Here is a sentence I've got on my textbook.

I was buying a new washer because my old one had broken down. I ordered a model that was in stock and available for next-day delivery.

I can't understand how it is possible to use was buying in the above sentence, which is really unfamiliar to me. I think the following sentences is more familiar form to me.

I was thinking of buying a new washer because my old one had broken down.

 

I was shopping online for a new washer because my old one had broken down.

 

I decided to buy a new washer because my old one had broken down.

So, I'd like to know what exactly 'was buying' means.

Could you let me know why the 'past continuous tense' is used?

Here is a sentence I've got on my textbook.

I was buying a new washer because my old one had broken down. I ordered a model that was in stock and available for next-day delivery.

I can't understand how it is possible to use was buying in the above sentence, which is really unfamiliar to me. I think the following sentences is more familiar form to me.

I was thinking of buying a new washer because my old one had broken down.

I was shopping online for a new washer because my old one had broken down.

I decided to buy a new washer because my old one had broken down.

So, I'd like to know what exactly 'was buying' means.

Could you let me know why the 'past continuous tense' is used?