Death of The White Rhino

To insure a smooth in-country arrival, we purchased an AWD XC Volvo wagon from a departing US Diplomat. It was an easy buy, she dropped the price every day we waited (she was in a hurry to leave) and the US Embassy handled all the paperwork because they like to facilitate car purchases between coming and going "dips." Just to make sure, we had the car "cleared" by a local mechanic who had worked on it over the years and confirmed "It was in good condition, Sir."
The car was clean, white, solid-appearing and strong. We dubbed it the "White Rhino."
Since arrival the Rhino has had some glitches like most of the other products bought in country--we're on our second dishwasher which mysteriously stopped working after a month, many of the electronics have ill-fitted cords or pieces of plastic that pop off and phones operate for a while then magically die in the middle of the night. After multiple rental cars and trips back and forth to the mechanic, the Rhino was "cleared for service" and we hit the road. Not to be too ambitious we headed out to a to a rhino/lion reserve (a 45 minute drive) for Saturday in the Park. While slowing gazing at a herd of impalas and zebra with the scattered ostrich meandering through, the car's transmission slipped. Slipped again. And slipped a third time to ultimately remain out of gear. With some coaxing, we were able to revive it for its final 1000 yards which got us to a safer and shady spot next to a braii (bbq) where it breathed it's final breath. We were safe , we were relieved, we were pissed! After waiting 3 hours for AAA (they have one in SA) we were greeted by a huge tow truck with enough seating for a the driver and one medium-sized passenger.
The AAA guy could not understand why "they" sent this truck and proposed that he call the "family" tow truck which has additional seating- "probably take another hour" (translation - they will show up tomorrow). So we decided to grab the escape while it was available and go local. All 5 of us plus the driver in the front driving out of the reserve onto the great South African highways no seatbelts, no AC, all 3 kids on our laps. I found my zen place until I noticed driving next to us was a truck with about 4 guys in the outside part sitting on very comfortable looking chairs, with the breeze blowing on them, now that is going local!
If I don't answer your calls or emails this week I am busy car shopping.