Remember the basic fact of commerce: until you hand over the cash, you're in charge.

I agree that you should work a deal with the guy to rent-to-own, if you will, the outfit. Or at least the kilt itself. Maybe rent the whole outfit, then actually apply the rental price toward buying a nice tank.

If the kilt business is like every other business I know of these days, they need your patronage and will work a deal to get it. You will both win.

And you're not a cheap SOB; you're a good frugal Scot who knows how to find a bargain.

Go get yourself a nice tank and wear it the rest or your life, then leave it to your heirs.