The Hazel Project

I thought I’d bring everyone a little story as I’ve begun shopping for a new car.

All my life I’ve driven a hatchback - except for Lena the VW. She’s a 4 door sedan.

In good keeping with my previous record, I’ve decided to get another hatchback. Specifically, a Silver Pine Mica Prius. This is the color Toyota named it but I think
“SilverMicaPine” rolls off the tongue easier. In either case my new Dream car is Green. The guys at work call it “tree hugger green”. That’s fair I guess.

Lucky is the name of the car salesman who has been working DILIGENTLY to garner my business. Honestly, I’m still looking and there are several things to work out before I make a leap into another car payment. It seems Lucky is non-plussed by this, and calls me once every three days.

Lucky is a very nice Indian man with American Car Sales acumen. By that I mean I get the feeling he makes stuff up; which is different than lying because he’s salesman mode. It is the American ritual of buying a car. I just expect it. And smile because I think it’s such a strange interaction.

The first time I met Lucky was on my lunch break in early August. The Toyota dealership is right across the street from my favorite mexican restuarant so I pulled in to price a Prius and began learning about the different options. I’m looking at the price stickers and Lucky approaches me, preparing for conversation, he sprays 2 shots of breath freshener from a skinny aerosol (sp) can.

We begin our exchange and I notice he has the ubiquitous salesman pinky ring. Along with 2 or 3 other rings. I just smile.

The thing about Lucky though is that he is the most eager car salesman I’ve met so far. He immediately had me on a test drive. Which was nice. Nice to enjoy some AC in August! The Prius I drove was very quiet and definitely an option 2. Which means it has a backup camera and keyless entry. But it lacks the 9 speaker JBL stereo, that I must admit, I lust for. The main thing though was that it was not SilverMicaPine. And the color - to Lucky’s chagrin - has been a big sticking point for the growth of salesman/ customer friendship. I ask lots of questions during the drive - many I already know the answer to. Lucky always gives an answer though. Believable answers even.

It was a great test drive and at the end he asked me to drive up to the top of a parking structure behind the Toyota store front. On the 4th floor - in all its glory- A pristine SilverMicaPine Prius option 6! (JBL Stereo, Navigation, Leather Trim). Lucky let me sit in this car - the leather seats were scorching hot and exceeded my price range but it was OH SO nice to just sit in it. There I was - Finally sitting in the much sought after - hard to find - Silver Mica Pine.

After it was all over Lucky was proud of himself and got me to fill out an ‘up’ - basically my phone number - and presented me with a brochure.

We shake hands and he tells me he’ll call when he gets anaother Silver Mica Pine in.

I drive to Baja Fresh and get a taco.

Thanks for Checking in.

Stephen A. Thomas