I am sure that most of you are now either saying, "Isn't that a contradiction in terms" or what moron would think there's any humor in the 960. Every now and then I wander through CarPoint and check out the used vehicles. Imagine my surprise when up pops a '97 Volvo 960 wagon with 68,000 miles on an eBay auction. The description lovingly describes it as well-maintained. The photos show off the car in a positive tone. The dealer quickly points out that Kelly Blue Book is $17,000+. Currently there is 1 bid for $10,000. The site notes, however, that there is a reserve on the auto so the high bid may not secure the car unless a minimum dollar amount is met. Out of idle (really idle) curiosity I called the upstate NY Audi dealer to inquire about the car. "Yes, yes, it's a beauty". I mention to him that I might be interested in the vehicle but need to know the approximate "reserve" value of the car. "It's an auction, we can't tell you that." I mention that I had purchased a 960 few years ago with virtually the same mileage and within about 30,000 miles I had spent an additional $4000 for an AT, a radiator,a water pump, timing and other belts and that these were common maladies of this particular vehicle at this approximate mileage and age. I related to him that to own a vehicle like this you really have to buy it "right". He chuckled knowing that that is exactly the way he makes money as well. I told him I would be interested in the vehicle at right about $11,000.

He then uttered those immortal words,

"Oh, no, we couldn't let it go for that, we have much more than that invested in this automobile." I couldn't help but hang up, smiling, and feeling more than a little smug. Someone that should have been more aware and known better was now on the hook for it. It's sometimes nice to enjoy the elevator while someone else (a professional dealer, say) gets the shaft. I guess you have to enjoy the humor (and justice?) whenever and wherever you can find it.