This new char. is better, but would have been better with 1 more strenght (take one from the ten Agility), and other tags (a fighting skill would be an improvement instead of stealing for example, and lockpick is better solved by using lockpick kits), but it'll be ok this time maybe.
To barter:
Talk with the character you want to barter with. If there is a conversation-option what brings up the barter-screen, choose that (gives better prices). If not, on the conversation-screen you can see a red button titled "barter" - click on it.
On the barter-screen put items from your inventory on the barter-coloumn. Put from the other guy from his/her inventory items into his/her barter-coloumn. On the bottom of the barter-coloumns the prices will be shown. If the two matches hit "ok".
Ardin Buckner will be in the first town visited (yes, Klamath), where Sulik will be too (half naked guy). They are both in the tavern, what is in the arriving-screen of the town.
A thing though: if you hated fighting the ants, you'll hate more fighting the geckos
Use hit&run tactic and separation, or you'll loose. Bring Gum-boots too, or you'll suffer radiation, what'll make hard to get into Vault City.
Also: Redding is NOT the third city to visit! If you go to Redding early (I think before level 8-10), you won't be able to do anything (except robbing houses)! And most quests are timed quests there, so better bring some heavy equipment (well, at least better then basic punch and 9mm pistol).
A thing about stealing: certain NPCs if you steal from them (even with success), later become hostiles, what will be trouble. This is rare, but you should look up them in a walkthrough, and only steal things with real value (like drugs, good weapons and ammo, books)...
A tip for Klamath: do the "guarding the brahmins" quest first, where you'll be able to find very good knuckles (spiked knuckles) to improve your unarmed damage. Also check Vic's quaters for a gun. It is sucky, but has its use.