An alternative title for this article could be “Don’t Think buying a new car will solve all your ills because it won’t! Fast rewind to a balmy summer’s day in 1997 and our intrepid Instructor is seen to approach his chosen Automobile supplier cheque book at
ready. A really exciting time, buying a new car for cash for first (and probably last) time in his life, so you would think. Think again, storm clouds are brewing (Actually I think they may coagulate)
It’s worth while pointing out at this stage that car had been ordered some time before and a set of OEM Alloy wheels were to be fitted. Enter showroom with big smile on face, to be met with an equally expansive smile from Service Manager, who was an old friend and Motoring adviser from many years previously. I am sure Salesman would have preferred to have dealt with me himself but in this world it’s who you know not what you know, if you get my drift .Back in those days, before glistening new stainless steel and glass Emporiums that we are used to today when we visit main dealers, it was a bit rough and ready and no cappuccino on tap. Still, all was calm, friendly, and full of expectation. At this stage no hint of what was to come
. Your car is ready Sir; usual pleasantries of being ushered to waiting Beast (and it did turn out to be just that!) and a silence while we were allowed time to gasp and smile and generally feel good about ourselves. The car did look magnificent with its metallic blue paint, gleaming alloy wheels and electric front windows and other niceties. This was a Wednesday, in month of August, and sun was shining, birds singing (no rain for a change) and all was well as we completed formalities and prepared for our new experience. It was indeed a great thrill but I was not to last! A few hours later with just 70 miles on clock all electrics went and out window went my hopes, to be replaced with a foreboding that, as it turned out was wholly justified.
The first problem with car would not have been so bad had it not been for fact that my two Daughter’s and I were booked on Irish Car ferry to UK on following Sunday at 8.00am.My heart sank as I realised that there were only two days or less to get car roadworthy. In event of vehicle not being ready in time, a replacement car and necessary Insurance cover would have to be ready by close of play on Friday and this was now 2.00pm Wednesday. Not good!
