A Wild Appraisal Ride

A salesman brought me a beat-up old $200 Chevette to appraise, and along with him was the Chevette’s owner, who made it a point to let me know that the Chevette has a set of “brand-new brakes.” While in my mind it was still a $200 junker, I was taught to drive every vehicle before I signed an appraisal.

Our appraisal route was out the back gate with no turns or stopping needed, and then a half-a-block later was a stoplight at a very busy intersection. I’m doing about 30 mph and the light turns red, so I hit the brakes and the pedal goes right to the floor!

So, just like in the movies, I sailed right thru the red light with cars and trucks locking up their brakes, skidding and steering to avoid hitting me, all in about two seconds. I drove back to the store at a snail’s pace with absolutely ZERO brakes, got out of the car, and as the customer is standing there I yelled at him, “I thought you said this car has new brakes?”

Without batting an eye, he said, “It does have new brakes,” as he pointed to the backseat, where I saw a box of brand-new Pep Boys brakes, and finished his sentence with, “I just haven’t had time to put them on!” Well, that was good for a $150 deduct on his $200 trade!

Bruce Hartz
Internet Director
Bob Bell Automotive Group