

You said after january 1st, right? It's a 2000 mile drive for me, so it will take me a while to get there....~35 hours at the speed limit. I think I'll be able to pull it off. I might have to leave here earlier than I thought to be able to drop my stuff at a storage unit and then pick you up. So maybe I'll leave on or near christmas and try to get out there by the first. I think that will give me enough time.

This is of course assuming I pass my test on thursday and get a decent vehicle.

I have all the camping gear I'll ever need btw. I was a geologist! I could even drop you somewhere and then pick you up later if you needed time alone. There's lots to see.

Link | Reply | Parent | Thread

eriktrips

Dec. 9th, 2006 10:35 pm (UTC)

you read my mind. yeah I'd probably like to be dropped off for a few days at some point but we can also hang out some--I'd find it useful especially to camp with someone with a little experience. I taught myself everything I know about camping which isn't much more than how to put up a tent and boil water and that you must put food away in bear country--which the mojave doesn't seem to be. that and chocolate covered espresso beans are your friends on cold mornings whent the water doesn't want to boil.

anytime after the first would be great. I need to be back by 1/13.

best of luck on your driving test! the couple I've had to take just consisted of driving around either on a driving range or in a quiet residential area, making sure to come to complete stops, moving all the way to the right before making a right hand turn, checking your blind spot before changing lanes, using turn signals etc. if you are asked to parallel park the examiner will usually choose a spot that is about twice as large as you'd actually need so that you can go slow and take a little extra room if need be. the most important thing I'd say is that you are familiar with the vehicle you take the test with. I wasn't when I had to get a license in Seattle and that cost me a few points. but I still passed--just not with an 'A'!

Link | Reply | Parent | Thread

(Anonymous)

Dec. 4th, 2006 12:13 am (UTC)

I don't think you would want a very used car for such a trip because chances are it may break down on you in the desert, leave you stuck in the desert, and cost you more time and money.

Link | Reply | Thread

zyrc

Dec. 4th, 2006 03:59 am (UTC)

oh god, don't buy a car for $300. think of the registration and insurance. ugh.

sure you can't get by with a xmas in colorado?

Link | Reply | Thread

eriktrips

Dec. 4th, 2006 05:19 am (UTC)

oh yeah I hadn't thought about those things too. insurance would break me. colorado would be great except for all the people. I'm sure your friends are wonderful but I need to be out somewhere in a tent all by myself for a week.

sorry I wasn't working just now. I was actually playing miniature golf on my ipod and not looking at the screen. had earphones in too, so didn't hear anything. oops.

Link | Reply | Parent | Thread

tahari

Dec. 4th, 2006 07:18 am (UTC)

Run an ad on CL. Maybe someone w/ a car wants to camp too.

Link | Reply | Thread

untrique

Dec. 10th, 2006 12:00 am (UTC)

For some reason I thought you were a non-driver. And then I remembered that big white van, and you at the helm. Or did I imagine that part? Anyway: wanna be friends? I'm adding you.

Link | Reply | Thread