Car Salesman: Oh. Hi there. A beauty, isn't she? Woman: Well . . . Car Salesman: Do you want to take her a test ride? Woman: Well . . . Um. How old is it? Car Salesman: Well, it's only three years old? Woman: And what's the mileage? Car Salesman: Uh, let me check. Oh yes. 75,000 miles. Woman: 75,000 miles? That's quite a bit for a car that's only three years old. Car Salesman: Well, once you're in the driver's seat, you'll fall in love with her. Get in. Woman: Ugh . . . Uh, I can't seem to get the door open. [Ah, it's okay.] It could be broken. Car Salesman: Ah, just give her a little tap. Ugh. Now she's opened. Woman: Great. A door I have to beat up to open. Car Salesman: Hey. Get in and start her up. [Woman tries to start the car . . .] Car Salesman: [Um] Well, it's probably the battery. I know she has enough gas in her, and I had our mechanic check her out just yesterday. Try it again. Woman: Uh. It sounds a little rough to me. [Well . . .] How much is this minivan anyway? Car Salesman: Oh. It's a real bargain today and tomorrow only at $15,775, plus you get the extended warranty covering defects, wear, and tear beyond the normal maintenance on the vehicle for an extra $500 for the next 30,000 miles. [Oh . . .] with a few minor exclusions. Woman: Like . . . ? Car Salesman: Well, I mean, it covers everything except for the battery, and light bulbs, and brake drums, exhaust system, trim and moldings, upholstery and carpet, paint, tires . . . Well, a short list, you know. Woman: Uh. Well, almost $16,000 is a little out of my price range, plus the seats covers are torn a little. Car Salesman: Well, hey, I might be able to talk the manager into lowering the price another two hundred dollars, but that's about all. Woman: No thanks. I think I'll just keep looking.

Key Vocabulary [Top]

• mileage (noun): the distance traveled in miles equal to 1.6 kilometres
  - This car gets great gas mileage in the city.

• tap (verb): to hit lightly and often repeatedly
  - I tapped on the door, but no one answered.

• extended (verbal adjective): lengthy, extensive
  - He has driven his car for an extended period of time without any problems.

• warranty (noun): guarantee
  - There is a limited guarantee on parts and labor in case the car breaks down.

• defects (noun): flaws, mistakes, faults
  - The company decided to recall the car because defects were discovered in the engine's cooling system.

• upholstery (noun): a covering often used on furniture or car seats
  - The upholstery on these seats needs to be replaced.