Next, he knelt by each wheel, running his fingers across the tires to feel for uneven wear, which could signal alignment or suspension issues. They felt smooth and even. He looked under the car with a small flashlight, checking for heavy rust or fresh fluid leaks. The undercarriage was remarkably clean for its age.

They returned to Arthur's driveway. Leo turned off the engine and sat in silence for a moment. This was it. The perfect budget car. It wasn't fast, and it certainly wasn't cool, but it was honest, reliable, and meticulously cared for. "Well?" Arthur asked, watching him closely.

They completed the bill of sale on Arthur’s kitchen table. Leo counted out forty-five hundred-dollar bills, and Arthur handed over the clean title, signed over to Leo.