MTLNOVEL Chapter 35: But First, Buying a Car
"But first… I want to buy a car," Saimon said, grinning.
"Eh?" Matthew and Leo said in unison, both looking at him like he'd just declared he was buying a spaceship.
"I'm serious," Saimon continued, his grin widening as he crossed his arms. "I've been saving up the money that we got from BYD, and now that I've passed the board exam and we're starting something big, I figured it's the perfect time. Plus, we're gonna need transportation, right? Consider it an investment."
Matthew raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you have a license?"
"Got my non-pro last month," Saimon replied smugly. "Been practicing too. And don't worry, I've already budgeted for it. Let's just say my BYD money is going to good use."
Leo laughed, shaking his head. "Only you would pass the board exam and immediately decide to buy a car."
"Well, why not?" Saimon said with a shrug. "Think about it. We'll have our own ride for meetings, errands, or just hanging out. You guys won't have to rely on jeepneys or tricycles anymore."
Matthew exchanged a look with Leo, then sighed. "Alright, fine. Let's see what you're getting yourself into. There's a Toyota dealership nearby. Let's check it out."
The three of them made their way to the nearby Toyota showroom. As they stepped inside, the clean and polished space greeted them with a lineup of shiny vehicles on display. The walls were adorned with posters showcasing Toyota's iconic reliability and sleek designs.
Saimon's eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store. "Man, look at these beauties."
Matthew and Leo followed behind, still skeptical but curious about what Saimon had in mind. A sales representative, a young man in a crisp uniform, approached them with a warm smile.
"Good afternoon, sirs. Welcome to Toyota. Looking for anything specific today?"
Saimon nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I'm looking to buy my first car. Something practical but reliable."
The salesman's eyes lit up. "Great! Let me show you some of our best options."
He led them toward the first vehicle, a Toyota Vios, gleaming in a deep crimson shade. "This is one of our most popular sedans. Compact, fuel-efficient, and perfect for city driving. It starts at a very affordable price."
Saimon nodded thoughtfully, walking around the car and inspecting it. "Looks good. But I was thinking something with a bit more space. Maybe an SUV?"
The salesman didn't miss a beat. "Then you might want to check out the Toyota Fortuner." He gestured toward a sleek white SUV parked nearby. "It's powerful, spacious, and perfect for longer drives or rougher roads. It's a bit pricier, but the value is unmatched."
Saimon's eyes widened as he approached the Fortuner, running a hand along its smooth exterior. "Now this… this is a beast."
Leo whistled. "You're aiming high, huh?"
"I mean, why not?" Saimon said, grinning. "But let's not commit just yet. What else do you have?"
The salesman nodded and led them to the Toyota Hilux, a rugged pickup truck with a sturdy frame. "If you're looking for something tough and versatile, the Hilux is an excellent choice. Great for carrying cargo or handling off-road conditions."
Saimon raised an eyebrow. "Tempting, but I don't think I need a truck. Got anything else?"
"Of course," the salesman said, guiding them toward a Toyota Rush, a compact SUV that looked stylish yet practical. "The Rush is a more affordable SUV option. It's perfect for families or small groups, with plenty of room and a modern design."
Matthew nodded, impressed. "That's not bad. Spacious enough for all of us."
Finally, they stopped in front of a Toyota Wigo, a small hatchback that looked almost cute in its bright yellow paint. "And for something really affordable and easy to drive, we have the Wigo," the salesman said. "Perfect for first-time car owners."
Saimon scratched his chin, taking it all in. "Hmm. This is tougher than I thought."
Matthew crossed his arms, smirking. "You didn't really think this through, did you?"
"Hey, I just wanted options," Saimon said defensively. "And now I have them."
Leo laughed. "So, what's it gonna be? Fortuner? Rush? Or are you going with the cute little Wigo?"
"Hmm…" Saimon glanced at the Hilux, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Actually, this might not be a bad idea. If Matthew's serious about starting a business, we're going to need to haul equipment or materials, right? A pickup truck could be perfect for that."
Matthew raised an eyebrow. "You're thinking ahead for once. That's… actually a smart move."
The salesman, sensing Saimon's interest, stepped in with more details. "The Hilux is a fantastic choice, sir. It's one of the most durable and reliable vehicles we offer, perfect for both personal and business use. And the top-of-the-line variant comes with some excellent features."
"What's the price for the top variant?" Saimon asked.
"The Conquest 4x4 AT starts at ₱1.86 million," the salesman replied. "It comes with a 2.8L turbo diesel engine, producing 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. It also has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, leather seats, and advanced safety features like vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, and a rearview camera."
Leo whistled, clearly impressed. "That's a serious machine. You sure you can handle that, Saimon?"
Saimon laughed, crossing his arms. "I think I can manage. Plus, it's not just about me. If we're going to be driving around for business, this is the most practical option. It's sturdy, spacious, and can handle rough roads if we ever need to go off the beaten path."
Matthew nodded, starting to warm up to the idea. "It does make sense. If we're buying equipment, we'll need something that can carry it. And the Hilux is reliable—you won't have to worry about it breaking down on us."
The salesman smiled, sensing the sale was getting closer. "If you'd like, I can prepare a test drive so you can get a feel for it."
Saimon's eyes lit up. "Yeah, let's do that!"
A few minutes later, they were seated inside the Hilux, with Saimon behind the wheel. The interior was spacious and comfortable, and the dashboard was modern yet functional.
"Alright, let's see what this baby can do," Saimon said, gripping the steering wheel. He started the engine, and the low hum of the turbo diesel filled the cabin. He drove carefully around the dealership's test track, testing the handling and acceleration.
Matthew and Leo sat in the back, inspecting the space and features. "This thing is huge," Leo said, leaning back in the leather seat. "I feel like a VIP back here."
Matthew chuckled. "I can already imagine us loading it up with equipment. This might actually be the most practical choice."
After a few laps around the track, Saimon pulled back into the dealership parking lot, a grin plastered on his face. "Alright, I'm sold. This is the one."
The salesman beamed. "Great choice, sir. Shall we proceed with the paperwork?"
Saimon nodded enthusiastically. "Let's do it."
While Saimon finalized the paperwork, Matthew and Leo waited in the showroom, still somewhat surprised by Saimon's decision.
"Did you ever think Saimon would be the first one to buy a car?" Leo asked, shaking his head.
"Honestly, no," Matthew admitted with a laugh. "But it's a good move. If we're going to start this business, having a reliable vehicle will save us a lot of trouble."
Leo nodded. "Yeah, and it's not like Saimon's irresponsible. He's got the money, and he's thought this through. I guess it's a win for all of us."
A little while later, Saimon returned, holding up a set of keys with a triumphant smile. "It's official. The Hilux is ours. They'll prep it for me to pick up tomorrow."
Matthew and Leo clapped him on the back, their earlier skepticism replaced with genuine excitement.
"Congrats, man," Matthew said. "You've just taken the first step toward our new venture."
"Thanks," Saimon said, grinning. "And don't worry, guys—your chauffeur is ready whenever you need a ride."
Leo laughed. "Just don't drive like a maniac, alright?"
"Relax," Saimon said, pocketing the keys. "I've got this."