What did I Have in my Hands?

I had the car in my hands. . .and the knowledge to check it out. . .and the last name of the owner and where he had the car serviced.  And using what was in my hand, I was able to make a call and find out that the car needed about $1500-$2000 worth of work that the owner declined to have done in June. 

So although I am looking for a car again, I did get to see what using what is in your hands can do.