testing waters

This phrase is heavily used in Hawaii's local car culture, especially on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Instagram. It usually appears in the description of highly sought-after local vehicles, like lifted Toyota Tacomas, classic VW bugs, or modified imports. The seller uses "testing waters" to signal that they love the vehicle and don't need the money, but they are curious if someone is willing to overpay. Older generations often find this practice confusing or irritating, as traditional classifieds were strictly for serious sellers. It is perfectly acceptable in online buy-and-sell groups but would be considered a waste of time and highly inappropriate if used when haggling with someone in person.

Cyril wiped the grease off his hands with an old rag and stared at the iPad Lurline was holding up. On the screen was a picture of his prized 1989 Toyota pickup, parked right there in their Keaukaha driveway, listed on Facebook Marketplace for $808. "Eh, what is this?" Cyril grumbled, his voice rough from years of breathing in Hilo rain and exhaust fumes. "I never said I was selling the Yota. I still gotta haul the rubbish to the transfer station on Saturdays."

Lurline rolled her eyes and tapped the screen. "Relax, Uncle. I not actually selling 'um. I just testing waters. Flor's boy down the street sold his cherry Nissan Hardbody for twenty grand to some guy from Kona. I just wanna see what kind crazy people out there willing to pay for yours."

Cyril shook his head, completely baffled by this new digital generation. Back in his day, if you put a "For Sale" sign on the windshield, it meant you needed the cash by Friday. You didn't just dangle your truck in front of people for fun. "You kids and your testing waters," he muttered, walking back to the garage. "If some lolo actually shows up with twenty-five grand in cash, you better believe that truck is gone, and you walking to work."