We got a car! We didn't just "book" it, but we drove home with it and have it in our car port. It's nothing fancy, but it will get us around for the time being. We feel we got a good deal on it (at least for here) and it has a few features that will be really convenient (namely power steering and an automatic transmission)... well, that's about it for the features. This car reminds me of my old 87 F-150 as it is about as simple as they come. Under the hood has a lot of space (i.e. easy, cheap repairs). Inside it also isn't anything fancy, but as the story goes, it will do.
We plan to get it checked by a second mechanic tomorrow and make sure everything is in working order. We also want to put new seat covers on the seats as the current ones are pretty stained and dirty. Pictures of the car are below, as well as the actual "For Sale" sign.
Getting the car has been frustrating. We've spent a lot of time trying to find a car that we like and that doesn't cost a lot. The first car (Kembara) didn't work out, so we finally got this one instead. We are pleased to have a car, as we feel now we can get out of our bubble and go meet people. Both of us really want to start meeting people, learning the language, and making good friends.
Typically, the town we have to take the train to (and then take a taxi to our house) can be really expensive, especially because they think that everyone in our development is rich. Well, we found a driver (not by chance) who has been awesome. Not only does he charge a fair price (about a third of the going, rip-off rate), but we've had great conversations with him. He is a lot like us, but much older. He has gone out of his way to help us and show us around. I payed him US $8 for two hours of taxi'ing while I looked at cars! (and that was actually a good wage for him) He is helping me to go to a fair priced mechanic to look the car over. It's been encouraging to know that we're not alone!
Last before I go, I was able to have dinner with an old friend of 5+ years. We had a great time of reconnecting and for sure this friendship will continue. His girlfriend is in a distant state, which means more free time to hang out with me/us.

