I Went Shopping for an Automobile

Jul 13, 2019, 11:41 AM

With my wife and I both approaching our graduation from the University of Florida in 1949, we realized we were going to need an automobile. The balance in our bank account was evidence we did not have enough money to buy an automobile, auto insurance and operating expenses. We had managed quite well without an automobile while in school. During the war, the automobile manufacturers had converted their facilities to producing war related items such as tanks, trucks and other types of rolling stock. After the war, production of automobiles was resumed but the demand was so great, one had to place an order and make a down payment. We decided we would look around to find a pre-war used car in relatively good condition.

One day when I had no classes I decided to thumb a ride to my old home town, about 16 miles away, to talk to the local banker who I had known all my life. I felt pretty confident he would approve a loan for several reasons. My Dad, before his death, used this bank. My wife's maternal Grandfather, before his death, had been the President of the bank for many years. Finally, my wife's Mother had inherited stock in the bank when her Father died.

I made my way to the spot where students thumbed a ride. I had about $5.00 in my pocket and my plan was to talk to the banker, learn of the decision, and return to Gainesville. All went well. In less than ten minutes I was on my way. Entering the bank, I was immediately ushered into the bankers office. We had a friendly greeting, asking about school and family and such. When we got down to business, he asked if I was interested in buying a new or used car. I told him I was interested in a used car as my budget couldn't afford a new one. He then told me he was getting ready to go to Jacksonville on business and if I would like to go with him I might be able to find something in Jacksonville.

That sounded like a good deal so off we went. My biggest worry was if that $5.00 was going to be enough to tide me over in Jacksonville, 75 miles away. My wife was in class and I had no way to let her know I would not be home until late afternoon or early evening. We arrived in Jacksonville and made arrangements about our meeting later in the afternoon.

I decided I would limit my "visiting" to the major automobile agencies, assuming their used autos would be in better shape than others dealing only in used cars. I spent the day visiting several agencies and found a 1941 Chevrolet four door sedan that appeared to best meet those factors I considered important. I did a bit of "haggling" and we arrived at an agreed on price. I told the gentleman, I had to meet my banker later that afternoon and for him to hold the car until we could get back.

The auto agencies I visited were scattered so my lunch and bus fares back and forth between the auto agencies had now consumed most of my $5.00. But I was still solvent and could afford a hamburger or hotdog on my way back to Gainesville if I were to get hungry. I met the banker at the agreed location and time. He asked if I had found something and when I said "yes" he asked if I thought we could get a better price. I told him we had done a little "haggling" and I doubted we could get a better deal.

We drove to the auto agency, the banker handed me a blank check and told me I could pay the man. We collected all the paperwork and was ready to go to Gainesville. I got in the old Chevy, turned on the ignition and looked at the gas gauge. The needle was almost on empty. When I test drove the Chevy, the only thing I didn't check was the gas gauge. There was no gas at the auto agency and I knew I didn't have enough money to get enough gas to get to Gainesville. The price of gas was unreasonable, twenty seven cents per gallon !!! So, I approached the banker and asked if he could loan me enough money so I could buy enough gas to get home.

I finally arrived back in Gainesville about 8:00 PM and the first thing my wife said, "I've been worried sick. Where have you been"? My response. "I went to Jacksonville to buy us a car". "You, what"? And then I told the story of how my day had gone.

By the way, she liked the car. We drove that car for several years and never had any problems. When I sold the car, I sold it for the same price I had paid several years earlier and we didn't have to "haggle".

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I forgot to mention that before we left Jacksonville, the banker said to me -- "Joe, there is no rush but when you have time come by the bank and we'll do the paper work".

Message was edited by: Joe21®

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It made a big difference in that time about the character of your name and relationships I believe that’s true sometime today but nobody has time for relationships because we are so busy with phones and our gadgets it’s rare that your name means as much unless your credit check or computer reputation says so.

A hand shake and somebody giving you their word is good if it’s convenient or unless something better comes along for them. You buy or sell something from local Facebook or sales sites the people may show up sometimes and if someone offers them 5 dollars more they will sell it rather than keeping your deal.

Don’t get me wrong I love the conveniences but I do wish people would keep their word.

Thanks for sharing!

I Went Shopping for an Automobile

Re: I Went Shopping for an Automobile

Banker giving you a ride, a blank check, and some gas money?

Re: I Went Shopping for an Automobile

Re: I Went Shopping for an Automobile

Having a crap day at ATL airport

Thanks for sharing Joe

Most enjoyable car & bank loan story JOE!

Re: Most enjoyable car & bank loan story JOE!

Re: I Went Shopping for an Automobile

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